An inspiring International Research Conference, organised by the Eastern University Library Network under the theme “Community Empowerment through Libraries in the Digital Era”, was held on the 30th at the University’s Nalliah Auditorium. The event brought together library science professionals, scholars, and research students from across Sri Lanka and beyond, showcasing the evolving role of libraries in shaping informed and inclusive societies.
The Chief Guest, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. F. C. Ragel, and Guest of Honour, Dr. R. Maheswaran, Librarian of the University of Peradeniya, graced the conference with their presence. Dr. Chaminda ChiranJayasundara, Librarian of the University of Kelaniya, delivered the keynote address, while special guest lectures were presented by Prof. Ruwan Gamage of the National Institute of Library and Information Science, University of Colombo and Mr. M. M. Rifaudeen, Librarian of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.
The conference commenced with a vibrant cultural ceremony. Students from the Department of Fine Arts led the procession with traditional music, followed by a classical Bharathanaatyam performance by students of the Swami Vipulanandha Institute of Aesthetic Studies, creating a rich cultural prelude to the academic event.
In his welcome address, Conference Chair M. N. Ravikumar, Senior Assistant Librarian, set the tone for the day. Conference Advisor and the Librarian of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka, Dr. W. J. Jeyaraj, highlighted how libraries in developing countries like Sri Lanka can become transformative community knowledge centres, especially in regions facing socio-economic and regional disparities.
Dr. R. Maheswaran stressed the importance of preserving traditional values while embracing digital technologies to offer innovative and inclusive library services. In his Chief Guest’s address, Prof. F. C. Ragel commended the conference as a platform that contributes to the global visibility ranking of the university and acknowledged the forward-thinking spirit of library professionals.
Dr. ChiranJayasundara emphasised how national digital policies such as the Digital Economy Strategy 2030 and the e-Sri Lanka initiative align with global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, urging libraries to play a pivotal role in driving these agendas.
The abstract proceedings of the research presentations was ceremonially released by Conference Co-Chair and Deputy Librarian S. Santharooban and presented to the dignitaries.
The academic sessions featured over 30 research presentations in both Tamil and English, across six parallel tracks. The closing session was moderated by Prof. RuwanGamage and Dr. M. M. Mashroofa, the Senior Assistant Librarian of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.
The event concluded with awards for the Best Research Presentations: Thushari M. Senaviratne, Senior Assistant Librarian of the University of Moratuwa won in the English category, while Siyani Thevaruban, the MEd. Student of the Open University of Sri Lanka received the Tamil category award.
