Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

SAI Anniversary Program

The Future of Social Science Research in Sri Lanka

Kandy and Colombo, 29 February - 02 March, 2012

(An exchange of views sponsored by the South Asia Institute in Heidelberg, Germany, with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

The end of the civil war presents a set of challenges and opportunities to social scientists working on and in Sri Lanka. The need for sustainable development, for improved individual and community health, and especially for reconciliation (without which progress will not be possible) has prompted a group of Sri Lankan and German social scientists to organize an exchange of views on these topics. Social scientists from several Sri Lanka's universities will gather for two days at Kandy to exchange their views concerning the most important directions for future social science research in Sri Lanka. A Keynote Address will be given by Prof. Emeritus Gananath Obeyesekere (Princeton) on "Models from Past and Their Relevance to the Present Muddles". On 02 March there will be a press conference in Colombo to conclude the event.

Topics to be discussed include

Health
Reconciliation
Gender and Caste
Culture and Heritage

Participants include
Ms. Nilu Abeyaratne (International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Colombo);
Prof. Sarath Amarasinghe (University of Ruhuna);
Eva Ambos, M.A. (Heidelberg University);
Dr. Indika Bulankulame (Open University of Sri Lanka);
Dr. Premakumara de Silva (University of Colombo);
Radu Carciumaru, M.A. (Heidelberg University);
Dr. Dhammika Herath (International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Kandy);
Prof. H.M.D.R. Herath (University of Peradeniya);
Prof. Siripala Hettige (University of Colombo);
Prof. Mrs. Sitralega Maunaguru (Eastern University of Sri Lanka);
Ms. Bettina Meier (Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Colombo);
Dr. Abhaya Ratnayake (University of Peradeniya);
Prof. William Sax (Heidelberg University);
Prof. Kalinga Tudor Silva (University of Peradeniya);
Dr. Sivadas (Psychiatrist, Vavuniya);
Mr. K. Sivakanthan (University of Jaffna) and
Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda (University of Colombo).

Located in Heidelberg, Germany, the South Asia Institute is Europe's oldest and largest centre for the academic study of South Asia. In 2012 we will celebrate our 50th birthday, and as part of our celebrations, we are renewing and strengthening our longstanding networks in Sri Lanka.


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