The 16th International Research Conference at General Sir John Kothelawala Defence University, themed “Research in Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities towards Resilience and Sustainability in a Digitalized Era,” was a dynamic event that brought together esteemed speakers, experts, and faculty members from the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Held at the New FMSH Building and chaired by Prof. Siri Hettige, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Colombo and Adjunct Professor at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, this one-day conference held on 08th September 2023 explored critical aspects of resilience and sustainability in the context of the digital age.
The conference commenced with Prof. Siri Hettige’s introduction, setting the stage for a day of thought-provoking discussions. The presentations that followed delved into various aspects of resilience and sustainability in the context of the digital age.
Prof. Nihal Perera, an Emeritus Professor of Urban Development from Ball State University, USA, took the stage to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by urbanization in the digital era. His insights shed light on how cities can adapt and thrive in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Mr. Kamal Geeganage, Chief Operating Officer at CBL (Foods) International (Pvt) Ltd, shared practical experiences from the corporate world, highlighting the role of businesses in achieving sustainability while navigating the complexities of a digitalized marketplace.
Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, explored the evolving landscape of marketing in the digital age. His presentation emphasized the need for businesses to adopt innovative marketing strategies to remain competitive and sustainable.
Dr. Lesley Dick, ELT Project Manager at the British Council, Sri Lanka, discussed the importance of English Language Teaching (ELT) in fostering global communication and understanding, a vital component of resilience and sustainability in our interconnected world.
The conference concluded with a stimulating panel discussion moderated by Prof. Siri Hettige, synthesizing the key takeaways from the presentations and engaging the audience in a thought-provoking dialogue.
After the intellectually enriching sessions, participants had the opportunity to network and recharge during the refreshment break. Additionally, the conference featured an evaluation of poster presentations, allowing researchers to showcase their work and receive valuable feedback.
In summary, the 16th International Research Conference at Kothelawala Defence University served as a platform for scholars, professionals, and students to explore the multifaceted dimensions of resilience and sustainability in the digitalized era. The diverse range of topics covered throughout the day underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of our rapidly changing world. It is through such conferences that innovative solutions and ideas emerge, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
