First year undergraduates following the Bsc (Hons) in Social Studies in Indigenous Knowledge visited an organic farm in Bandaragama on 12^th October 2022. The experience helped enhance their knowledge of traditional farming systems and practices in Sri Lanka.

Among the lessons learned were characteristics of soil that benefit agriculture, sunlight and photosynthesis, elements and the ways of creating a suitable environment for agriculture and how to protect crops from insects.

During the visit, traditional practices in agriculture were widely discussed alongside science with real-world examples from the field.

The first-year students (2020/2021 batch) of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine went on a field visit to study the Meteorological Department and the National Museum to facilitate learning within the course units Indigenous Economic Thought (BSSI 12033) and Indigenous Geographical Systems (BSSI 12021).

Our sincere gratitude goes out to Dr. Pathmakumara Jayasinghe, senior lecturer at the Department of Geography, the University of Colombo for his voluntary participation as a resource person on this occasion.

 

First year undergraduates (2021/2022 batch) following the Bsc (Hons) in Social Studies in Indigenous Knowledge visited the Aswanna Organic Farm in Bandaragama on the 12th of July 2023. The experience helped enhance their knowledge of traditional farming systems and practices in Sri Lanka.

Among the lessons learned were characteristics of soil that benefit agriculture, sunlight and photosynthesis, elements and the ways of creating a suitable environment for agriculture and how to protect crops from insects. During the visit, traditional practices in agriculture were widely discussed alongside science with real-world examples from the field.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to Mr .Jayantha Chandarathna, the owner of the farm for sharing knowledge and experiences as the resource person.

The first-year undergraduates (2021/2022 batch) following the Bsc (Hons) in Social Studies in Indigenous Knowledge visited the Natural Museum, Department of Meteorology and the Planetarium in Colombo on the 19th of July 2023. The experience helped enhance their knowledge of the environment, climate, weather and the planet .

Among the lessons learned were plant science, animal science, geology, preservation of bones, weather forecasting, climate change, disaster preparedness and response, astronomy education, star and sky simulations and virtual space travel. During the visit, basic knowledge to enhance ability and understanding of future research projects were widely discussed with real-world examples from the field.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to the Department of Meteorology, Natural Environment Museum and the Sri Lanka Planetarium.

 

The 2^nd year students of the FISSMS visited Bellankadawala as the field visit component of their Cultural Ecology course unit on the 20^th of July 2023 with Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam. Senior Professor Yasanjali Jayathilake, Mr. Dinindu Dewapura, Ms. Shanali Abeysinghe and Mr. Mayura Premarathna also joined the undergraduates as resource persons.

Through the field visit, students were able to study the practical systems of a cascade tank village, and the cultural ecological perspective; or in other words, the connection between the culture and the ecosystem of a cascade tank village; the socio-cultural characteristics of it, traditional farming methods and how to deal with rural communities through the understanding of socio-cultural perspectives. The students were also able to learn the value of rural eco systems, the importance of biodiversity to rural communities, visit ancient ruins in the megalithic era and a perished ancient city in Anuradhapura. This experience helped these undergraduates to obtain a better practical understanding of and exposure to aspects of socio-cultural anthropology and cultural ecology.

 

The second-year undergraduates (2020/2021 batch) following the Bsc (Hons) in Social Studies in Indigenous Knowledge visited the Diyasuru Park in Thalawathugoda on the 26^th of July 2023. The experience helped enhance their knowledge of aquatic ecosystems.

Among the lessons learned were types and features of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. During the visit, environmental survey practices were widely discussed alongside science with real-world examples from the field.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to Dr. Ajith Gunawardena for sharing knowledge and experiences as the resource person.

 

The first-year students of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences enrolled in the Environmental Geography course unit participated in a field visit to the Diyasuru Park on December 20, 2024. The session was enriched by the expertise of Ms.Tamasha Fernando, Senior Environmental Officer, and Dr. Ajith Gunewardhana, Director of the Environmental Education & Awareness Division of the Central Environmental Authority, who served as resource persons. The primary focus of the visit was educating students on ecosystems and ecosystem services.

