IRSGEE 2026 Symposium

The 3rd International Research Symposium on Gender Equity and Equality (IRSGEE 2026) featured an inspiring keynote address by Senior Professor P. Anuruddhi S. Edirisinghe of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. Her presentation set the stage for critical reflection on advancing gender equity and equality in contemporary society.

The symposium was further enriched by plenary presentations from Professor Prabha Manuratne, Director of the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality, University Grants Commission; Professor C. S. Wickramagamage, Retired Senior Professor of the Department of English, University of Peradeniya; a representative of the Student Christian Movement of Sri Lanka (SCMSL); and Ms. Shanthi Bhagirathan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, who offered valuable insights from academic, policy, and community perspectives.

A major highlight of the symposium was the panel discussion, “Between Policy and Practice: Where Does Gender Equality Break Down? – Perspectives from Diverse Contexts.” The distinguished panel comprised Dr. Manoj Fernando, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka; Ms. Chathini Uduwana, Vice President (People), Typefi, Country Head – Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Chapter Ambassador for Women in Tech; Prof. A. Sarwesvaran, Senior Lecturer, Department of Private and Comparative Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo; Dr. M. C. Rasmin, Chief Executive Officer, International Foundation for Digital Child; and Dr. Shanthi Elizabeth Senthe, Associate Professor, Windsor Law, University of Windsor, Canada.

Together, the panelists explored the challenges and opportunities involved in translating gender equality policies into meaningful action across higher education, technology, law, media, and finance. The discussion fostered critical dialogue and generated practical insights for advancing gender justice, equity, and inclusion across diverse contexts.