6^th Annual Research Symposium (DemARS 2019) Department of Demography

The 6^th Annual Research Symposium of the Department of Demography, University of Colombo was held on 11^th July 2019 under the theme of “Population and Sustainable Development” highlighting the significance of the World Population Day.

Dr. Sunethra Perera, Head, Department of Demography welcomed the distinguished invitees. The occasion was graced by the Senior Professor Chandrika N Wijeyaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, Senior Professor Premakumara de Silva, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, Ms. Madusha Dissanayake, Assistant Representative, UNFPA, Sri Lanka, Emeritus Professor W. Indralal De Silva, Keynote Speaker for the day and many other distinguished invitees. Keynote Speech at the inauguration ceremony was on “Sri Lanka: Population change, youth bulge and implications” which emphasized the significance of the World Population Day and the investment of youth for the development of the country.

Scientific sessions of the 6^th Annual Research Symposium was held under different themes including migration, mortality and health, fertility and reproductive health, population and development and ageing and long-term care. Twenty-one papers were presented at the scientific sessions. In addition, a poster session was also organized for the special degree undergraduates of the Department of Demography to raise awareness on various population issues. The 6^th Annual Research Symposium of the Department of Demography was ended with the distribution of certificates and prizes for the winners of the poster session.