The International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies (ICMS), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, in collaboration with the Committee on Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), successfully conducted a workshop on “Inter-disciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Projects and Research” on 17th June 2026 at the Board Room of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Senior Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The programme featured presentations by Prof. Prasad Jayaweera, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Member of the Committee on Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies (ICTDS) of SLAAS, who discussed the distinctions and significance of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches. Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe, Member of ICTDS, SLAAS, delivered a presentation on systems-based transdisciplinary research approaches for addressing complex societal challenges, while Dr. R. D. Guneratne, Chair of ICTDS, SLAAS, spoke on the role of transdisciplinary thinking in addressing national development issues.
The workshop was followed by an engaging and interactive discussion on conducting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects and research. Faculty members actively participated in the discussion, sharing their experiences, insights, and perspectives on fostering collaborative research across disciplines. The session provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for future interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiatives while reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in addressing complex global and national challenges. The event marks another key initiative by ICMS and its partners in promoting collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and innovative problem-solving through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary engagement.