UoJ hosts landmark International Research Conference on Visual and Performing Arts

During opening session of the IRCVPA - 2025 conference.

The University of Jaffna recently hosted the second International Research Conference on Visual and Performing Arts (IRCVPA-2025), bringing together a global and local academics and performers to explore the theme, "Arts of Tamils: Tradition and Transformation."  University of Jaffna partnered with India-Sri Lanka Foundation to research and celebrate Tamil Tradition and Transformation at IRCVPA-2025. 

The two-day event, held at the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall on November 14 and 15, 2025, served as a vital platform for examining the evolution of Tamil cultural heritage in a modern context.  The event was held in partnership with the Consulate General of India, with Consul General Shri Sai Murali attending as Chief Guest.

The conference was organized by Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts. Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, presided as General Chair, alongside Conference Chair Mr. T. Robert Arudsekaran, Dean of the Faculty. Dr. (Mrs.) Seethaluxmy Prabhaharan, Dr. (Mrs.) Kirubasakthy Karuna and Dr. (Mrs.) Arulchelvy Kirupairajah played the key roles as the Convener, the Secretary and the Chief Editor of the conference, respectively. 

The event opened with traditional ceremonies, including the lighting of the oil lamp, prayer, a song of praise to the Tamil Language, and an invocation dance. Welcome address, address of blessings, address of the convener,  addresses of the General Chair, and the Chair of the conference followed. 

Prof. S. Raguraman, formerly of Kalakshetra, Tamil Nadu, delivered a compelling keynote address titled "The Arts of Tamils: Tradition and Transformation," which was followed by the formal launch of the conference proceedings.  The Chief Guest and the Keynote speakers were honoured by the organising committee.  Four technical sessions featured research papers from both local and international scholars. The sessions were chaired by distinguished academics, including Emeritus Prof. N. Shanmugalingan and Emeritus Prof. K. Maheswaran. Snr. Prof. K.Visakaruban and former Prof. A.N. Krishnaverny. 

On the evening of November 15, the conference transitioned from theory to practice with a vibrant cultural showcase. The faculty’s departments presented a diverse program, including: an Instrumental Music concert by the Department of Instrumental Music, a Tamil Vocal Music concert by the Department of Music, a Bharathanatyam performance named “Konchum Sathankai” by the Department of Dance and a theatrical production of the Tamil classic epic, “Manimekalai” by the Department of Drama and Theatre. 

At a post-conference review meeting held on January 22, 2026, organisers reflected on the event's success, citing the generous sponsorship of the India-Sri Lanka Foundation as a cornerstone of the project. The committee noted that the conference not only preserved traditional forms but also successfully highlighted the "transformations", keeping Tamil arts relevant in the 21st century.