Background

Research plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and addressing contemporary social challenges. Recognizing the importance of cultivating a strong research culture among undergraduates, the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna has consistently provided opportunities for students to engage in scholarly inquiry and academic dissemination through its annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URSA).
Since its inception, URSA has evolved into a prominent academic forum that showcases the research achievements of final-year undergraduate students across various disciplines within the Faculty of Arts. The previous five symposia, URSA 2021, URSA 2022, URSA 2023, URSA 2024, and URSA 2025 were successfully conducted on January 10, 2022, August 16, 2022, January 18, 2024, January 22, 2025, and October 08, 2025, respectively. The success of URSA 2021 and URSA 2022 was significantly enhanced by the generous financial support received through the AHEAD Project.

The symposium serves as an important platform for undergraduate students to present and disseminate the findings of their final-year research projects. It promotes academic excellence, encourages intellectual dialogue, and strengthens students’ research, presentation, and analytical skills while contributing to the broader scholarly community.
Building on the achievements of the previous symposia, the sixth Undergraduate Research Symposium (URSA 2026) is scheduled to be held on 9 September 2026 at the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. The event reaffirms the Faculty’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant research culture and supporting the development of future scholars, researchers, and professionals.

Theme – “Innovating Perspectives: Undergraduate Research towards Meaningful Transformation”

In a world continuously shaped by social, cultural, technological, and environmental shifts, undergraduate research has become increasingly important in generating fresh ideas and addressing emerging challenges. The theme, “Innovating Perspectives: Undergraduate Research towards Meaningful Transformation,” underscores the significance of creativity, critical inquiry, and intellectual curiosity in producing meaningful academic and social contributions. It encourages students to rethink established assumptions, explore diverse viewpoints, and develop innovative responses to contemporary issues. The theme also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary engagement and knowledge exchange in building a more inclusive, informed, and progressive society.

Situated in one of Sri Lanka’s culturally and historically significant regions, the Undergraduate Research Symposium 2026 organized by the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, provides a vibrant forum for young scholars to share their research and engage in thoughtful academic discussion. The symposium encourages participants to critically examine issues related to identity, development, culture, sustainability, and social change while reflecting on the realities shaping local and global communities. Through constructive dialogue and interdisciplinary exploration, the event aims to create an environment where new perspectives and collaborative ideas can flourish, contributing to the advancement of Humanities and Social Sciences in Sri Lanka and beyond.