Page 9 - RASAS 2025

Message from the Conference Chair

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It is with great pleasure that I serve as the chairperson for the 10 Ruhuna Arts Students’ Annual
Sessions (RASAS) 2025. The Department of Public Policy is responsible for organizing the RASAS

2025. This initiative, which began in 2016 under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, aims
to promote undergraduate research and encourage the generation of new knowledge.

For the first time in the history of RASAS, we have introduced a green theme for this year’s

conference, emphasizing the significance of policy-oriented environmental conservation. As a
tropical island state and a biodiversity hotspot located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka faces challenges

related to the drastic effects of climate change. Hence, the RASAS logo has been redesigned to reflect
various themes related to environmental conservation, including keystone, endemic and endangered

flora and fauna, as well as the four spheres of the Earth: the Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere,

and the Biosphere. Additionally, the conference supports a zero plastic policy and promotes the
principles of reduction and reuse.

Given the substantial number of female students within the Faculty of Humanities and Social

Sciences, we have invited women’s rights activist Dr. Nimalka Fernando to deliver the keynote

address on the topic of Gender Policy Challenges in Development Planning in Sri Lanka. Overall, the
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10 RASAS will offer students a valuable opportunity to engage with diverse concepts and integrated
phenomena, enhancing their capacities and abilities in the areas of environment, gender, and policy.

The introduction of a website for conference management by an undergraduate student of the Faculty
is another achievement of the RASAS 2025 that provides ideal to the rest of the students on the ways

in which they could enhance their capacities and abilities.

The RASAS 2025 is an example of excellent teamwork of a group of creative, diverse, dedicated,

and committed academics with strength, courage, and confidence. I trust that this conference will
mark a significant milestone for the Department of Public Policy and the Faculty of Humanities and

Social Sciences, inspiring us to think innovatively and act creatively.

Dr. Indi Akurugoda
Head – Department of Public Policy

Chairperson – RASAS 2025

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