The Emerging Scholars’ Symposium 2025 (ESS 2025) was successfully held on August 28, 2025, bringing together young researchers and academics for a full day of knowledge-sharing and dialogue. The Symposium featured 15 panels across three sessions, covering a wide range of themes from regional cooperation, migration, security, to diplomacy, global norms and more.
Each panel provided a platform for thought-provoking presentations, critical debate, and constructive feedback. The high level of engagement from participants highlighted the importance of fostering spaces where emerging scholars can showcase their work and connect with peers and experts in the field.
We were honored to welcome Mr. Shiran Illanperuma as our Keynote Speaker, whose address set the tone for the day. Special appreciation is extended to our academic reviewers, whose detailed feedback and critical insights were essential in strengthening the quality of the papers presented. We also extend our gratitude to the presenters, both local and international, whose diverse perspectives and research contributions enriched the discussions across all panels.
Our sincere thanks further go to Ms. Priyanthi, Executive Director/BCIS, and Dr. Nishara Mendis, Director, Research/BCIS, for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the Symposium. We also acknowledge the efforts of our moderators and session facilitators, who sustained lively discussions, as well as the technical and administrative staff, whose behind-the-scenes work ensured the smooth running of the event.
The Symposium would not have been possible without the dedication of the Organizing Committee led by Chief Organizer Tharishi H., together with Dr. Nishara, Isuri W. Siriwardhana,, Sinduja Jayaratne, and Maheshi Jayawardane.
The Symposium concluded with the presentation of awards to recognize outstanding contributions:
🏆 Best Paper – S. Hansi Munasinghe
We congratulate the winners and all participants for their valuable research and engagement. ESS 2025 was a testament to the vibrant spirit of inquiry among emerging scholars, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.
