The First International Research Conference on Gender Studies organized by the Gender Equity and Equality Center of the Equal Opportunity Cell in the Faculty of Humanities and social Sciences was held on 12th and 13th October 2023 at the university premises. Snr. Prof. Pathmalal Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University was the chief guest of the event and Dr. Akiko Nakayama, Hiroshima University, Japan was the Keynote speaker of the inauguration session. ‘Truth, Fiction & Reality on Gender Studies’ was the title of the plenary session and the event was graced by four plenary speakers; Mr. Ajith Rohana, Senior Inspector General, Sri Lanka Police; Ms. Sunethra Rajakarunanayake, Award winning writer; Ms. Pushpa Ramyani De Zoysa, National coordinator – Training, National Hospital and Mr. Chevaan Daniel, Group Director, Capital Maharaja (Pvt) Ltd. Rev. Prof. Pinnawala Sangasumana, Director, External Degrees and Extension Course Unit and Rev. Maha Sanga of the faculty, Sn. Prof. Surangi Yasawardhane, Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Prof. Inoka Uluwaduge, Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Nayana Wijesundara, Librarian, Heads of the Departments, Professors, Senior Lecturers and academic, administrative and non-academic staff members were graced the event. The success of the conference was attributed to the collective efforts of all committee members. Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean/ FHSS and advisor of the conference, Prof. Neranji Wijewardhane, Chair, Dr. Nelum Kanthilatha, Secretary, Mr. Anura Jayasinghe, Treasurer, Dr. Hansamala Ritigahapola, Media coordinator, Ms. Imanga Nadeeshani, Dr. Himalika Ranaweera, Dr. Samanthika Lokugamage, Dr. Dilhani Ranaweera and all the committee members were dedicated to ensuring the success of the conference.
