Events of the year 2026
On 22 May 2026 at 1.00 p.m., the Department of Christian & Islamic Civilizations organized a special academic input session titled “Academic Insights into Historical Study and Documentation” at the Department Lecture Hall. The talk was delivered by Rev. Fr. Martin, a Catholic priest and historical researcher from the Chengalpattu Diocese, Tamil Nadu, India. The event was attended by lecturers and students of the Department of Christian Civilization.
On 22 May 2026, the Department of Christian & Islamic Civilizations organized a special guest lecture on the theme “God in Neighboring Religions and Divine Experiences beyond Religious Boundaries.” The event took place at the Seminar Hall of the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. The lecture was delivered by Rev. Professor James Ponniah, Head of the Department of Christian Studies at the University of Madras, and a distinguished scholar in interfaith harmony and comparative religious studies.
As part of its ongoing commitment to academic enrichment and social engagement, the Department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna, had the privilege of hosting Ms. Angelique Appeyroux, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sri Lanka on the 7th of April 2026. She was accompanied by Ms. Padmini Balachandran, Field Team Leader, Vavuniya ICRC. Despite her demanding schedule, Ms. Angelique graciously accepted the Department’s invitation and visited the Department, providing a valuable opportunity for meaningful interaction with both staff and students.
On 10 March 2026, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna had the privilege of receiving Mrs. Debbie Sinnarasa Philip, whose visit marked a deeply meaningful moment of remembrance, continuity, and renewed commitment to student welfare and academic advancement. Mrs. Philip is the wife of the late Mr. Anton Sinnarasa Philip, a distinguished humanitarian, ardent well-wisher, and generous benefactor of the Department, whose legacy continues to shape the academic and personal journeys of many students.
On 3rd March 2026, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna had the distinct privilege of welcoming Rev. Fr. Teyol Machado, SJ, Director of the Navachethana Centre for Non-Formal Education, who visited the department accompanied by Rev. Fr. Antony Pius, SJ, a Jesuit priest and scholar known for his deep cultural and intellectual roots in Karnataka and Kannur. This visit, initiated by the Head of the Department, Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan, formed part of the department’s broader vision of fostering meaningful academic engagement that extends beyond classroom learning into the sphere of social responsibility and action.
On 2nd February 2026, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna had the distinct honour of welcoming Rev. Dr. Yann Vagneux, a Catholic priest of the Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) and a distinguished French scholar known for his deep engagement with the religious and intellectual traditions of India, particularly in Varanasi. This significant visit was initiated by the Head of the Department, Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan, as part of the department’s continuing commitment to fostering international academic collaboration and meaningful interreligious dialogue.
On 6th January 2026, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna had the distinct honour of hosting Dr. Herman Roborgh, Head of the School of Religion & Philosophy at Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan. This significant academic visit, initiated by the Head of the Department, Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan, formed part of the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on religion, culture, and social responsibility within a global academic context.