The Inauguration Ceremony of the National Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (NCIKS) 2026
The Inauguration Ceremony of the National Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (NCIKS) 2026 was successfully held on 01st March 2026 at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, marking a significant milestone in advancing Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Sri Lanka at national and international levels.
We were deeply honored by the presence of the Keynote Speaker, Senior Professor Raj Somadeva at the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, whose insightful address set an inspiring tone for the conference.
The occasion was further dignified by the presence of Guests of Honour and Lifetime Awardees of NCIKS 2026: W. A. Sarathchandra Wijayasingha and Punchi Bandage Dharmasena.
The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. Wasantha Subasinghe and the keynote speakers of the technical sessions: Emeritus Prof. Yasanjali Devika Jayatilleke from the University of Sri Jayewardenapura and Prof. R. S. S. W. Arachchi from the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Former and present Council Members, Deans of Faculties, the Registrar, the Bursar, academic staff, and non-academic staff members also joined the event and supported its success.
The conference was organized by the Conference Chair, Dr. Nalika Dayananda, together with the Conference Secretary, Dr. Dinindu Dewapura, and the organizing team of NCIKS 2026.
The National Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (NCIKS) 2026 highlighted the vital importance of preserving, promoting, and strengthening Indigenous Knowledge Systems for sustainable development, cultural heritage protection, and future research innovation.
