PGIAR Welcomes New Cohort for the 2025/2026 Academic Year
Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) officially commenced its 2026/2027 academic session with a grand inauguration ceremony held at the institute’s main auditorium. The event brought together distinguished academics, heritage professionals, and the incoming class of postgraduate scholars, marking the beginning of a transformative journey into the study of South Asian heritage and archaeological science.
An Assembly of Academic Excellence
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Arjuna Thantilage, Director of the PGIAR, who delivered the Inaugural Address. Dr. Thantilage emphasized the institute’s commitment to evolving with modern technological advancements while remaining rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry.
The audience was treated to a series of profound scholarly insights:
Guest Lecture: Emeritus Professor Jagath Weerasinghe shared his extensive expertise on the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary society, inspiring students to look beyond the artifacts to the human stories they represent.
Course Introduction: Senior Professor Raj Somadeva provided a comprehensive overview of the upcoming curriculum, highlighting the importance of field research and the analytical methodologies that define the PGIAR’s academic standards.
The proceedings were elegantly moderated by Dr. Sonali Premachandra, ensuring a seamless flow between the technical introductions and the celebratory spirit of the day.
The event also served as a gathering of the institute's leadership past and present. In attendance were former Directors Emeritus Professor Jagath Weerasinghe and Senior Professor Gamini Adikari, alongside esteemed faculty members including Professor Dhananjaya Gamlath, Dr. T.L. Premathilake, Dr. Ranjith Dissanayake, and Dr. Prasanna Ranabahu.
Closing the ceremony, Dr. Thantilage expressed his profound gratitude to the PGIAR administrative and academic staff for their meticulous planning. He also extended a special word of appreciation to the Alumni of the Tourism Course, whose continued engagement and support were instrumental in the success of the inauguration.
As these new students begin their journey, the PGIAR reinforces its mission: to decode the past to better understand our future.
