The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) of the University of Kelaniya (UoK), Sri Lanka, was established on 3^rd January 1998. Within two years of its establishment, the Faculty successfully hosted its inaugural research symposium with the support of a vibrant academic community, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the research culture of the University of Kelaniya.

Since 2000, the Faculty of Graduate Studies has been organizing an annual research symposium dedicated to promoting scholarly engagement and academic dialogue. From 2000 to 2014, the conference was held under the title Annual Research Symposium (ARS). During this period, the symposium gradually expanded in scope, attracting diverse research contributions from multiple disciplines.

Recognizing the growing international participation and the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of the conference, the symposium was rebranded as the International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC). This transformation reflected the conference’s commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and enhancing the visibility of postgraduate research.

IPRC proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest and most pioneering research conference at the University of Kelaniya. With more than two decades of continuous academic engagement and over twenty-five successful annual conferences, the event has become a flagship component of the University’s academic calendar. The sustained success of the conference reflects the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ enduring commitment to encouraging advanced research and promoting scholarly excellence.

Through its annual conferences, the FGS has continuously provided a platform for knowledge exchange that addresses both local and global research contexts. Each conference theme reflects the evolving priorities of the academic community and reinforces the Faculty’s commitment to fostering an active research culture, encouraging innovation among faculty and postgraduate researchers, and promoting intellectual growth.

Over the years, the conference has addressed a range of timely and impactful themes. Early themes such as “The Multi-Faceted Nature of Research in the 21^st Century” (2012) and “Collaboration & Innovation in Research” (2013) highlighted the importance of understanding emerging research trends and fostering collaborative scholarship. The theme “Discourse Values of Sri Lanka: Reconciliation, Development, Equality, and Pluralism” (2014) emphasized dialogue and collaboration to address national challenges and promote social cohesion.

Following its transformation into the International Postgraduate Research Conference, the event further expanded its global engagement through themes such as “Dynamic Collaborations: Creativity, Innovation, and Stability” (2016), “Research for Sustainable Development: Applications Beyond Publications” (2017), “Multidisciplinary Research for Sustainable Development: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward” (2018), and “Sustaining Multidisciplinary Research through Digital Transformations” (2019). These themes highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, digital innovation, and sustainable research practices.

In response to global challenges, the conference continued to address contemporary issues through themes such as “Sustaining Excellence in Multidisciplinary Research in the Context of the New Normal” (2021) and “Research and Innovations in Crisis Situations” (2022), demonstrating the conference’s adaptability and its dedication to addressing emerging global and societal challenges through academic inquiry.

Continuing this tradition, the conference theme in 2023, “Enrichment of Academic Strength through Research,” emphasized the importance of continuous learning, research-driven knowledge creation, and the application of research outcomes to real-world challenges. In 2024, the conference focused on “Research and Innovation for Economic Development,” highlighting the role of research and innovation in supporting national progress, economic resilience, and sustainable growth. Building on this perspective, IPRC 2026 adopted the theme “Digital Transformation in Green and Sustainable Innovation,” emphasizing the integration of digital technologies with environmentally responsible and sustainable innovation.

For IPRC 2026, the conference is organized under the theme “Advancing Innovation through Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Transparency, Policy, and Political Discourse.” This theme highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex global challenges, particularly in areas related to governance, transparency, policy development, and political communication. It encourages scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative research that contributes to evidence-based policymaking, ethical governance, and inclusive societal development.

Over the years, IPRC has served as a catalyst for scientific, economic, social, cultural, and sustainable development. The conference provides a consistent platform for practitioners, academics, policymakers, researchers, and postgraduate students to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and explore innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly dialogue, the conference contributes to improving the quality of life and advancing knowledge across multiple domains.

From its inception, one of the primary objectives of IPRC has been to provide opportunities for young researchers and postgraduate students to present high-quality research across diverse fields of study. The conference enables emerging scholars to disseminate their findings, engage with experienced researchers, and contribute to broader academic discussions. Through these efforts, the conference has played a significant role in nurturing a strong research culture within the university system.

The conference welcomes contributions from a wide range of disciplines, including Science, Computing and Technology, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Accounting, Business and Management Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, Digital Learning, and Multidisciplinary Studies. By bringing together researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, IPRC continues to strengthen academic collaboration, promote innovative thinking, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge that supports scientific, economic, social, cultural, and sustainable development both locally and globally.