Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge Receives International Distinction for Promoting Ethical Leadership in Higher Education
The Department of Business Economics, proudly congratulates Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, Chair Professor of Business Economics, on receiving an international distinction as an Academic Guardian of Olympic Values under the international Ethos Universitas framework.
This prestigious recognition has been conferred in appreciation of eminent academic leadership and distinguished service to higher education, particularly in relation to ethics, integrity, responsible leadership, good governance, and value-based academic service. Although inspired by the Olympic tradition, the recognition is not associated with sporting achievement. Instead, it promotes the broader humanistic and ethical ideals of Olympism within universities and academic institutions across the world.
The invitation to serve as an Academic Guardian of Olympic Values was extended by Honorary Rector Professor Dr. Francis Van Loon, Baron, President of Ethos Universitas, headquartered in Antwerp. Recipients of this distinction are selected through confidential institutional recommendations and independent international review processes.
Following the invitation, Senior Professor Amaratunge received the official Certificate of Appointment confirming his appointment as an Academic Guardian of Olympic Values within the Ethos Universitas framework. The first group of Academic Guardians is expected to be formally announced on the Ethos Universitas website in September 2026.
Academic Guardians form part of a distinguished international network of present and former university leaders and presidents of academic associations. Their role is consultative and voluntary in nature. They may be invited to provide observations and guidance in relation to initiatives such as the Ethos Universitas Awards and other academic recognition programmes. The position carries neither financial obligations nor operational responsibilities.
Ethos Universitas functions under the academic committee of Panathlon International, an organisation founded in Venice in 1951 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1982. The initiative connects universities and academic institutions across the world and promotes values such as excellence, fairness, respect, integrity, and social responsibility within higher education.
Senior Professor Amaratunge is a distinguished Sri Lankan academic and a senior member of the Department of Business Economics. He has rendered exemplary service to the national university system, including as former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and former Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. His contribution to higher education governance, institutional development, academic leadership, and public service has been widely recognised both nationally and internationally.
He has also received several prestigious honours in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and public service. In 2021, he was conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, one of the highest honours ordinarily conferred upon foreign nationals for distinguished contributions to strengthening relations with Japan.
In 2026, Senior Professor Amaratunge was awarded the honorary title Sri Sumangala Vidyawathansa by the Vidyodaya Pirivena, in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to national service, education, religion, and social development, as well as his contribution to strengthening the relationship between Vidyodaya Pirivena and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Earlier, in 2018, Vidyodaya Pirivena conferred on him the honorary title Vidyodaya Dharma Shasthra Vibhushanaa in recognition of his distinguished service to education and society.
This international distinction brings honour to the Department of Business Economics, the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The Department warmly congratulates Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge on this distinguished achievement and wishes him continued success in his service to higher education, ethical leadership, and national development.