From August 23rd to 30th, a delegation from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP) visited the University of Sydney, Australia, as part of the ongoing project, the Rainforest to the Coast: deep-time human-environmental interactions in South Asia collaborative initiative between USJP and the University of Sydney. The project, which focuses on the southern coastal region of Sri Lanka, particularly Bundala, aims to investigate human adaptation, migration patterns, lifestyles, and the ecological and cultural systems of early communities in the area. This visit provided a valuable platform to present the outcomes of five years of archaeological surveys and excavations, and to engage in strategic discussions regarding the future direction of the research collaboration.
The USJP delegation was led by Senior Professor M.M. Pathmalal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and included Professor K.M. Alexander, Professor Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Dr. Oshan Wedage, and other distinguished academics. At the University of Sydney, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Patrick Faulkner and his academic team. The primary objectives of the visit were to showcase the progress of the joint project, “Rainforest to the Coast: Deep-Time Human-Environmental Interactions in South Asia,” actively participate in a symposium, research conference, and a series of workshops, and to further strengthen the academic and scientific partnership between the two institutions.
The project is jointly led by Associate Professor Patrick Faulkner (University of Sydney) and Dr. Oshan Wedage (USJP) with support from an expert research team comprising Senior Professor M.M. Pathmalal, Professor K.M. Alexander, Professor Karunasena Hettiarchchi, Reverend Dambara Amila Thero, Professor Gamini Ranasignhe, and Dr. Kaushalya Abeynayake. This collaborative effort not only enhances the scientific understanding of human history in Sri Lanka but also lays the groundwork for sustained academic excellence and international cooperation.
Discussions were also held to develop a comprehensive strategy for the publication of research findings and to explore future research possibilities, such as studies related to Indigenous Local Communities in Sri Lanka, and the planning of a museum exhibition to showcase discoveries to the public. Another significant milestone was the proposal to establish a dedicated Archaeological Centre under the Department of History and Archaeology at USJP. With strong support from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and backing from the University of Sydney, this centre will serve to enhance the scientific and technological knowledge of students and staff. It was agreed that this initiative would be expedited, recognizing its potential to contribute to national academic development and economic growth.
Further, the visit facilitated strategic discussions around expanding academic collaboration, including student exchange programs, staff training in advanced technologies, and the provision of scholarships for both students and academic staff. Prof. Chris Hilliard, Head of the School of Humanities at the University of Sydney, also led conversations on identifying funding opportunities and planning the future phases of the research project.
