Centre of Excellence Hosts its First Brainstorming Session
A workshop to initiate the activities of the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Population Dynamics, Gender, Reproductive Health, Rights, and Social Policy was held on June 10, 2024, at the United Nations Population Fund in Colombo. The workshop aimed to establish a research agenda for the Centre.
The Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne, delivered the welcome remarks. He emphasized the importance of research, tools, technologies, and collaboration to address population dynamics, gender, reproductive health, rights, and social policy. Highlighting the university’s rising ranking, he attributed it to research endeavours and academic excellence. He also outlined the main objectives of the Centre and the purpose of the meeting.
Mr Kunle Adeniyi, the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Sri Lanka, shared his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his support, and provided background information on UNFPA’s mission. He stressed the importance of evidence-based knowledge for policymaking and underscored the need for relevant research aligned with national priorities. Commending the academic excellence of the University of Colombo, he expressed eagerness to strengthen partnerships with institutions beyond Sri Lanka. He reiterated the goal for the University to sustain its efforts while UNFPA facilitates support. He concluded by thanking all deans and participants involved in the Centre’s activities.
Subsequently, Dr Kumudika Boyagoda, the Director of the Centre of Excellence, presented the workshop agenda, followed by introductions. Five presentations on contextual issues, emerging trends, and data gaps in Sri Lanka were delivered.
Firstly, Emeritus Professor W I de Silva from the Department of Demography, Faculty of Arts, presented “Population Change – Low Fertility and Ageing: A Case of Sri Lanka.” The next presentation focused on “Migration,” presented by Professor H D Karunaratne. Thirdly, Dr Probhodana Ranaweera, Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, presented on “Sexual and Reproductive Health.” Professor Rose Wijeyesekera, Chair of the Department of Private and Comparative Law, presented on “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.” Lastly, a presentation on “Climate Change” was delivered by Professor Deepthi Wickramasinghe, Senior Professor at the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science. Dr Boyagoda delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the progressive and positive start to the workshop and commending the diversity of the participants.
