Celebrating 50 Years of Teaching Christian Culture at the University of Kelaniya

A Golden Jubilee Honouring Scholarship, Heritage, and Academic Excellence

The University of Kelaniya proudly celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Christian Culture as an academic discipline marking fifty years of intellectual exploration, cultural dialogue, and scholarly contribution. This milestone commemorates the introduction of Christian Culture into the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies in 1976, a visionary initiative led by the esteemed scholar Prof. W. S. Karunaratne.

Over the past five decades, the discipline has grown from a pioneering academic experiment into a vibrant field of study that bridges religious traditions, cultural histories, and philosophical thought. The Golden Jubilee is not only a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of the department’s commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and academic excellence.

Historical Journey

Origins and Early Development (1976)

The study of Christian Culture began in 1976 with its first cohort of students. At a time when interdisciplinary religious studies were still emerging in Sri Lanka, this initiative represented a bold step toward broadening the academic landscape. The early curriculum focused on Christian history, literature, philosophy, and cultural influence, laying the foundation for a comprehensive academic tradition.

Institutional Growth and Transformation

As interest in the subject expanded, the university recognized the need for a dedicated academic structure. Over the years, Christian Culture underwent several administrative and curricular developments, reflecting both academic demand and the evolving vision of the university.

In 1998, a significant milestone was reached when the department was renamed the Department of Western Classical Culture and Christian Culture. This transformation acknowledged the interconnectedness of Western classical heritage and Christian cultural studies, allowing the department to broaden its academic scope and introduce new interdisciplinary pathways.