Vistaaraa: A New Era of Space and Vision at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

On 17 June 2025, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, officially opened Vistaaraa, a vibrant, state-of-the-art multi-purpose space designed to foster academic, creative, and collaborative activities.

Opened by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor, alongside Mr. K.K.K. Dharmathilake (Registrar) and Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara (Former Dean, Faculty of Computing and Technology and a member of the Technical Evaluation Committee), on the invitation of Prof Madawa Chandratilake, Dean - Faculty of Medicine, Vistaaraa is a symbol of transformation. Once an underused exam hall, it now features 276 seats, modern energy-efficient lighting, a professional sound system, and flexible partitions, serving as a lecture theatre, examination centre, and performance venue.

Funded entirely through faculty-generated resources of nearly Rs. 70 million, the project reflects strong leadership, teamwork, and thoughtful design. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Indrajith Solangaarachchi (project coordinator), Mr. Gihan Kanishka (project consultant), and the Alucare Pvt Ltd team (Contractors) for their dedication and excellence.

Vistaaraa is part of a broader drive to revitalise existing faculty spaces. Over the past 20 months, the faculty has upgraded the library, administrative building, classrooms, student areas, and open-air theatre, alongside major accessibility and green energy initiatives.

In the opening ceremony, the Dean noted, Vistaaraa is more than a building; it is a statement of who we are and what we aim to become. “We aim not to compete with others, but to transform ourselves, our spaces and our people.” The Vice Chancellor highly commended the Faculty of Medicine for its clear vision, purposeful mission, and, most importantly, its practical and impactful efforts in transforming the lives of medical students.

The opening ceremony concluded with vibrant and aesthetic performances by students of Medicine and Speech and Hearing Sciences, along with academic and non-academic staff, coordinated by the Faculty Cultural Centre.