SDG 16 aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions by fostering inclusive societies, ensuring equal access to justice, and developing transparent and accountable systems at all levels. It emphasizes the importance of reducing violence, promoting the rule of law, and strengthening institutions to uphold integrity and fairness in governance.

The University of Kelaniya is dedicated to advancing the core principles of SDG 16 through its commitment to peaceful and inclusive practices, equitable access to opportunities, and transparent institutional governance. The university integrates these values into its academic, administrative, and community engagement activities promoting ethical leadership, responsible decision-making, and social harmony both within the campus and in the wider community.

Education

The University of Kelaniya plays a pivotal role in advancing the objectives of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions through its educational programmes that promote ethics, governance, law, peacebuilding, and social responsibility. These programmes nurture graduates who are equipped to contribute to transparent institutions, social harmony, and justice-oriented policymaking at both national and global levels.

Through the Faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Graduate Studies, the University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that directly support the principles of peace, inclusivity, and institutional accountability. These academic pathways foster critical thinking, ethical leadership, and civic awareness among students preparing them to become catalysts for positive social change.

Undergraduate Degree Programmes

Several degree programmes across the University contribute to the aims of SDG 16:

• Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Resolution
  Offered by the Department of Philosophy, this programme focuses on peacebuilding, conflict transformation, negotiation, and intercultural understanding. Students gain insights into religious, psychological, and sociological perspectives of peace, encouraging dialogue and tolerance within diverse communities.

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
  This degree cultivates analytical knowledge of governance, public administration, human rights, and political systems. Courses on citizenship, democracy, and policy-making enable students to critically evaluate institutional practices and promote accountable governance.

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
  The programme provides an in-depth understanding of social structures, inequality, and justice, while training students in social research methods to address challenges related to inclusion and equity.

• Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
  This programme strengthens understanding of diplomacy, foreign policy, and global cooperation, with particular emphasis on peace and conflict resolution in international contexts.

• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
  With courses in ethics, logic, and moral philosophy, this programme instills values of reasoning, ethical judgment, and moral responsibility essential for building just institutions.

• Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Public Relations
  These programmes emphasize communication ethics, media responsibility, and social accountability—key components of maintaining transparency and trust in modern institutions.

• Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
  Integrating themes of social and economic justice, this degree explores equitable development and participatory governance as tools for building peaceful and resilient societies.

Postgraduate Programmes

The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) further reinforces SDG 16 through advanced studies in governance, social sciences, and ethics.
Key programmes include:

• Master of Social Sciences (MSSc) in Political Science / Sociology / Philosophy

• Master of Social Sciences (MSSc) in Sociology

• Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, and Buddhist Studies

• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management

These postgraduate pathways prepare professionals to engage in policymaking, ethical leadership, institutional governance, and public communication, thereby strengthening national and community-level institutions.

Professional and Medical Education Components

The Faculty of Medicine integrates ethics, professionalism, and legal responsibility within its MBBS curriculum through the Professional Development and Family Medicine Strand. Students learn medical ethics, human rights, equality, cultural competence, and reflective practice ensuring that future healthcare leaders uphold justice, compassion, and ethical conduct in service delivery.

Students’ Union – Recognising an Independent Students’ Union

UOK upholds the principles of democracy, participation, and accountability through the establishment and recognition of an independent Students’ Union, in accordance with the Students’ Union By-Law No. 01 of 2023, approved by the University Council on 14 February 2023  This governance mechanism ensures that every undergraduate student has the right to representation, participation, and expression within an institutional framework that values transparency and equality. 

Structure and Representation

Under this by-law, the University Students’ Union (USU) represents the entire undergraduate community of the University of Kelaniya. It comprises elected representatives from each Faculty Students’ Union (FSU), ensuring inclusivity and gender balance in leadership. Both University-level and Faculty-level unions elect their office bearers democratically—including a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Editor, and Junior Treasurer—through a secret ballot system conducted under the supervision of the university’s Election Officer. To ensure equitable participation, the by-law mandates optimal representation of female undergraduate students in all unions. 

Functions and Responsibilities

The Students’ Union serves as the official channel of communication between students and the university administration.
Its responsibilities include:

• Promoting the welfare and well-being of all students;

• Reporting academic or administrative challenges to relevant university authorities;

• Managing student funds transparently under the supervision of the Senior Treasurer, a senior academic appointed by the Vice-Chancellor;

• Upholding the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998 by preventing and reporting any form of harassment;

• Organising academic, cultural, and community engagement programmes that foster peace, ethical conduct, and mutual respect

Financial operations of all unions are monitored and audited annually, ensuring full compliance with university and national regulations on accountability and governance. 

Official Facebook Page: Students' Council - University of Kelaniya 

Student Clubs Related to Sustainability 

1. Green Clubs

2. Rotaract Club of the University of Kelaniya

3. Environmental Conservation and Management (ENCM) Society 

4. Zoology society  

5. Aquatic club  

6. The Leo Club of University of Kelaniya  

7. Gavel Club or Gavel Club

8. Physics Student's Society University of Kelaniya

9. Accountancy Students’ Association University of Kelaniya

10. AIESEC CLUB, UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA

11. Information Technology Students’ Association – ITSA

12. Engineering Technology Students' Association - University of Kelaniya

13. ZeroPlastic Movement of University of Kelaniya

Awareness Programs

The University of Kelaniya conducts a wide range of awareness programs, public lectures, and workshops that promote the values of peace, justice, and strong institutions in alignment with SDG 16. These initiatives aim to cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and accountable university environment where all members of the community are empowered to act with integrity and mutual understanding.

Through the Student Relations Committee (SRC), the university regularly organises programs to raise awareness on issues such as the prevention of ragging, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and promotion of ethical conduct and student wellbeing. These sessions encourage respectful dialogue, empathy, and cooperation while ensuring compliance with the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998.

In addition, the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (GEE Unit) and the Counselling and Psychological Support Unit conduct educational sessions and public forums addressing human rights, gender equality, and mental health awareness. These units collaborate with national institutions such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka to strengthen the university’s capacity for inclusive and fair governance.

A key institutional platform that further reinforces SDG 16 at the University of Kelaniya is the Centre for Social Reconciliation (CSR). The Centre, established under UGC Circular 10/2021, promotes intercultural dialogue, social harmony, and reconciliation through academic, cultural, and training initiatives. It conducts capacity-building workshops, public seminars, and collaborative research programs focusing on peace education, inclusive policy development, and conflict sensitivity. The CSR actively engages students and staff in building bridges across diverse communities, thereby embedding reconciliation and inclusivity into the university’s culture and governance.