Felicitation Ceremony in Honour of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya

A special felicitation ceremony in honour of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, was held on 13 August 2026 at the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE), University of Kelaniya.

The ceremony was organized by the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education to express the sincere gratitude and appreciation of the Director, Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero, and the staff of the CDCE for Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva’s dedicated service, commitment, and exemplary leadership as Vice-Chancellor, as well as for her continued support and encouragement towards the activities and development of the CDCE.

The ceremony commenced at 11.00 a.m. on the fourth floor of the CDCE. The event brought together Deans of the Faculties, Academic staff, Administrative officers and staff members of the University to recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution made by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva during her tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

In his address, Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero, Director of the CDCE, expressed his sincere appreciation for the continuous support, guidance, and encouragement extended by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva to the Centre throughout her tenure as Vice-Chancellor. He highlighted the significant role of her leadership and unwavering support in strengthening the activities, development, and overall progress of the CDCE.

Following this, Mr. S. Manivannan, Deputy Registrar of the CDCE, presented an overview of the progress and significant achievements of the Centre during the period of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor. He highlighted several key developments and milestones achieved by the CDCE with the support and guidance of the University administration.

Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya, also addressed the gathering and presented an overview of the major milestones and significant developments achieved by the University during the tenure of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva as Vice-Chancellor. His remarks reflected on the overall progress of the University during this important period.

Thereafter, Ven. Udawela Rewatha Thero, Deputy Director of the CDCE, presented the contents of the commemorative plaque prepared and presented by the CDCE in appreciation of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva’s dedicated service and valuable contribution to the University and the Centre.

Responding to the appreciation extended to her, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva delivered a special address, reflecting on her journey as Vice-Chancellor and the challenges she faced during her tenure, including the unprecedented difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared her experiences of navigating these challenging circumstances and expressed her sincere gratitude to the academic, administrative, and support staff who contributed to the University’s continued progress during difficult times. She also thanked the CDCE for organizing the felicitation ceremony and for the warm gesture of appreciation.

Mr. M. P. Darshana Sampath Somarathne, Deputy Director of the CDCE, coordinated the proceedings of the entire event and delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The felicitation ceremony provided an opportunity for the CDCE to formally acknowledge and celebrate the dedicated service, leadership, and invaluable contribution of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva to the University of Kelaniya and her continued support towards the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education.

The event concluded successfully with a fellowship lunch, bringing the memorable occasion to a warm and cordial close.