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Faculty of Science

University of Peradeniya

Faculty of Science

University of Peradeniya

News & Events

Recent News and Events

Commemoration Ceremony

The Department of Physics at the University of Peradeniya is holding a commemoration ceremony for the Late Dr. Buddhika Dassanayake on 28 March 2024.

The event will commence at 2.00pm in the P-1 Lecture Theater of the Physics New Building, 2nd level.

Live-streaming links and other information will become available (later) on:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZchZp2VH_o4rCXcxh0euJMWYpUNOnr86cbaKpY2ANvE/edit?usp=sharing

First-Aid Training Programme

Organised by
Faculty Safety Committee, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya

In a proactive move towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its academic community, the Faculty of Science at the University of Peradeniya recently organized a comprehensive First-Aid Training Program in collaboration with the renowned St. John Ambulance Association & Brigade in Sri Lanka. The program was conducted on the 20th and 21st of January 2024 at the faculty premises. Five safety officers and twenty-six selected students from the S21 batch attended the program.

The primary objective of the programme was to equip faculty members and students with essential First-aid skills, fostering a culture of preparedness and quick response to emergencies.

The training program covered a tailored curriculum, addressing the specific needs and potential risks within a scientific and academic context.

Eminent Women Scientist Award - 2023

Prof. G.A.D. Perera, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, has been awarded the "Eminent Women Scientist Award - 2023". This award has been awarded on the recommendation of the Academic Council of the CSER ( Center for Social and Environmental Research, India. She was the first Sri Lankan scientist honored by the CSER, India by this award, and was the first invited speaker from Sri Lanka for this conference".

Engineering Geology Research Team of the Department of Geology Recognized as the Center for Excellence in Landslide Research

The Engineering Geology Research Team of the Department of Geology led by Dr. Jagath Gunatilake has received the recognition of the Center for Excellence in Landslide Research at the 16th World Landslide Forum in Florence, Italy, held from November 14 to 17, 2023.

REGREEN HANTHANA: RESTORATION OF DEGRADED LANDS IN HANTANA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA

Phase 2: 11th of November 2023

Celebrating the milestone of the "Regreen Hantana: Restoration of Degraded Lands in Hantana Environmental Protection Area (HEPA)", a seedling transplantation event took place on the 11th of November 2023, at the restoration site near the Animal Science farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, UoP at Uda-Peradeniya with the participation of over 350 volunteers. This initiative is spearheaded by the Faculty of Science and the Centre for Environment Sustainability, University of Peradeniya in partnership with the Commercial Bank, Forest Department, and the Local Community.

During the project's second phase in 2023, the University of Peradeniya partnered with Commercial Bank, offering financial support and logistical assistance through ‘Thuru Piri Ratak’. A total of 1700 native seedlings, including Etamba (Mangifera zeylanica), Kahata (Careya arborea), Mee (Madhuca longifolia), Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna), Domba (Calophyllum inophyllum), Karanda (Pongamia pinnata), Madan (Syzygium cumini), Wal Del (Artocarpus nobilis), Kudu Dawula (Neolitsea cassia), Kitul (Caryota urens), Kenda (Macaranga sp.) and Nuga (Ficus spp.), were planted across 1.5 hectares of degraded lands owned by the University of Peradeniya.

An awareness session was conducted at the outset of the event to emphasize the significance of 'Restoring the degraded lands for enhancement of ecosystem services', 'Role of next generation in conserving forest resources' and 'Multistakeholder partnership for restoration projects' by Prof. M.D. Lamawansha (Vice-chancellor, UoP), Mr. Saneth Jayasundara (Senior Regional Manager (Central), Prof. R.G.S.C. Rajapakse (Dean, Faculty of Science, UoP), Prof. Tilak Hewawasam (Director, Centre for Environmental Sustainability), Mr. Sumudu Gunawardena (Chief Information Officer, Commercial Bank), Mr. U.G.R. Pushpakumara (Former Grama Niladhari, Palle Peradeniya Division) and Prof. Thilanka Gunaratne (Team Leader, Regreen Hanatana Project).

