Discourse on redefining academic integrity in the AI era: Where do we draw the line?

A discourse on “Redefining Academic Integrity in the AI era: Where do we draw the line?” was held on 24th May 2026 from 10.00 AM to 02.00 PM at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo. The program was organized and coordinated by Dr. N.M. Karannagoda, Senior Assistant Librarian, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Library. The discourse was moderated by Mr. T. Ramanan, Senior  Assistant Librarian, Main Library, University of Colombo. The program was conducted in the light of strengthening the discussions on the AI policy.

The event was graced by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, the Vice Chancellor of the University of  Colombo. Additionally, Professor Vajira Dissanayake, Dean of Medical Faculty, Professor H.M. Nihala Hennayake, Dean of FMF and FGS, Dr. Kalpana Manatunga, Acting Librarian, and Professor Chaminda Padmakumara, Director of Studies, FGS.
Professor Karunathilake delivered the Chief Guest’s speech to the audience and appreciated the initiative by the FGS. Professor Hennayake and Dr. Manatunga also addressed the gathering with their visionary thoughts.

The discourse was then ceremonially started with the following renowned academics: Professor K. P.  Hewagamage, University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC); Professor Pavithra Kailasapathy, Faculty of Management and Finance (FMF), University of Colombo; Senior Professor (Chair) Arosha S. Adikaram, Faculty of Management and Finance (FMF), University of Colombo; and Professor K.S. Lasith Gunawardana, Faculty of Management Studies and  Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Professor Hewagamage emphasized on the exploitation of AI tools with due responsibility, which he sternly believes emerges from one’s commitment to academic integrity without compromising human intelligence. Professor Kailasapathy shared her insights on danger of adopting indiscriminate application of AI tools, thus striking a healthy balance in assessment. Meanwhile, Chair Professor Adikaram pointed out the challenges in maintaining the quality of scholarly communications and review processes amidst the cascade of AI tools. Professor Gunawaradana shed light on the importance of developing a strong AI  literacy module from the beginning of any academic program. Overall, all the panelists are consensual on embracing the changing technological advancement, hence, AI use is inevitable in the modern teaching and learning activities in universities in Sri Lanka. Therefore, AI literacy modules and policy framework shall address the degree of acceptable AI use among researchers, detection mechanisms to be implemented, and responsibilities of teachers and students. At the end of the discourse, participants enthusiastically engaged with the panelists by asking questions in relevant areas. The event was successfully concluded with a token of appreciation to the panelists and participants.