19/07/2025
“Life, Food, and Anthropology”: One-Day Workshop at NIIBS | Department of Anthropology, NIIBS Campus
The Department of Anthropology, within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS), successfully organized a one-day academic program titled “Life, Food, and Anthropology” on Sunday, 13th July 2025, commencing at 8:30 AM at the NIIBS campus in Manelwatta, Kelaniya. This program examined the intersections of food, culture, and society through an anthropological lens, with a particular emphasis on the significance of indigenous knowledge systems and traditional food practices in contemporary Sri Lankan life. It served as a platform for scholarly dialogue and experiential engagement, drawing attention to the ways in which food contributes to the construction of identity, ritual practice, and community cohesion.
The event was graced by the presence of Most Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero, Founder and Vice-Chancellor of NIIBS. Ven. Thero offered insightful reflections on the spiritual and cultural values embedded in everyday practices such as food preparation and communal sharing, inspiring both students and academics. Several esteemed scholars and professionals enriched the academic discourse through their presentations. Notable contributors included Dr. Publis Silva, Renowned Culinary Expert and Advocate of Traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine, Senior Professor Charmalie Nahallage, Professor Praneeth Abhayasundere, Professor Jayantha Jayasiri, Senior Lecturer and folklorist Mahinda Kumara Dalupotha, and Dr. Nelum Kanthilatha. Their lectures addressed a diverse range of topics, including ritualistic dimensions of food, culinary identity, regional gastronomic traditions, and the role of food in sustaining cultural continuity. Among the distinguished guests, Mr. Amal Attanayake, Chairman of Thriposha Sri Lanka, also participated in the event. His presence highlighted the relevance of national nutrition initiatives and added further value to the discussions on food, health, and cultural practices in Sri Lanka. The event also welcomed Mr. Sandaru Bandara Weerasekara, a popular YouTuber and digital media personality, known for his channel Travel Today, which features content on Sri Lankan culture, food, travel, and daily life.
A key highlight of the program was the inter-university debate competition, which featured students from the Department of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), and the Department of Anthropology, NIIBS. The debate centered on anthropological themes related to food and life, offering a vibrant intellectual exchange. The NIIBS team secured victory in the second-year round, while the USJ team triumphed in the third-year round, showcasing the academic rigor and competitive spirit of both institutions. The debate attracted keen interest from the audience and underscored the value of critical thinking and respectful academic dialogue.
In addition to the formal academic sessions, the program included a traditional food stalls, where students and community members presented a variety of regional dishes and culinary practices. They provided an immersive, sensory-rich experience that highlighted the symbolic and cultural dimensions of food heritage.
The event was marked by the enthusiastic participation of students from multiple departments of the NIIBS campus including Anthropology, Applied Archaeology, and Applied Communication and Media Technology who contributed significantly to the organization, performances, and logistics. Their active involvement reflected the interdisciplinary spirit of the event and underscored the collective commitment to academic collaboration and cultural engagement. The success of the program was made possible through the dedicated support of the academic and non-academic staff of NIIBS, whose efforts ensured the seamless coordination of all logistical, technical, and hospitality arrangements.
Ultimately, the “Life, Food, and Anthropology” program stands as a testament to the transformative potential of education, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and cultural appreciation. It reaffirmed the role of anthropology not merely as an academic discipline, but as a vital connector between past and present, theory and lived experience, and people and place.
