The 14thAnnual Research Session (ARS) 2024 of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka successfully took place on December 20, 2024, under the inspiring theme of “Innovating Tomorrow: Interdisciplinary Insights for Sustainable Solutions.” This prestigious event brought together researchers, academics, and professionals from diverse disciplines to share cutting-edge knowledge and foster collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges.
The conference was inaugurated by P.P.S.K. Patabandi, the Chair of the Organizing Committee, who delivered the welcome speech. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosairo, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, delivered a thought-provoking guest speech, conveying the Vice-Chancellor’s message and emphasising the pivotal role of interdisciplinary research in achieving sustainable development.
The distinguished keynote address, delivered by Senior Prof. K.K.D.S. Ranaweera, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, highlighted how emerging technologies have become the cornerstone for achieving sustainable development across various disciplines and offer innovative solutions to real-world problems.
She delivered that precision farming using IoT sensors optimises irrigation, reduces waste, and enhances productivity in Agricultural Sciences. AI-driven systems and remote sensing improve livestock management and ensure fisheries sustainability.
The applied sciences leverage the latest advances, including AI-based applications for natural resource management and innovative fermentation processes in food technology, to address food security and environmental conservation.
Further, he presented how Computing plays a vital role in digital platforms, AI, and cybersecurity for effective governance, intelligent business operations, and global connectivity and Geomatics incorporates the usage of GIS, remote sensing, and digital twins in spatial planning, the development of smart cities, and monitoring natural resources.
Similarly, in management studies, AI analytics optimises supply chains and sustainable tourism through virtual reality-based experiences. Further, he elaborated on how AI in Social Sciences and Languages promotes socio-economic equity and cultural diversity through language digitisation and access to inclusive education.
In medicine, telemedicine, wearable health devices, and AI in clinical research improve healthcare access and outcomes. Prof. Ranaweera emphasised that tapping into emerging technologies can help bridge knowledge gaps, use resources more judiciously, and achieve inclusive growth.
This contributes to attaining sustainable development goals and building a resilient future for all. He extended his best wishes for a successful and inspiring Annual Research Session 2024 to all participants and collaborative researchers.
The ARS 2024 featured a dynamic program, including the much-anticipated Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Participants showcased their research within a tight three-minute framework, demonstrating clarity, conciseness, and innovation.
This segment highlighted the diversity of research and engaged the audience with its dynamic format. After a comprehensive double-masked review process, three technical sessions were at the heart of the conference, each focusing on different aspects of interdisciplinary research.
These sessions provided a platform for academics and researchers to present their findings, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. In addition, the Undergraduate Poster Presentation allowed young scholars to showcase their innovative projects, while the Professional Forum, held in person, facilitated robust discussions among experts in various fields. The Graduate Colloquium, which was conducted online, provided an inclusive space for postgraduate students to share their research with a global audience.
The success of ARS 2024 was a testament to the collective efforts of the Organizing Committee, led by the advisor, Prof. B.T.G.S. Kumara, Director of the Centre for Research and Knowledge Dissemination (CRKD), Chair P.P.S.K. Patabandi, Secretary D.L.N.P. Liyanage and the faculty coordinators.
The conference concluded with Liyanage’s heartfelt vote of thanks, recognising the contributions of all those who made the event a resounding success. By focusing on the intersection of emerging technologies and sustainable development, ARS 2024 underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research in solving real-world problems.
The event highlighted the innovative spirit of Sabaragamuwa University but also reinforced its commitment to fostering a knowledge-driven, sustainable future. The Annual Research Session is a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence.