 

The third-year students of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies recently engaged in a transect walk as a part of their qualitative research course module. This event was organised by the course lecturer Ms. Veranga Wickramasinghe, with the support of Ms. Chathuri Gunathilaka and Mr. Mayura Premarathnana. This was a group activity where students walked alongside the Kirupalana Canal from Nawala to Wellawatta whilst exploring the environment and social conditions by observing, asking questions and listening. Throughout the walk, students were able to engage with diverse communities and discuss the environment and people. Transect walks are often used to gather data about a community's resources, infrastructure, and social conditions. In this particular walk, students were engaged in observation and interviews with different people they met along the canal to understand how urban water bodies are conceptualised by citizens and professionals, etc. Students tried to capture various aspects of urban water bodies, including the ways they are used, how people interact with the canal, state actions related to the canal, and the urban-food-waste-health nexus related to the canal.

 

Third year students of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences (DISS), Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies (FISSMS), Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (GWUIM), visited Matale, Weralugasthenna village on the 18^th, 19^th, and 20^th of January as part of their studies in Applied Anthropology and Geographies for the Anthropocene.

The field visit was coordinated and guided by Dr. Dinindu Dewapura and Ms. Chinthani Senevirathna lecturers of Anthropology and Geography respectively of DISS. Additionally, Demonstrators Ms. Dushani Abeykoon and Mr. Mayura Premarathna contributed to the successful coordination of the fieldwork.

This visit provided students with the opportunity to explore how development projects impact the socio-cultural setting, landscape, and ecosystems, while emphasizing the interconnectedness between human activities and the natural environment. Students engaged with the local community, conducted interviews, and observations, studied socio-cultural and environmental changes, and discussed sustainable approaches to achieving a balance between human progress and cultural and environmental preservation.

This enriching experience offered valuable insights into real-world challenges and underscored the significance of anthropological and geographical knowledge in addressing pressing socio-cultural and environmental issues.

 

Third year students of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences (DISS), Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies (FISSMS), Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (GWUIM), visited Matale, Weralugasthenna village on the 18^th, 19^th, and 20^th of January as part of their studies in Applied Anthropology and Geographies for the Anthropocene.

The field visit was coordinated and guided by Dr. Dinindu Dewapura and Ms. Chinthani Senevirathna lecturers of Anthropology and Geography respectively of DISS. Additionally, Demonstrators Ms. Dushani Abeykoon and Mr. Mayura Premarathna contributed to the successful coordination of the fieldwork.

This visit provided students with the opportunity to explore how development projects impact the socio-cultural setting, landscape, and ecosystems, while emphasizing the interconnectedness between human activities and the natural environment. Students engaged with the local community, conducted interviews, and observations, studied socio-cultural and environmental changes, and discussed sustainable approaches to achieving a balance between human progress and cultural and environmental preservation.

This enriching experience offered valuable insights into real-world challenges and underscored the significance of anthropological and geographical knowledge in addressing pressing socio-cultural and environmental issues.

 

The Department of Indigenous Social Sciences organized its recent field visit to the vibrant coastal town of Negombo, which offered a fascinating opportunity to explore the social dynamics of this lively community for Year II undergraduates of Bsc. Hons in Social Studies in Indigenous Knowledge. Situated just north of Colombo, Negombo is known for its rich history, thriving fishing industry, and cultural diversity, making it an ideal place for conducting training for social research.

During the two-day field trip, students explored the role of local traditions, particularly in the way the people of Negombo celebrate their unique festivals and maintain their strong ties to Catholicism, despite the surrounding Buddhist influence. Negombo’s fishing community provided invaluable perspectives on how their livelihoods are affected by changing marine ecosystems, climate change, and the rise of alternative industries. With its proximity to the capital and beautiful beaches, Negombo has seen an increase in tourism.

Our research training focused on how this economic shift is influencing both the cultural landscape and the living conditions of the locals. Conversations with residents, including local artisans, vendors, and fishermen, revealed rich personal stories and challenges related to education, healthcare, and social mobility in a rapidly changing environment.

This field visit gave an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of Negombo's complexities and offered a unique chance to connect with the people whose voices often go unheard. The visit reaffirmed the importance of grassroots engagement in social research, as it sheds light on the realities and aspirations of communities at the heart of Sri Lanka's socio-economic landscape.