A symposium on the above mentioned theme was held between 12-14 December, 2019 at University of Peradeniya with local and international participation. It was organized by the Social affairs journal team led by the Chief editor Shanti Nandana Wijesinghe in collaboration with the faculty of arts. The aim was to critically examine dominant epistemological frameworks and methodologies in the Social Sciences and Humanities as they are practiced in higher education institutions together with their relevance to understand and explain contemporary political, economic, social, and cultural issues in the global south. Furthermore, it aimed to explore alternative epistemological frameworks, theories, and methods that are based on intellectual traditions in countries of the global South with a particular focus on Asia.

Inaugural session was held on 12 December 2019 with a welcome addresses by Prof. S.N. Wijesinghe, Convener of the Symposium, Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Parakrama Karunaratne, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, and Prof. O.G. Dayaratne Banda, Dean, Faculty of Arts. Keynote Address was delivered by Emeritus Prof. Asanga Tillakaratne, University of Colombo. A major theme discussed in the academic sessions was the impact of colonialism in redefining and privileging what is considered as legitimate knowledge in social sciences and the continuing influence of the same in higher education marginalizing indigenous knowledge and its means of production. Presentations included a critique of inherited disciplinary knowledge in social sciences, how this knowledge excludes indigenous knowledge traditions and embodiments, and inculcate the Western (i.e. Euro American) social science knowledge among students claiming it to be objective and scientific.

Award of Certificates was held on 13 December 2019 with a Concluding Remarks and Vote of Thanks by Prof. S.N. Wijesinghe, Convener of the Symposium Rev Athureliye Rathana, Member of Parliament of Sri Lanka Prof. Parakrama Karunaratne, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, and Prof. Gaminee Samaranayake former Chairman, University Grant Commision and Prof RD Gunarathne graced the event.

Symposium ended with a Saraswathi Sangeetha Pooja, a South Asian Heritage for Harmony and Spirituality. It is a longstanding and integral part of Peradeniya's aesthetic tradition. SSP was initiated in the late 1970s and continues to date, with a pooja held on the 1st Saturday night of every month. Delegates thoroughly enjoyed this event which lasted for 11 hours. Symposium coordinator organised a cultural visit to Nelligala Buddhist temple, Botanical garden, Tooth relic temple and Kandy city tour.

Overall, this was a unique event in the University's history in terms of critically examining social science knowledge heritage from a regional perspective and looking at the various ways indigenous knowledge has been marginalised as well as diverse and effective applications of the same. Selected papers will be published in the Social Affairs journal, special issue in due course. Symposium ended with a Saraswathi Sangeetha Archana (Pooja).