Events of the year 2025
On 22 December 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization of the University of Jaffna, in collaboration with the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy, organized its annual Christmas Carol Prayer Service at the Library Auditorium under the theme “Celebrating the Incarnation: God among us, in harmony with the many voices of faith.” The event unfolded in a spirit of simplicity and spiritual depth, reflecting the nation’s circumstances following the Ditvah Cyclone. In place of lavish festivities, the programme emphasized the true meaning of Christmas the Incarnation of God as an expression of divine presence, compassion, and solidarity with humanity.
In 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna successfully organized a series of ceremonies to mark both the beginning and completion of the academic journey of its students. These events reflected the department’s commitment to nurturing community spirit, celebrating milestones, and guiding students through their formative years of study.
The Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna formally inaugurated the English Proficiency Course for Students of Christian Studies on 1 March 2025 at the De Mazenod Campus. Designed to strengthen language skills and enhance academic confidence, the programme brought together eighteen undergraduate students from the department. The inaugural session included five second year students, four third year students, and nine final year students, reflecting the department’s commitment to supporting learners across different stages of study.
On 25 November 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization of the University of Jaffna, together with the Student Christian Movement (SCM), held their fourth collaborative encounter, continuing a partnership rooted in dialogue, service, and youth formation. This year’s initiative moved beyond the classroom into the community with a visit to the Elders’ Home at Irupalai, Kopay, run by the Missionaries of Charity.
From 17 to 19 September 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna organized a study tour for Level II students as part of their academic program. The three day initiative was designed to strengthen academic understanding by providing direct exposure to Christian art, architecture, and significant historical, cultural, and religious sites.
On 20 May 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna organized a special academic event titled “Christian Gender Perspectives.” The distinguished speaker was Dr. J. Kulandai, OFM, from the Department of Linguistics, University of Madras, India.
On Thursday, 24 April 2025, at 9.00 a.m., the Department of Christian Civilization of the University of Jaffna organized a solemn memorial service in commemoration of the passing of Pope Francis, the 226th Pope. The event was held at the Kailasapathy Auditorium of the University of Jaffna and brought together members of the academic community to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late pontiff.
From 27 to 29 March 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna, in collaboration with the Department of Western Classical Culture and Christian Culture of the University of Kelaniya, conducted its annual workshop on “Justice and Peace: Creating Fellowship in Search of Sustainable Peace among Grassroots Leadership in Post War Sri Lanka.” Held at the Fatima Retreat House, Lewella, Kandy, the programme brought together seventeen students and three lecturers from Jaffna alongside peers from Kelaniya.
On 18 March 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna hosted a special academic event featuring Prof. Peter Chalk, retired professor from Uppsala University, Sweden, who visited the department along with his wife, Mrs. Gert. Addressing students and staff, Prof. Chalk delivered a lecture on the theme of “Tamil Buddhism,” offering a nuanced exploration of its historical and cultural dimensions.
On 17 February 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna hosted a distinguished academic event featuring Rev. Prof. A. J. Chandrakanthan, former Head of the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations and currently serving at the University of Toronto, Canada. Prof. Chandrakanthan met with students of the department and delivered a thought provoking lecture at the Faculty of Arts seminar hall titled “Ethical Challenges of Unrestricted Artificial Intelligence Development: Social, Religious, Cultural, and Pedagogical Perspectives.”
On 13 February 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna hosted a special event titled “The Sustainable Developmental Goals and Localizing them” with the distinguished presence of Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jeyasooria, Chairperson of Pengerust, Malaysia. During his visit, Prof. Jeyasooria met with the staff and students, sharing insights into the origins, objectives, and activities of the organization Sustainable Development Goals – Malaysia, which was established in 2015 and recognized by the United Nations. He explained that the organization, now comprising over 900 members, is committed to eradicating poverty, protecting the Earth and its climate, strengthening social cohesion, transforming mind-sets towards holistic change, and promoting women’s empowerment.