'Asian Elephants in Culture & Nature': International Conference by Kelaniya University

'Asian Elephants in Culture & Nature': International Conference by Kelaniya University

An International Conference on ‘Asian Elephants in Culture & Nature’ organised by the University of Kelaniya was held on April 20 & 21, 2016, at the University premises.

The conference hosted the launch of related publications, with various academic presentations under the patronage of Kelaniya University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Sunanda Madduma Bandara,

"University of Kelaniya organises National and International conferences under various themes, as we always encourage exposure to the vast majority with up-to-date knowledge."

‘Asian Elephants in Culture & Nature’ is very significant, as elephants are very important to our culture as well as to the biological environment,” said Prof Madduma Bandara.

“International conferences pave the way towards networking with several eminent scholars, enabling academic interactions which improves and develops knowledge. The Centre for Asian Studies plays an integral role in this construction of knowledge by organising international conferences annually. This conference focuses on a pertinent theme, given the discourse that has been stimulated with regard to Asian elephants, in the recent past,” added Chairman- Research Council, University of Kelaniya, Prof M.J.S. Wijerathne.

“The theme of this conference covers both cultural and natural aspects of Asian elephants, as we believe both aspects are important, when elephants are considered in terms of heritage perspective.