General Convocation 2025 (Phase I)
The University of Colombo conducted its General Convocation (Phase I) – 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on 22nd May 2026. The event was held under the patronage of the Chancellor, Sasana Keerthi Sri Buddha Sasana Shobhana, Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Nayaka Thero, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, alongside the Deans of the Faculties of Arts, Education, Management and Finance, Medicine, Nursing, and Technology. Other key university officials in attendance included the Registrar, Bursar, Acting Librarian, Academic staff, and Administrative and Finance officers. A total of 1,251 students were conferred degrees across various disciplines during this prestigious academic event. The convocation was divided into four sessions:
- Session I – Faculty of Medicine: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Health Studies.
- Session II – Faculties of Nursing and Technology: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing, Bachelor of Bio-Systems Technology Honours in Agriculture, Bachelor of Bio-Systems Technology Honours in Environmental Technology, Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Instrumentation and Automation, and Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology Honours.
- Session III & IV (Faculty of Management and Finance): Bachelor of Business Administration Honours.
In recognition of outstanding student achievements, 13 University of Colombo Academic Excellence Awards were presented. Additionally, 56 Faculty Awards were distributed among deserving graduates from the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, and Faculty of Management and Finance.
Message from the Chancellor
Founded in 1870, the University of Colombo is the pioneer institution of higher education in Sri Lanka. Built on the foundations of knowledge, discipline, and service to society, our alma mater continues to produce leaders, professionals, and citizens of integrity for the nation. On this day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who are receiving your degrees after years of perseverance and dedication. At this moment, I recall a verse from the Dhammapada spoken by the Buddha:
අත්තාන හවේ කතං පාපං, අත්තාන සඞ්කිලිස්සති
Attanā have kataṃ pāpaṃ, attanā saṅkilissati
අත්තාන අකතං පාපං, අත්තාන ව සුද්ධිති
Attanā akataṃ pāpaṃ, attanā va suddhiti
සුද්ධි අසුද්ධි පච්චත්තං, නාඤ්වඤෝ අඤ්ඤං විවසෝධවේ
Suddhi asuddhi paccattaṃ, nāñño aññaṃ visodhaye
තමා විසින්ම කරන ලද පාපය තමාම අපවිත්ර කරයි
By oneself indeed is evil done; by oneself is one defiled
තමා විසින්ම වනාකරන ලද පාපවයන් තමාම පවිත්ර වේ
By oneself is evil left undone; by oneself is one made pure
පවිත්රකමත් අපවිත්රකමත් තම තමන්ටම අයිතියි. අනුන් අනුන්ව වකවස්වත් පවිත්ර කරන්වන් නැත.
Purity and impurity depend on oneself; no one an purify another.
Dear Graduates,
The discipline and sense of responsibility you have upheld within the University should now serve as the guiding light for your journey into society. Ensure that the knowledge and freedom you have gained are used for the good of the country and its people. Stand firm in the face of challenges and remain committed to truth and justice. To the academic staff and parents, I offer my sincere gratitude. It is my sincere hope that you will uphold the name of the University of Colombo and move forward as leaders marked by integrity and compassion. I wish you all a successful and fulfilling future!
Sasana Keerthi Sri Buddha Sasana Shobhana
Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Nayaka Thero
Chief Sanghanayake Western Province
Chancellor, University of Colombo
Message from the Vice Chancellor
It is a great honour and privilege to issue this message at this momentous occasion, the General Convocation of the University of Colombo 2025.
My warmest congratulations to all graduates on this remarkable achievement. Completing your degree is a significant milestone and one of the most memorable moments in a student’s journey. Today’s Convocation, the premier ceremonial event of our university, marks the successful culmination of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
As you move into the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to cherish the friendships you built and the experiences you gained during your time at the university. The knowledge, values, and skills you have acquired here will serve as a strong foundation for your future aspirations.
It is truly a proud moment for us to witness your joyful faces in graduation gowns on this special occasion. Receiving a degree from the leading university in Sri Lanka is a distinction you should carry with pride. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our committed staff whose efforts have helped shape you into capable professionals and responsible members of society.
However, graduation is not the end of your relationship with the University of Colombo. I hope you will continue to stay connected with your alma mater, which will always remain a centre of learning, diversity, and inspiration. The world needs graduates who are innovative, ethical, and compassionate. Always remember that success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by the positive impact you make on others and on society. Use your education to create opportunities, bring about meaningful change, and contribute towards a better world.
As you embark on this new journey, continue to learn, grow, and adapt to the challenges of an evolving world. Pursue your dreams with determination, strive for excellence, and leave a meaningful legacy wherever life takes you.
I wish you continued success and happiness in all your future endeavours.
Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake
Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo
