Klang and Coast Buddhist Association, Malaysia
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, collaborated with the Klang and Coast Buddhist Association (KCBA) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura on 25th December 2022,. This initiative aims to strengthen academic collaboration by introducing a Diploma Course in Buddhism for Malaysian students.
Japan International Cooperation Agency
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS), USJP, and JICA (the Japan International Cooperation Agency) have collaborated on several initiatives. JICA has provided resources for various projects within FHSS, including the Employment Support for Persons with Disabilities (ESPD) project and a volunteer placement within the Department of Languages, Cultural Studies, and Performing Arts, according to the USJ website. Additionally, FHSS received a Certificate of Appreciation from JICA for its involvement in the ESPD project.
Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, Germany
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, and the Department of History and Archaeology, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Germany, successfully conducted the ‘Palaeo-Environmental Sediment Core Sampling Project – 2023’ from 12th to 30th June 2023. The fieldwork was carried out at three key sites in Sri Lanka: Horton Plains , Mahagalkadawala Tank and Bolgoda-South Lake. Dr. Patrick Roberts, Lead Scientist in the Department of Archaeology at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, facilitated a hands-on learning experience for the staff and students of the Department of History and Archaeology, USJP, by guiding them through the sediment
coring process in the middle of Bolgoda-South Lake — a novel and invaluable field experience for all participants.
Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, China
His Excellency Majintha Jayesinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China, met with Mr. Wang Daquan, Director General of the CSCSC, alongside Senior Professor M. Pathmalal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of
Humanities and Social Sciences, in November 2024 . The meeting focused on strengthening educational cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, promoting deeper academic collaboration and exchange.
Sydney University, Australia
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through the Department of History and Archaeology, continued excavations at the site with the collaboration of Associate Professor Patrick Faulkner from the University of Sydney, Australia, who was invited to analyze the discovered shells. During his multiple visits to Sri Lanka since 2019, valuable insights and findings were revealed through his analyses. The research team also conducted an archaeological exploration within Bundala National Park from January 16 to February 4, 2023.
Conference on International Exchange of Professionals, China
Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, participated in the Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (CIEP) held in Shanghai, China, in 2024. As a premier platform for global collaboration in technological innovation and talent exchange, the CIEP fosters mutual development and international cooperation, promoting a shared vision for innovation and progress.
International Association of University Presidents
Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, participated in the 20th Triennial Conference of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), held in Beijing, China, from October 13 to 15, 2024. The conference brought together global higher education leaders to explore the theme “Generative AI and the Future of Higher Education,” focusing on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on universities worldwide.
Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through the Department of Anthropology, proudly hosted Dr. Inayat Ali—Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and founding In-Charge of the Department of Public Health & Allied Sciences (DPH&AS) at Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan—for an academic visit from April 22 to May 4, 2025. His visit, made possible through the Provisional Award of the Pakistan Sri Lanka Faculty Exchange Program, focused on fostering future collaborative programs between the two institutions.
National School of Anthropology and History, Mexico
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through the Department of Anthropology, hosted Dr. Alejandra Duarte, a primatologist from the National School of Anthropology and History, Mexico, in September 2024 to initiate academic collaborations between the two institutions and to advance primate research in Sri Lanka.
Mount Royal University (MRU), Canada
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, in collaboration with Mount Royal University (MRU), Canada, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement in 2015 with the aim of fostering international educational and research
collaboration between the two institutions. Building on this partnership, the Sri Lanka Anthropology Field School was successfully conducted in 2023 for the third time, following previous editions in 2016 and 2018.
Primate Research Institute (PRI), Kyoto University, Japan
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences ,USJP , through its Department of Sociology and Anthropology, actively contributes to primate research, focusing on human-monkey conflict and the ecological impact of toque macaques. In collaboration with the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University, Japan, the university engages in bio-cultural anthropology and field studies, advancing scientific understanding and international cooperation in primate research.
