It is with sincere pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all members of the University of Kelaniya community, as well as our extensive network of local and international scholars and researchers. The University of Kelaniya Library remains principally committed to its key role in advancing the University’s vision of academic distinction, innovation, and societal contribution through the creation, dissemination, and preservation of knowledge.

Over the past few years, the library has embarked on a strategic and comprehensive transformation journey. This effort has been characterised by significant physical and digital modernisation, enhanced research facilitation, and the delivery of inclusive knowledge services. We have successfully strengthened our digital repository infrastructure, substantially expanded access to crucial scholarly databases, and introduced advanced, dedicated research support. Our commitment to enhancing research culture is manifest in our hosting of the Multidisciplinary Desk Research Conference (DRC), a major event organised by the library to promote rigorous desk-based (secondary) research grounded in extensive printed and digital resources. Complementing this, our in-house scholarly outlet, the Journal of Desk Research and Review and Analysis (JDRRA), provides a platform for high-quality, applied, and desk-based research publications, thereby reinforcing the dissemination and recognition of scholarly work across disciplines.

Complementing this, our innovative Talk Book Project and Library Podcast Series have been launched to promote reading, critical thinking, and intellectual dialogue through more dynamic and accessible formats.

Our dedication to inclusivity and equitable access is further reflected in the continuous development of our Braille Book Collection and related assistive learning resources. These initiatives ensure that our visually impaired students and researchers have full and fair access to the knowledge resources crucial for their success.

Beyond merely providing resources, the library has positioned itself as a catalyst for accelerating research promotion and cultivating a high-calibre research culture throughout the University. Through targeted workshops, collaborative projects, and robust international partnerships, including the Erasmus+ CBHE NSIS Project, we strive to equip our academic community with the requisite digital, information literacy, and research skills necessary to excel within the dynamic global knowledge ecosystem.

Looking ahead, our strategic vision is to evolve into a Smart University Library. This future hub will leverage artificial intelligence, semantic data structuring, and advanced knowledge analytics to deliver proactive, user-centred, and predictive information services. We aim to deepen our commitment to open-access initiatives, strengthen data-driven decision support for academics, and significantly enhance our engagement in transnational academic collaborations.

As we continue this vital journey of innovation and excellence, I ardently invite our students, academics, and researchers to partner with us in collectively shaping the future of knowledge at the University of Kelaniya. Together, we can foster a vibrant, inclusive, and research-driven academic environment that makes meaningful contributions to both national development and international scholarship.

C. C. Jayasundara, 

BAStat(Ruhuna), PGCL (Birmingham City), MSc (Sheffield), DLitt (Unisa) 

The Librarian 

University of Kelaniya