The Department of Translation Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, organised the First National Conference on Translation Studies – 2026 on 1^st of October 2026 at the Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna, under the theme “Divided through Languages and United in Translation”. The conference aimed to provide an academic platform for researchers, academics, and students to present their research findings, exchange scholarly perspectives, and explore contemporary developments in Translation Studies. The conference was compered by Ms. Risla and Ms. Nazaha, Temporary Assistant Lecturers of the Department.

The programme commenced with participant registration at 8.00 a.m. The inauguration ceremony began at 9.00 a.m. with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by a silent prayer at 9.10 a.m.

Senior Professor T. Velnampy, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, served as the Chief Guest and Conference Chair. Dr. Mathura Sivakumaran, Head of the Department of Translation Studies, served as the Co-Chair. Dr. N. A. Dhammika Jayasinghe, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sinhala, University of Ruhuna, was the keynote speaker, while Mr. S. Pathmanathan, Sakthiya Ratna, attended as the Special Guest. Dr. S. K. Kannathas, Former Head of the Department of Translation Studies and Senior Lecturer, Grade I, Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, served as the Convener of the Conference.

At 9.15 a.m., Dr. Mathura Sivakumaran delivered the welcome address, welcoming the distinguished guests and participants. At 9.20 a.m., Senior Professor T. Velnampy delivered the address as the Conference Chair, highlighting the importance of academic research and the promotion of Translation Studies.

At 9.30 a.m., Dr. S. K. Kannathas delivered the Convener’s address, highlighting the significance of the conference in fostering scholarly exchange and collaboration. At 9.40 a.m., the conference proceedings were formally launched, and copies were presented by the Head of the Department to the Vice-Chancellor, keynote speaker, and Special Guest. At 9.45 a.m., the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. (Mrs.) Gayathree Sutharsan, addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of academic publishing and the dissemination of research findings.

At 10.00 a.m., Ms. Nazaha introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. N. A. Dhammika Jayasinghe, who delivered the keynote address at 10.05 a.m. His address focused on the conference theme, “Divided through Languages and United in Translation”, highlighting the role of translation in bridging linguistic and cultural differences and promoting communication and mutual understanding among diverse communities.

At 10.35 a.m., the Secretary, Dr. (Ms.) S. Sivanesan, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the university leadership, invited guests, keynote speaker, organizers, and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the conference.

The First National Conference on Translation Studies – 2026 marked an important initiative by the Department of Translation Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, to promote research and academic collaboration in Sri Lanka. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for scholars and researchers to exchange ideas and explore contemporary developments in Translation Studies, contributing to the continued advancement of the discipline.