Introduction
Performing Arts and Media play a vital role in interpreting and responding to contemporary cultural, social, and technological transformations. In the post-global era, these disciplines increasingly intersect with communication studies, language, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence, generating new modes of creative practice and academic inquiry. Recognising the need to strengthen undergraduate research culture within these evolving fields, the Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo, proposes the organisation of the Undergraduate Research Symposium – 2026.
The symposium will function as a structured, peer-reviewed academic platform enabling undergraduate students to present original research and creative investigations in Performing Arts, Media, and related areas within the Humanities and Social Sciences, in accordance with national and international academic standards.
Rationale
Undergraduate research is a fundamental component of quality higher education; however, formal opportunities for dissemination remain limited, particularly in Performing Arts and Media. Given its academic focus on media studies, performing arts, and creative inquiry, Sri Palee Campus is well-positioned to host a national and international undergraduate research forum.
The symposium also responds to the growing importance of digital humanities, creative technologies, and Asian perspectives in contemporary scholarship. It aligns with the University Grants Commission’s priorities of innovation, interdisciplinarity, inclusivity, and capacity building in higher education.
Aim
To establish a rigorous, inclusive, and peer-reviewed academic platform for undergraduate students to present original research and creative work in Performing Arts, Media, and related fields within the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Objectives
The symposium seeks to:
• Foster a sustainable undergraduate research culture aligned with recognised academic standards.
• Encourage innovative, interdisciplinary, and practice-based research in Performing Arts and Media.
• Provide structured exposure to academic writing, presentation, and peer-review processes.
• Promote intellectual exchange among local and international undergraduate researchers.
• Integrate digital technologies and emerging research methodologies into arts and humanities scholarship.
Theme
“Research and Innovation in Soft Science”
Sub-Themes
• Asian Perspectives in Media and Performing Arts
• Communication, Media, and Liberal Arts
• Culture, Language, and Linguistics
• Digital Humanities, Creativity and Artificial Intelligence
Date of The Symposium – 24th September 2026
Venue of The Symposium – Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo, Wewala, Horana.
Mode of The Symposium – Hybrid (Online & Onsite) and Poster Presentation
Mode of Language – Trilingual (Sinhala/ Tamil/ English)
Important Dates
Call for abstracts – 20th February 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline – 20th May 2026
Notification of Acceptance – 20th July 2026
Camera-Ready Copy Submission – 31st August 2026
Submission Guidelines – Abstract – 250-300 words
Pre-Conference Webinars – Five (05) pre-conference webinars.
Conference Fee – No conference fee
FOR INFORMATION AND PAPER SUBMISSION – spurs@spc.cmb.ac.lk
OFFICIAL WEB LINK – https://spc.cmb.ac.lk/spurs-2026/