Mission
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is committed to the development of the community and the nation at large through the dissemination and enhancement of knowledge enriched with the country’s cultural heritage.
History
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is a renowned seat of learning which has produced a large number of scholars from both Humanities and Social Sciences. The origin of the faculty dates back to the foundation of the Vidyodaya Pirivena in 1873, a center of higher learning initiated as an outcome of untiring efforts and the commitment made by the Vice Chancellor, Venerable Weliwitiye Sri Soratha. The faculty which holds pride and reputation in many dimensions not only claims a rich and legendary history but also inherits a research oriented education that ensures the furtherance of knowledge and skills of undergraduates. The Faculty of Arts established concurrently with the university with a combination of the foresight and the dedication of the founding fathers, Venerable Weliwitiye Sri Soratha and Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri sumangala, was renamed as the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2011 upholding the great vision embodied in the tenet Vijja Uppattam Setta (Among all that arise knowledge is the greatest).
The faculty, without deviating from the great vision and mission of the university, has been able to extend its educational and research offer in line with the national demand of the country. All the degree programmes in the curriculum which are continuously being reviewed and developed are designed to produce globally responsible and socially responsive graduates with broad knowledge and skills related to the respective study areas. It is also important to highlight that significant efforts are concurrently being made by the faculty to increase the rate of employability of graduates and their practical application skills by incorporating diverse practical training programmes and workshops related to their respective specialized subject areas. These practical training sessions further involve enhancing soft skills of undergraduates and they can gain not only the experience but also the exposure through these institutional training which ultimately allow them to earn credits in their degree programme.
The faculty has also given prominence to develop the IT skills and communicative competence of the students. Introducing self-access learning centers, language laboratories and modern facilities and methodologies of English training witnesses some of the efforts of the faculty to improve these skills of the students.
Thus, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which in fact is a heritage to the whole nation, is engaged in the mission of producing high quality graduates by offering them curricular, institutional training programmes and study programmes corresponding to the national development and sensitive to global requirements.
Progress of the Faculty from 2019 to 2025
Recent Initiatives
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is one of the largest and most dynamic faculties in Sri Lanka’s higher education system. With a commitment to advancing critical thought, social inquiry, and public engagement, the faculty has become a center of academic excellence and cultural leadership. Under the visionary guidance of Snr. Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, the Faculty has undertaken transformative reforms in digital learning, curriculum innovation, interdisciplinary research, and institutional development—positioning itself as a future-ready hub for humanities and social sciences education.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
FHSS is deeply committed to fostering a learner-centered environment grounded in outcome-based education (OBE) and innovative pedagogical practices. The faculty offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs designed to develop intellectual autonomy, ethical reasoning, and cross-disciplinary competencies. Curricula are continually revised to reflect contemporary relevance, with a strong emphasis on employability, global citizenship, and the development of soft skills.
Advancement of Research and Innovation
Research is central to the faculty’s mission. Through its academic departments and research centers, FHSS actively promotes interdisciplinary research addressing national priorities and global challenges. Faculty members and students engage in critical studies across disciplines. The faculty also fosters public scholarship through symposia, publications, and research collaborations. Creative inquiry, including ethnographic performance and digital humanities, complements conventional research frameworks and contributes to the broader knowledge economy.
Digitally Enhanced Education and Smart Learning Environments
A hallmark of recent transformation at FHSS has been the extensive adoption of digital technologies across academic and operational domains. From smart classrooms and hybrid teaching models to comprehensive Learning Management Systems (LMS), the faculty has adopted digitalization to expand access, enhance teaching delivery, and improve student engagement. Online platforms have also been developed for student services, examination management, and communication—ushering in a new era of e-governance and digital inclusivity in higher education.
National and Global Engagement
The faculty actively engages with local communities, policy stakeholders, and international academic networks. Through community outreach, service-learning, and public events, FHSS contributes to national development while reinforcing its social mission. It also participates in global partnerships, academic exchanges, and research collaborations with institutions across Asia and beyond. Initiatives like the screening of internationally recognized documentaries and the hosting of intercultural dialogues reflect the faculty’s commitment to global perspectives.
Infrastructure and Resource Development
Significant investments have been made to improve infrastructure and learning environments within the faculty. Modernized lecture halls, digital resource centers, and performance spaces support a vibrant academic culture. The faculty’s infrastructure development strategy prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and adaptability to evolving educational needs. These upgrades ensure that both students and staff benefit from facilities that are technologically advanced and pedagogically effective.
Student Empowerment and Well-being
FHSS takes a holistic approach to student development, combining academic rigor with personal growth and leadership training. The faculty offers extensive support services including academic advising, career guidance, mentoring, and digital literacy training. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, cultural initiatives, and public performances that build confidence, critical awareness, and community engagement. The faculty is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and empowering learning environment for all.
This strategic alignment underscores the faculty’s role as a leading force in shaping socially responsible, technologically competent, and globally engaged graduates. As it moves forward, FHSS remains dedicated to advancing the intellectual, cultural, and civic life of Sri Lanka—while contributing meaningfully to global academic discourse.
Organizational Structure
All academic and administrative activities of the FHSS are governed under the Dean of the Faculty. Academic activities are organized in the FHSS under 15 departments covering 26 fields of study. Each academic department has a head appointed by the Vice-Chancellor. However, Heads of Departments report directly to the dean of the faculty. The organizational structure of the faculty is specified below.
