Congratulation to USJ Team on Winning the Inter-University Debating Championship

The debating team representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura won the championship at the Colombo Plan 75 th Anniversary Inter- University Debating Competition held on the 24 th June 2026 at the University Grants Commission Auditorium.

The USJ team consisted of 5 members namely, Neha Shanaz (Team Captain) ( 2 nd Year –Department of Public Administration, Geeshan Thilakasiri (3 rd Year – Department of Public Administration), Nifra Dulkarnein (3 rd Year – Department of Public Administration), Desandi Ama (4 th Year, Department of Public Administration) and Ranudi Wijeratne (1 st Year – Faculty of Engineering).

In the final round, the USJ team has argued against the motion on “Revitalizing and reinforcing the Colombo Plan is essential to addressing labour and social challenges while strengthening donor confidence”. The USJ team captain, Neha Shanaz, was awarded the Best Debater award.

The team was mentored by Prof. L.A. Pavithra Madhuwanthi, Head of the Department of Public Administration, FMSC. The event was graced by the Prime Minister and the distinguished guests from the Colombo Plan and the foreign delegates from the Colombo Plan member countries.