Commemorating the 165th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore
The Tagore Day Celebration 2026 was successfully held at the Main Library of the University of Colombo on 11th May 2026 in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS), University of Colombo, and the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). The event was organized to commemorate the 165th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, one of the greatest literary and philosophical figures in world history.
The occasion was graced by distinguished guests, including His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, who served as the Chief Guests of the event. The programme was further honoured by the presence of Ms. Roshni Thompson, First Secretary of the High Commission of India.
The event was attended by several eminent academics, diplomats, and institutional representatives, including Professor A.A. Azeez, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Professor R. Senathiraja, Director of the Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies; Dr. D.A.S. Atukorale, Director of the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC); Dr. Kaushalya Kumarasinghe, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre; Dr. P.K.S. Manathunga, Acting Librarian of the University of Colombo; as well as representatives from the Indian Cultural Centre, Deans of Faculties, academic staff members, and students.
The programme ceremonially commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment and inspiration Rabindranath Tagore brought to generations through his creativity, literature, philosophy, and intellectual contributions. The oil lamp was lit by His Excellency Santosh Jha, Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake,Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies Professor A.A Azeez, Dr. D.A.S. Atukorale, Director of the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC), Professor Sadagomi Coperahewa, Ms. Roshni Thompson, Ms. Subhashini representing the Indian Cultural Centre, Dr. P. K. S. Manatunga, Acting Librarian of the University of Colombo, Professor R. Senathiraja and Senior Lecturer Dr. Amali Perera.
Following the ceremonial proceedings, Professor R. Senathiraja delivered the Welcome Address and highlighted the significance of commemorating Rabindranath Tagore within the Sri Lankan academic and cultural context. She emphasized Tagore’s enduring legacy, his contribution to literature, education, humanism, and intercultural understanding, and explained why his philosophy continues to hold relevance for society and academia today.
Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, then addressed the gathering and reflected on the importance of Tagore’s intellectual and cultural contributions. He further elaborated on the role of the University of Colombo in fostering regional cultural dialogue, academic cooperation, and literary appreciation through such initiatives.
Thereafter, His Excellency Santosh Jha delivered an insightful address on the global significance of Rabindranath Tagore’s work and discussed how Tagore’s literary excellence, philosophy, and universal human values continue to inspire societies across generations and national boundaries.
As a gesture of appreciation and respect, Professor R. Senathiraja presented tokens of appreciation to Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake and His Excellency Santosh Jha for their participation and contribution to the event.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered to the distinguished guests and participants. Following the formal proceedings, attendees gathered for refreshments and engaged in cordial discussions and academic interactions.
The Tagore Day Celebration 2026 served not only as a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore’s remarkable legacy but also as an important platform for strengthening cultural diplomacy, intellectual exchange, and Indo–Sri Lankan academic relations. The event reaffirmed the continuing relevance of Tagore’s vision of humanity, creativity, education, and intercultural harmony in the contemporary world. 
