Upahara Manjari | “උපහාර මඤ්ජරී” – Ceremony to Felicitate Emeritus Professor J. B. Disanayaka

A ceremony to felicitate Emeritus Professor J B Disanayaka, Sri Lanka’s foremost Sinhala linguist and a scholar who served the Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Arts, for over four decades, was held on the afternoon of 13^th June 2025 at the New Arts Theatre. The event was presided over by Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya and Professor Indika Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University, with the participation of several distinguished academics, guests, and students.

Venerable Professor Agalakada Sirisumana Thero, Head of the Department of Sinhala, delivered the welcome address. A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the felicitation volume titled Upahara Manjari, a collection of articles in honour of Emeritus Professor JB Disanayaka, co-edited by Emeritus Professor Rohini Paranavitana, Senior Professor (Chair) Sandagomi Coperahewa, and Mr Pasan Paddukkage. A special plaque was also presented to Professor Disanayaka in recognition of his yeoman service to the Department of Sinhala and his outstanding contributions to Sinhala language studies.
Another important feature of the event was the establishment of the Emeritus Professor J. B. Disanayaka Prize for Sinhala Language Studies at the University of Colombo. The Chief Guest, Dr Harini Amarasuriya, and Professor Indika Karunathilake addressed the gathering, while Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa delivered the keynote speech. Cultural performances were presented by artists from the Department of Cultural Affairs, and Dr Krishantha Fedricks delivered the vote of thanks.