This Gold Medal is named in honour of Prof. Senake Bandaranayake, one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished archaeologists, the Founder and first Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya. His visionary leadership laid the institutional and intellectual foundations for postgraduate archaeological education and research in Sri Lanka, shaping generations of scholars and professionals in the discipline. Professor Bandaranayake’s research emphasised the dynamic relationship between human societies and their natural environments, integrating archaeology with ecology, geography, and history. His scholarship significantly advanced understanding of settlement patterns, environmental adaptation, and long-term cultural change in Sri Lanka and the wider region.
The medal recognises outstanding academic achievement in Environmental Archaeology, reflecting Professor Bandaranayake’s enduring commitment to interdisciplinary research and scholarly excellence.
A student with the highest marks (not less than 85% - A+ Pass) for Environmental Archaeology subject (PGD in Archaeology). In case more than one student is eligible for the award, select the student with the highest overall total marks for all subjects.
The Gold Medal shall be awarded annually at the General Convocation of the University, upon the recommendation of the Board of Studies, the Board of Management and approval of the Senate.
Awarding Authority: University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
2021/22
147th General Convocation
2022/23
2023/24
Senake Bandaranayake Gold Medal for Environmental Archaeology presented to Ven. Aludeniye Subodhi Thero for the 2021/22 academic year at the 147th General Convocation (2024) by Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kelaniya.