Yunnan University, China
Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, participated in a book donation ceremony to support the academic pursuits of students studying Sinhala at Yunnan University, China. The donation, comprising 200 books covering Sinhala language, literature, culture, society, and art, aims to strengthen ties between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Chinese universities teaching Sinhala. Professor Liu Shusen, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Yunnan University, expressed appreciation for the donation and extended gratitude and respect to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, especially to Professor Heenkenda, for this valuable contribution.
ULAN-UDE, Republic of Buryatia, Russia
Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, participated in the International Buddhist Forum on “Traditional Buddhism and Modern Challenges,” held in Buryatia, Russia, in 2024. The Second International Buddhist Forum brought together Buddhist masters and scholars from around the world to explore Buddhist traditions in Russia and discuss avenues for further strengthening philosophical ties between nations.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, India
On December 11, 2023, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, signed an academic collaboration with Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and Mithradeva Publications, India. This partnership led to the International Research Conference titled ‘Global Summit on Empowering Higher Education: Integrating 21st Century Skills across Disciplines,’ held from July 3 to 5, 2024. The event featured Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of FHSS, with keynote speeches delivered by Professor Nirmalie Pallewatta from Sri Lanka and Dr. K. Thiyagu from the Central University of Kerala, India.
Zhejiang Shuren University, China
The Zhejiang Shuren University delegation engaged with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at USJP, leading to formal support for establishing a Chinese Language Classroom within the Chinese Language and Culture Center (CLCC) and Chinese Language Education Center (CLEC). Guided by Snr. Prof. M. M. Pathmalal (Vice-Chancellor) and Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda (Dean, FHSS), this collaboration enabled USJP students to join a vibrant summer camp in China, immersing in Chinese tea culture, cuisine, art, and cross-cultural exchange.
Ural State University of Economics, Russia
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly celebrates the 2024 inauguration of the Russian Language Center and the signing of a landmark partnership with Ural State University of Economics, Russia. In line with this collaboration, Snr. Prof. M. M. Pathmalal, Vice-Chancellor of USJP, and Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of FHSS, participated in the XIV and XV Eurasian Youth Forums (2024 & 2025) to further strengthen academic ties between USJP and USUE.
Hiroshima University, Japan
On 24.01.2025 the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the School of Education and the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Hiroshima University agreed to establish an academic and educational exchange agreement in order to
promote mutual understanding between the two countries and the two institutions. Students of Hiroshima University successfully completed their institutional teacher training at the Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts.
Beijing Foreign Studies University, China
In recognition of the strong academic ties between the two institutions, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) invited Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, to participate in the celebration of BFSU’s 82nd anniversary, marked by a grand alumni homecoming event on September 16. This year also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Also, highlighting the friendly exchanges and collaborations between China and other countries,
especially those involved in the initiative. Further, they have attended Global Civilization Forum under the theme of Bridging Global Civilizations and Enhancing International Understanding.
International Institute of Justice and Police Science (IIJPS), India
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through its Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, successfully hosted the first International Conference on Criminology and Criminal Justice in October 2024. The event was organized in collaboration with the International Institute of Justice and Police Sciences (IIJPS), Bengaluru; the South Asian Society of Criminology & Victimology (SASCV); and Saveetha School of Law, SIMATS, Chennai. Participants from 13 countries—including Australia, South Africa, India, Thailand, and Kenya—joined
the conference virtually.
South Asian Peace Conference in India
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, USJP, through its Department of Languages, Cultural Studies, and Performing Arts, actively participated in the South Asia International Peace Conference (SAIPC) held in Bengaluru, India, from March 24 to 26, 2025. The three-day event was organised by Rotary District 3192 with the goal of promoting peace and sustainability across South Asia. A delegation of students
from the university represented Sri Lanka at the conference and contributed to the cultural exchange by presenting a vibrant performance showcasing Sri Lankan traditional music and dance.
Shanghai International Studies University,
China
Shanghai International Studies University, China, hosted the 4th Presidents’ Forum of the Global Alliance of Foreign Studies Universities in September 2024, focusing on the future of foreign language and area studies in an AI-driven world. Global academic leaders gathered to foster collaboration and innovation. Representing Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Pathmalal Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri
Jayewardenepura, and Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, actively participated in this landmark event.