Department of Demography - Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo

Educational Visit to the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Second year Special Degree students participated in an educational visit to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on 23 February 2026 as part of their learning activities. The visit was organized with the objective of exposing students to the practical aspects of migration processes and the institutional mechanisms involved in managing migration.
During the visit, students gained valuable insights into how international organizations work to support migrants, promote safe and orderly migration, and address the challenges faced by migrant communities. Moreover, this visit enabled students to connect theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom with real-world practices, while interacting with professionals who are actively engaged in migration-related work.
It was a valuable learning experience that enhanced students’ understanding of contemporary migration issues and the role of international organizations in safeguarding migrant welfare.

IOM Sri Lanka and Maldives

Educational Visit to Department of Census and Statistics

First year students following the DMG 1204: Demography of Sri Lanka course had the opportunity to visit the Department of Census and Statistics on 3 March 2026 as part of their academic learning activities. The visit provided students with first-hand exposure to the processes and practices involved in conducting national censuses and sample surveys in Sri Lanka.

During the programme, students attended two informative sessions delivered by Dr. W. A. Chandani Wijebandara, Director Population Census and Demography and Ms. M. M. Gayani Deepika Manamperi, Statistician, who shared their knowledge and professional experiences related to census operations and statistical survey methods.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mrs. U. V. Jayakody, Additional Director General (Statistics) for her valuable guidance and support, and to Mr. K. W. S. Saddhananda, Director of the Training Division, for coordinating and organizing this insightful programme.

This visit provided students with a meaningful opportunity to interact with professionals actively engaged in statistical work and to gain practical insights that complement their classroom learning.

Department of Census and Statistics

Seoul National University (SNU), in collaboration with the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), hosted the AUA–SNU Youth Forum 2025: Sustainable Cities and Living Heritage from 19 to 25 January 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. The forum focused on sustainable urban development, covering topics such as affordable housing, living heritage, sustainable transport systems, and urban design.
This year, three students from the University received the opportunity to attend the forum. They were Ms Amashi Sandamini Meetiyagoda from the Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ms Malki Rangika Rathnasekara, and Ms Poornima Nethmini Dissanayaka from the Department of Demography, Faculty of Arts. Forty-two students from 11 AUA member universities participated in the forum this year, fostering academic discussion and cultural exchange. The programme also included educational site visits to the National Museum of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village and Seoul Metropolitan Government, offering practical exposure to Korea’s urban planning and heritage management. At the concluding group presentation sessions, the team, including Amashi Meetiyagod, won First Place, while the team, including Malki Rathnasekar, secured Third Place, reflecting the high level of engagement and strong collaborative performance of the University of Colombo students.
https://cmb.ac.lk/aua-youth-forum-2026

📢 Multidisciplinary Research Seminar – Series 11

The Department of Demography, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo is pleased to invite you to an engaging seminar on:

🌍 Migration in a Changing Climate: Population Dynamics, Adaptation, and Sustainable Futures in the Asia-Pacific

🎤 Guest Speaker:
Associate Professor Yan Tan
(University of Adelaide, Australia)

🎙️ Moderator:
Head, Department of Demography
Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo

📅 Date: 27th February 2026
⏰ Time: 11.00 A.M. – 12.00 P.M.
📍 Venue: Room No. 38, Department of Demography, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo

This seminar will explore the critical links between climate change, migration, and population dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, offering valuable insights for students, academics, and researchers.

✨ All are invited!
We warmly welcome you to join this insightful academic discussion.

Call for Papers! 📢

The Demographer – the interdisciplinary research journal from the University of Colombo’s Department of Demography – is now inviting submissions for its upcoming issue!

🔹 Volume 03, Issue 02
🔹 Publication: June 2026
🔹 Submission Deadline: 31 March 2026

We welcome original research from academics, postgraduate students, independent researchers, and professionals across the globe. The journal is:

✅ Bi-annual
✅ Open-access
✅ Double-blind peer-reviewed

Interested in submitting or learning more?

🌐 Visit the journal’s website - https://arts.cmb.ac.lk/department-of-demography-journal/
📧 Email: [email protected]

Be part of a platform that bridges demography with wider interdisciplinary perspectives. Share your research and contribute to meaningful scholarly dialogue!

Multidisciplinary Research Seminar – Series 10

The Department of Demography, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, successfully hosted the Multidisciplinary Research Seminar – Series 10 on 26 November 2025, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. at Room No. 302, Faculty of Arts. Prof. Sascha Krannich, Professor at Justus Liebig University Giessen and IU Cologne, delivered the keynote address, while Prof. K.D. Manori K. Weerathunga served as the moderator.

The seminar, titled “Liberalism or Right-Wing Populism? Immigration Policies in Comparison,” examined the shifting global landscape of immigration policy by contrasting liberal approaches with the rise of right-wing populist perspectives. The session highlighted the implications of these contrasting frameworks for contemporary migration governance and provided comparative insights into current international policy debates.

The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants raised thought-provoking questions, contributing to a dynamic and engaging discussion.

Guest Lecture Series with Dr. Sascha

The Department of Demography, University of Colombo, successfully conducted a guest lecture series with Prof. Sascha Krannich, Professor at Justus Liebig University Giessen and IU Cologne, during his visit in November 2025. A total of two guest lectures were delivered, focusing on key areas in international migration. The first lecture, “World Migration Dynamics” for DMG 1204, was held on 25 November 2025 and explored global migration trends and the factors shaping contemporary population movements. The second lecture, “Terms and Concepts in Migration” for DMG 2218, took place on 26 November 2025 and introduced essential theoretical frameworks and core concepts in migration studies. Both sessions were highly informative and contributed meaningfully to students’ understanding of international migration, and the event was documented with photographs capturing the interactive learning environment.

DemARS 2025 Scientific Sessions – captured in focus