Events of the year 2026
The Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, University of Jaffna, hosted a consultation meeting with Mr. Florian Von Koenig, Head of CTA Advisory and RCRC Missing Persons Center, and Ms. Adriana Caicedo Trujillo, CTA Structural Support Lead, of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on 1 October 2026.
From 16 to 18 September 2026, an educational field visit was organized for Level II, Semester II students (46th Batch) of the Department of Christian Civilization as part of their academic program. The main academic objective of the field visit was to connect the theoretical knowledge gained through classroom lectures with direct observation and practical learning in the field.
The late Rev. Dr. Anton Mathias served as the Head of the Department of Christian Civilization from 1997 to 2004. During his tenure, he made a significant contribution to the academic development of the Department and the welfare of its students. He was committed to improving academic activities and also provided financial support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to help them continue their education.
On 2 September 2026 at 11.00 a.m., the Student Association of the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, organized a guest lecture entitled “Humanism and Ethical Values in Tamil Culture: Religious, Cultural, and Sociological Perspectives.” The lecture was held at the Faculty of Arts Seminar Hall, University of Jaffna. A large number of academic staff, Heads of Departments, professors, and students participated in the programme.
Organized by the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), University of Jaffna, in collaboration with the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, University of Jaffna, and the Student Christian Movement of Sri Lanka, the 3rd International Research Symposium on Gender Equity and Equality (IRSGEE 2026) – VIYOMAM 2026 was successfully held on 06 August 2026 at the Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna.
The Department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna, hosted Mr. Patrick Rohan Ratnaraja, grandson of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop S. Kulandran, on 30 June 2026. Bishop Kulandran, a distinguished leader of the Church of South India in Jaffna, is remembered as a pioneering scholar and researcher in the field of religious studies.
A workshop on the theme ‘The Theology of Peace’was held from 25-26 May 2026 at the Fatima Retreat House, Lewella, Kandy, bringing together students from the Department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna, and the Department of Western Classical Culture and Christian Culture, University of Kelaniya. Initiated in 2015, this annual academic and practical workshop continues to serve as an important collaborative platform for students to explore the intersections of faith, conflict resolution, and social harmony.
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.