Library Research Symposium 2024

The Library Symposium 2024, themed “Fostering a Sustainable Future: Libraries for Impactful Research”  was held on 19th November 2024 at the Library Auditorium, University of Colombo, bringing together scholars, librarians, and researchers to explore libraries’ critical role in advancing sustainability through impactful research. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event featured two distinguished keynote speakers from University of Colombo. Senior Professor (Chair) Premakumara de Silva discussed the role of libraries in fostering research collaboration to achieve the SDGs, while Senior Professor (Chair) Nalin de Silva emphasized the importance of libraries and a strong reading culture in shaping research for sustainable development.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “The Sustainable Future of University Libraries” conducted by Emeritus Professor D. Tantrigoda, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Senior Professor K. P. Hewagamage, University of Colombo School of Computing and Dr. C.C. Jayasundara, Librarian, University of Kelaniya focusing on innovative strategies for academic libraries to enhance research, teaching, and learning in the digital era. The symposium underscored libraries’ potential to bridge knowledge gaps, promote collaboration, and empower researchers to address global challenges, reaffirming their role as catalysts for sustainability and impactful research.