September 12, 2025
The Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, proudly marked a historic milestone with the successful hosting of its first-ever International Conference on English Language Teaching (ICONELT 2025) on 12th September 2025. Graced by the presence of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Ranjith Pallegama, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ravi Kuruppuge, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Prabath Ekanayke, and many other distinguished guests, the conference represented a significant advancement in the Department’s academic journey, highlighting its growing leadership and commitment to excellence in English language education. The event was chaired by Professor Pushpa Vitharana, Head of the Department, providing academic guidance and leadership throughout the conference.
ICONELT 2025 brought together a vibrant gathering of scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators from across the globe, creating a truly international platform for dialogue and collaboration. The conference was enriched by three distinguished keynote speakers whose thought-provoking insights set the tone for engaging discussions. Professor Emeritus Arjuna Parakrama from the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, delivered a compelling address on “English Teaching vs. English Use in Sri Lanka: A Tale of Two Worlds Apart.” Dr. Romola Rassool, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of English at The Open University of Sri Lanka, presented on “Challenges to Preserving and Promoting the Lesser-Known Languages of Sri Lanka.” Professor Michiko Weinmann, Associate Professor in Education (Languages Education) at Deakin University, Australia, explored “‘Language(s) Otherwise’: Engaging Ontologies of Language for Reconceiving ELT/L in Multilanguage Contexts.” Together, their presentations provided rich, interdisciplinary perspectives that inspired lively discussions and critical reflections among participants.
In addition to the keynote sessions, the parallel technical sessions provided a platform for presenters to share innovative research, classroom interventions, and interdisciplinary perspectives. These sessions sparked lively, constructive discussions and offered new directions for research and practice in English language teaching.
The resounding success of ICONELT 2025 stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the organising committee, the generous support of the university community, and the wholehearted engagement of all participants. As the Department celebrates this landmark achievement, ICONELT 2025 will be remembered as the beginning of a proud tradition of scholarship, collaboration, and academic excellence.