Prof. Ravi Kuruppuge (Deputy Vice Chancellor), Prof. Sumudu Rubasinghe (Head, Department of Botany), Dr. Nalin Suranjith (Deputy Director, Centre for Environmental Sustainability), Mr. Thusitha Suraweera (Assistant General Manager-Operations, Commercial Bank), Ms. Kelum Amarasinghe (Assistant General Manager – Compliance, Commercial Bank), Mr. Janaka Samarajeewa (Senior Manager, Commercial Bank), Mr. R.D.S.C. Chandrasiri and Mr. D.M.R. Dissanayake (Forest Department, Kandy), Mr. U.G.R. Pushpakumara (Former Grama Niladhari, Palle Peradeniya Division) along with 16 University Staff Members, 150 Commercial Bank Officers, 150 University Undergraduates and 25 Community Volunteers participated for this green event.

Continuous site maintenance and monitoring will play a pivotal role in enhancing ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity, soil protection, and the safeguarding of water catchments within the HEPA. The project highlights that a multistakeholder partnership involving the government, private sector, and the local community can pave the way to achieve sustainable development goals in the future.

Photo credits: , Bathiya Gopallawa and Kumudu Wijesooriya

Industry Day 2023 – Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya

The Science-Industry Interaction Cell (SIIC), the main industry outreach arm of the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya together with the Career Guidance Unit (CGU), Faculty of Science, Society of Industrial Relations and Entrepreneurship Development (SIRED), and Applied Sciences Society co-organized the “Industry Day 2023”, the annual career fair for the 11th consecutive time on 22nd September 2023 at the Faculty of Science premises, providing a common platform for representatives from private sector industries to meet with Science Faculty students and recent graduates seeking internship and employment opportunities in a variety of fields. The event was sponsored by 14 companies including the main sponsor Kelun Lifesciences (Pvt) Ltd, Celogen Lanka and Diyatha Pharmaceuticals.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, the Dean, Faculty of Science, the Director of National Institute of Fundamental Studies, the Director of the Career Guidance Unit, the Director of Business Linkage, Innovation, Incubation and Technology Transfer Office, University of Peradeniya, the Director of Science-Industry Interaction Cell (SIIC), academic staff members of Faculty of Science, invitees from 14 companies including the Managing Director, Kelun Lifesciences (Pvt) Ltd, Celogen Lanka and Diyatha Pharmaceuticals, Managers - Talent Acquisition & Development, Ceylon Biscuits Limited and MAS Holdings, and the students. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, the Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The interview sessions provided a platform for the representatives (~ 65) from 11 companies (i.e., Kelun Life Sciences, Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), MAS Holdings, Hemas Consumer Brands, Octave - John Keels Holdings PLC, Sumathi IT Holdings, SimCentric Technologies, Unilever Sri Lanka, Eyepax IT, H One Dialog, Haycarb, Emjay International) to interview more than 370 students/recent graduates and shortlist potential candidates for a second round of interviews and recruit for internships and permanent positions. Also, the interview sessions allowed students to learn more about specific career paths and gain experience in facing interviews.

In addition, SIIC and CGU organized Pre-Industry Day Workshops before the interviews to facilitate the students to sharpen their skills, gain insights from industry experts on CV writing, interview facing and personal branding.

1st Pre-conference Workshop for the RESCON23

"Current Trends in Photo-Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Materials, Devices, and Applications"

An international team will visit the PGIS and conduct this hybrid workshop on 6th October.

The full-day workshop has two enrolment options.

  • 1. In-person, at the PGIS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. (Lunch and tea provided, limited seats)
  • 2. Online

We only charge a nominal registration fee of LKR 1000 (USD 3.10), from all participants.