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Beyond Dr. Roland Silva : Charting New Frontiers in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage.

NATIONAL CONFERANCE

Dr. Roland Silva was a trailblazing figure in Sri Lanka’s heritage sector. As the visionary founder of the Central Cultural Fund, he spearheaded landmark initiatives, including the UNESCO-led Cultural Triangle project, and played a pivotal role in establishing the nation’s global reputation in heritage conservation. His leadership culminated in 1990 when he became the first Asian to serve as President of ICOMOS International. Marking the 35th anniversary of this milestone, the National Conference will honour his legacy while looking to the future. Moving beyond his vision, it will explore new strategies, responsibilities, and collaborative approaches to conserve, preserve, and safeguard Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.

The National Conference will take place in Colombo on 11 and 12 October 2025, and is jointly organized by ICOMOS Sri Lanka and the Central Cultural Fund. The event will provide a platform for both senior and emerging scholars to engage in meaningful dialogue and share research on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Call for Abstracts

We invite interested individuals and groups to submit 500-word abstracts in English, Sinhala, or Tamil. Thematic panels exploring the application of scientific techniques, theories, and methodologies to the conservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Sri Lanka are welcome. Submissions under the following themes are encouraged; however, any discussion aligning with the Conference’s central theme will also be considered.

Conference themes

  • Heritage Policy and Institutional Frameworks
  • Heritage conservation and management
  • Heritage landscapes and places
  • Heritage and Climate change
  • Cultural Tourism of Sri Lanka
  • Heritage Now and Future
  • Technological Frontiers: GIS, 3D, AI
Abstract Submission Guidelines

Important dates

  • Call for Abstracts                                 : 1 August 2025
  • Abstract Submission Deadline          : 22 August 2025
  • Peer Review Process                          : 23 August – 8 September 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance                 : 15 September 2025
  • Submission of Revised Abstracts      : 22 September 2025
  • Conference Registration Deadline    : 30 September 2025
  • National Conference, Colombo         : 11–12 October 2025