WORKSHOP I – Faculty Quality Assurance Cell Awareness on Quality Assurance (QA) for Students
On April 30, 2025, the Faculty Quality Assurance Committee (FQAC) of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka organized the “Awareness on Quality Assurance (QA) for Students” workshop at the Examination Hall. This workshop represented a critical initiative to raise awareness about the fundamental role of quality assurance in academic environments and its direct impact on student success and institutional excellence.
The workshop featured a series of highly insightful sessions delivered by distinguished academics, each highlighting essential aspects of quality assurance. Dr. JMSB Jayasundara presented the session, “Conducting Quality Assurance in Sri Lanka and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and Defining Students’ Contribution to Quality Assurance.”
The session led by Prof. PSK Rajapakshe, “Obtaining Students’ Feedback for Quality Improvements in the Curriculum of Development Related to Degree Programs, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities,” further reinforced the theme of active student involvement. Prof. Rajapakshe outlined the direct impact that student feedback has on curriculum development and program refinement. This session highlighted that QA is not a passive process; rather, it is a dynamic, collaborative effort that requires input from all parties involved in the academic process, especially students who are directly affected by curriculum changes.
Dr. MMSA Marasinghe concluded the series with a session on “Defining Students’ Contribution to Quality Assurance.” Her insights further encouraged students to reflect on their responsibility in upholding the standards of academic excellence, not just by providing feedback but by actively engaging in various QA initiatives within the university.
A special note of gratitude is extended to Prof. EMS Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, for his unwavering support and leadership throughout the planning and execution of the workshop. Special thanks are also due to the resource persons Prof. PSK Rajapakshe, Dr. JMSB Jayasundara, and Dr. MMSA Marasinghe for their valuable contributions and insightful presentations.
The exceptional organizational efforts of Mr. LMAP Gunawardhana, Senior Lecturer, who meticulously coordinated the event, along with Ms. Yukthi Herath, Temporary Assistant Lecturer, were instrumental in ensuring its smooth and successful execution.
The active participation of students played a crucial role in the success of the workshop. As a result, they developed a clearer understanding of quality assurance processes and recognized their active responsibility in maintaining academic standards. The workshop empowered them to contribute meaningfully through constructive feedback and engagement, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility within the faculty. Through this dialogue, students not only enhanced their own academic experience but also helped shape policies that will benefit future generations.
Dr. JMSB Jayasundara Dr. MMSA Marasinghe,
Coordinator FQAC Assistant Coordinator FQAC
FSSH, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka FSSH, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Workshop II – Faculty Quality Assurance Cell Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Independent Learning Strategies
On June 4, 2025, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, through its Faculty Quality Assurance Cell (FQAC), organized a full-day workshop on “Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Independent Learning Strategies” at Hall No. 20 of the faculty. This significant initiative marked a milestone in the faculty’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic excellence by embracing learner-centered pedagogies and aligning with national quality assurance standards through the integration of OBE principles.
We are deeply honored by the distinguished presence of Professor E. M. S. Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, whose visionary guidance continues to inspire transformative academic development within the faculty. The workshop witnessed the gracious participation of all Heads of Departments, senior professors, professors, and academic staff, reflecting an exceptional level of commitment. The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Dr. M. M. S. A. Marasinghe, Assistant Coordinator of the FQAC. The chief guest, Prof. E. M. S. Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of Outcome-Based Education in the context of higher education. The program featured two sessions: the first was conducted by Dr. W. C. P. Egodawatta, who provided insights into the theoretical and practical foundations of OBE and independent learning strategies; the second session was led by Dr. J. M. S. B. Jayasundara, Coordinator of the FQAC, and focused on the practical application of OBE within the faculty. These sessions enhanced the academic staff’s understanding of learner-centered education and reinforced the integration of OBE principles, supporting continuous improvement in teaching and learning across the faculty.
FQAC extends its sincere appreciation to Prof. E. M. S. Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty, for his leadership and continued support in advancing academic excellence. Special thanks are also extended to all Heads of Departments, resource persons Dr. W. C. P. Egodawatta and Dr. J. M. S. B. Jayasundara, and the entire academic staff for their active participation and valuable contributions. The organizing committee deserves particular recognition for their dedication and effort in planning and successfully conducting this impactful workshop. Their collective commitment played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success and in strengthening the culture of quality enhancement within the faculty.
Dr. JMSB Jayasundara Dr. MMSA Marasinghe,
Coordinator FQAC Assistant Coordinator FQAC
FSSH, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka FSSH, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Annual Progress Review Workshop – 2025
The Annual Progress Review Workshop – 2025 of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, was successfully conducted at the Central Bank Auditorium, Anuradhapura, under the concept and guidance of the Prof. E. M. S. Ekanayake, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The programme was organized by the Dr. MMSA Marasinghe, Coordinator, Faculty Quality Assurance Cell (FQAC) with the objective of reviewing the annual progress of the faculty and its academic departments.
The workshop was held under the distinguished patronage of Dr. P. H. P. Janaka Pushpakumara, Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was further honoured by the presence of Prof. E. M. S. Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, who delivered the inaugural address and clearly outlined the aims and objectives of the workshop.
Prof. G. V. T. V. Weerasooriya, Former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Mr. Palitha Abesinghe, Regional Manager of the Central Bank, participated as evaluation panel members. Academic and non-academic staff members of the faculty actively participated in the programme.
The primary objective of the workshop was to review the annual progress of the faculty based on the following main evaluation criteria:
- Teaching and Learning – curriculum development, new course developments, student performance, and participation in quality assurance activities
- Research and Publications – research projects, publications, conference presentations, and research grants
- Community Engagement and Outreach – extension activities, consultancies, and collaborations
- Staff Development – academic promotions, training programmes, and workshops attended
- Student Activities – student associations, symposia, volunteer initiatives, and sports
- Administrative and Quality Work – committee participation, reporting, and contributions to faculty governance
- External Degree and Diploma Programmes – progress and performance
The workshop provided a structured platform for all academic departments and units to present and review their annual progress. Departmental presentations were delivered by following Head of the departments:
- Venerable Professor Olaganwaththé Chandrasiri Thero – Department of Languages
- Prof. P. S. K. Rajapaksha – Department of Environmental Management
- Prof. S. K. N. Gamage – Department of Economics
- Prof. M. Irangani – Department of Humanities
- Prof. Nuwan Abeywardhana – Department of Archaeology and Heritage Management
- Dr. Prabhash Siriwardhana – Department of Social Sciences
- Mr. Thilak Wehella – Department of English Language Teaching
- Mr. Sharanjah Amirthalingam – representing the Head of the Department of Information Technology
During these presentations, Heads of Departments highlighted their key achievements, identified challenges, and outlined future plans and strategic directions aimed at enhancing academic quality, research productivity, and community engagement during the year 2025.
The programme concluded with an interactive feedback and discussion session, during which the evaluation panel members shared their valuable observations, constructive recommendations, and strategic guidance. The insights provided contributed significantly to strengthening quality assurance practices and supporting the sustainable development of the faculty.
The Annual Progress Review Workshop – 2025 served as an important platform for reflection, collaboration, and forward planning, reinforcing the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities’ commitment to academic excellence, accountability, and institutional advancement.
