International Library Research Symposium 2025 (iLRS 2025)

The library conducted its first International Library Research Symposium on 12^th December 2025, themed “Social Responsibility of Librarians: Leveraging Information for Sustainable Development,” marking a significant milestone in its academic initiatives. The symposium was chaired by Dr. (Mrs.) Pradeepa Wijetunge, Librarian, University of Colombo, with Mrs. Shabnam Johoran, Senior Assistant Librarian, University of Colombo, serving as the convener. The event was held virtually via the Zoom platform, bringing together scholars, librarians, and researchers around the world to explore how libraries could effectively support a sustainable future, addressing challenges and seizing opportunities through the power of information.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event featured two distinguished Keynote Speakers: Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe, a retired senior academic of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, and Mr Stephen Wyber, Director, External Affairs, at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Netherlands. Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe delivered the keynote address on “Libraries and the SDGs: Enhancing Collective Intelligence for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the pivotal role of libraries in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while Mr. Stephen Wyber delivered the keynote address on “The Social Responsibility of Librarians: To Whom, How and When?”, drawing attention to the ethical and professional obligations of librarians in a rapidly changing information landscape.

The symposium featured an Invited Speaker Session with both national and international contributors: Professor Anwarul Islam (Bangladesh), Dr. (Mrs.) M. M. Mashroofa (Sri Lanka), Mrs. Khairulbahiyah Yaakub (Malaysia), Dr. Namali Suraweera (New Zealand), Ms. Indreswari Nurmalia Sulasmi (Indonesia), and Mrs. Varuni Gangabadarachchi (Sri Lanka). Additionally, the symposium included three technical sessions with 18 research papers presented. Overall, it offered a lively platform for scholarly discussion on the social responsibility of librarians in promoting sustainable development. Through keynote addresses, invited speaker sessions, and technical presentations, the event highlighted the vital role of libraries in advancing the SDGs, fostering innovation, improving digital and AI literacy, and strengthening community sustainability, while emphasising the profession’s commitment to ethical responsibilities and national development.