The Annual Symposium “The Integral Dignity of the Human Person in the Face of Current Adversities” at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka
The Annual Living Faith Symposium of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, was held on October 25, 2025, under a timely theme “The Integral Dignity of the Human Person in the face of current adversities.” The event brought together scholars, clergy, religious, and university students for an enriching dialogue on faith, science, and the human person in today’s rapidly advancing technological world.
The keynote addresses were delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. M. W. Sumeth Perera, SJ a cancer Bologist, Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry in Sabaragamuwa University, and Prof. Thushari Silva, Professor Head of the Department of Computational Mathematics at the University of Moratuwa. Their scholarly insights opened a dynamic conversation on the relationship between human dignity, theological anthropology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
In his address, Rev. Dr. Sumeth Perera, SJ, reflected on the challenge of articulating human dignity and identity in an age dominated by science and technology. Drawing on Rowan Williams’ theological anthropology and Martin Buber’s philosophy of dialogue, he contrasted the reductive, mechanistic understanding of the human being as a “biological machine” with the Christian vision of the person as a relational and incarnational being.
Fr. Sumeth emphasized that true dignity does not arise from biological or functional capacities but from being created in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei). Humanity finds its meaning in relationship with God, with one another, and with the created world. He called for a response of kenosis (self-emptying love), participation, and mutual transformation toward the “displaced other” in modern society. Only such a relational and incarnational framework, he asserted, can restore a coherent understanding of what it means to be human in today’s scientific and technological context.
Prof. Thushari Silva, in her presentation titled “AI and Human Dignity,” explored the ethical and moral responsibilities surrounding Artificial Intelligence. She explained that AI is not the creation of artificial consciousness but a scientific simulation of human cognitive functions such as reasoning, learning, and decision-making intended to augment human activity, not replace human identity or essence.
Prof. Silva noted that AI, when guided by ethical principles, can significantly enhance human dignity by promoting responsibility, accessibility, and social equity. Examples include speech-to-text tools for the hearing impaired, analytical technologies aiding medical diagnosis, and personalized learning systems that democratize education.
However, she cautioned that irresponsible use or poor governance of AI could threaten human dignity through issues like algorithmic bias, racial discrimination, privacy violations, and loss of autonomy. Since AI systems mirror the moral assumptions of their creators, the development of Responsible AI rooted in transparency, fairness, accountability, and human-centered design is essential. She emphasized that accountability must always remain with human beings, not machines; particularly in ethical crises like data misuse or automated decision-making failures.
Prof. Silva also drew attention to environmental sustainability, reminding participants that technological advancement must never compromise the ecological balance that sustains life. Education and AI literacy, she argued, are crucial in preparing society for a morally responsible engagement with emerging technologies.
After the keynote addresses, audience had the opportunity to listen to 24 research papers on the same theme in 05 break-out rooms. Research papers from different state universities and academic institutes were able to cast light on vast spectrum of current day human dignity.
This year’s symposium held a special significance as it marked the 25th year of the Seminary’s ‘LIVING FAITH’ journey, which began in the year 2000. Over the past quarter-century, this academic and spiritual journal has built a long platform for dialogue between faith and reason, theology and science and among diverse new theological and philosophical currents in the world.
The symposium was attended by priests, brothers, sisters, venerable Buddhist Theros, university students, and scholars from across the country, fostering a spirit of interreligious dialogue and intellectual collaboration. The event was successfully organized under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando, Rector of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, and Rev. Fr. Shashika Manoj the Moderator of the Living Faith Symposium together with the Seminary staff and student body.
The day’s discussions offered a profound reminder that in an era increasingly shaped by science and technology, the essence of humanity remains rooted in relationship, love, and divine likeness in the Image of God. The integral dignity of the human person, as affirmed by faith and reason alike, must always be the foundation and final goal of all human progress.
Bro. Sandun Madushka
Secretary
The Chesterton English Academy
Abstracts Available:
You are welcome to download the abstracts below and explore more about the ideas and insights shared in this year’s symposium.
Keynote Addresses
01. Human Dignity and ‘the Displaced Other’: A Philosophical-Theological Inquiry into Personhood
Rev Dr M. W. Sumeth Perera SJ (Cancer Biologist, Senior lecturer in Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa university of Sri Lanka)
Research Papers
01. The Catholic Church and Moral Leadership after the Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka: Faith, Governance, and Public Accountability.
A.R. Azsam, Independence Researcher
02. INDETERMINISM AND THE DEATH OF FINAL ENDS: A THREAT TO THE INTEGRAL HUMAN PERSON.
Br. V.J. Jesuthas
03. DIGITAL COCAINE’S THREATS TO INTEGRAL HUMAN DIGNITY.
Bro. A. Delcious
04. Dignity and Rights Involved in Human Procreation: An Ethical Analysis of In Vitro Fertilization.
Rev. Fr. Thevarajah Raviraj, B.Ph., S.T.D. (Rome)
05. Euthanasia and Human Dignity: A 21st Century Crisis through the Eyes of Aquinas.
Br. W. Rumeth Senila Bandara
06. Dangers of Eliminating Human Dignity due to the Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Revd. Fr. A.J. Antony Jeyaranjan
07. Wojtyła’s Philosophy of Woman.
Rev. Ediriwickrema A. N.
08. REINTEGRATION OF SRI LANKAN EDUCATION THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES THEORY IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON.
Fr. Rajith Clamantha Edirisinghe
09. Buddhist Response to Gender Discrimination.
VEN.KELANIYE DHAMMA VIHARANI
10. Human Formation Growth in Virtues.
REV FR. DANIEL ICATLO, JCD
11. Reviving Human Dignity through Catechism in Youth Ministry: A Pathway to Identity and Purpose in Contemporary Sri Lanka.
Lakmal B. D. A
12. An Analysis of “Intercessory Praying as a path for sustaining the Human Dignity through a Steadfast Catholic Living”.
Mallikarachchi M.A
13. MORAL RELATIVISM AND THE LOSS OF ETHICAL ANCHORS: A MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHICAL RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ADVERSITIES.
Dr. B. Sanjeewa Maheshe Mendis
14. A study on school dropout among students from tea estates in the Nuwara Eliya district.
A.A.S.I.Amarakoonr
15. THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON HUMAN LABOUR AND DIGNITY: A REFLECTION IN LIGHT OF RERUM NOVARUM OF POPE LEO XIII.
Br. Leo Madushan
16. True Dignity is Submission to Christ’s Kingship.
Perera, A R
17. Education and Digital Literacy as Drivers of Social Mobility in Sri Lanka.
U.A.D Jude P.U. Kumara
18. VALUES EDUCATION FOR A PURPOSEFUL LIFE.
Rev. Fr. Jayalath Balagalla Alfred Dias, OP
19. Youth Spirituality and Human Dignity in Buddhism and Catholicism.
Venerable Kalalgoda Sudarshika
20. The Integral Dignity of the Human Person in the Face of Current Adversities: Religion and Philosophy.
Ms. W. Vihangi Thathsarani Perera
21. The role of religious beliefs in shaping women’s empowerment and social transformation in the ‘Soragune’ area of Haputale, Sri Lanka.
H.P.W.S.Thilakarathna
