University of Peradeniya

University of Peradeniya
University of Peradeniya
Established	1942 University of Ceylon,; 1978 University of Peradeniya
Type	Public
Chancellor	Dr. Premadasa Udagama
Vice-Chancellor	Prof. S.B.S. Abayakoon
Students	6,600
Undergraduates	5,400
Postgraduates	1,200
Location	Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; 7°15′15″N 80°35′48″E / 7.25417°N 80.59667°ECoordinates: 7°15′15″N 80°35′48″E / 7.25417°N 80.59667°E
Campus	Suburban
Website	http://www.pdn.ac.lk

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Coordinates: 7°15′15″N 80°35′48″E / 7.25417°N 80.59667°E / 7.25417; 80.59667

The University of Peradeniya is the oldest university of Sri Lanka and a renowned state university, funded by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka.

1 Overview
2 History
3 Faculties
- 3.1 Field Specific Faculties
4 Post-graduate Institutes
5 MBA/MBM Program
6 Affiliated Centres
7 List of Chancellors
8 List of Vice-Chancellors
9 Campus life
- 9.1 Student Accommodations
10 Students Societies
- 10.1 Societies of Students Unions
- 10.2 Societies of Faculties
11 Notable alumni
12 See also
13 References
14 External links

[edit] Overview

The University of Peradeniya is located on a site of great natural beauty, Central Province of Sri Lanka, in Peradeniya, about 6 km from the historic capital of last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy and in close proximity of the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. It is the largest university in the island in terms of area, the premises covering about 7 square kilometres. It is known for its natural beauty and romantic landscape. The Mahaweli river flows across the campus in a northerly direction. The site also touches the lower slopes of the Hantana range which results in a mild climate, with the temperature usually fluctuating between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius. It is the country's only residential university and offers a wide variety of facilities and resources. The university consists of eight academic faculties. More than 1800 undergraduates enter the university annually, to make up an undergraduate student population of 6600, and the total number of postgraduate students registered is over 1200. Out of the total undergraduate student population, about 5100 are provided accommodation on and around campus. The University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1992.

[edit] History

The University of Peradeniya is the heir to former University of Ceylon, the first institution of its kind in the country. Its founding on 1st of July, 1942 as an autonomous corporation was the fulfillment of hopes and expectations of many who had been campaigning for a university in this country, prior to which had existed the University College, Colombo affiliated to the University of London. The University of Ceylon was established in Colombo on 1 July 1942 and on 6 October 1952 a new campuses in Peradeniya was created. In 1967, it was made a separate university with the name " University of Ceylon - Peradeniya" and it became the independent "University of Peradeniya" in 1979. Today, the university stands as a prominent educational institution in the country, catering to the needs of students from a variety of academic streams, ethnic groups and religions.

However, the history of the establishment of the University of Ceylon goes much beyond 1942. A few distinguished academics, administrators, politicians and public-spirited citizens of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), as well as some other eminent foreign academics and administrators with a genuine interest in the advancement of higher education in this country, had had to strive hard for well over half a century, to achieve the cherished goal of establishing the first university in the country. Therefore, the history of the University of Peradeniya would be incomplete if no mention is made of the pioneering efforts of the abovementioned persons in establishing this seat of higher learning.

[edit] Faculties

The university currently comprises seven academic faculties, serving approximately 6,600 undergraduate and 1,200 post-graduate students, mostly from Sri Lanka. About 5,100 of the total student population and staff are provided with accommodation on and around campus. The faculties and affiliated centres are as follows:

[edit] Field Specific Faculties

Through the woods

Faculty of Agriculture

The University of Ceylon was established in 1942 to train young persons in different academic fields which was needed for the development of country. However, the agriculture degree program was launched only 5 years after establishing the University. Initially the Faculty was started in a single building within the University with only four academic staff members.The faculty now harnesses more than hundred well qualified staff members having PhD's from prestigious institutes all over the world covering all the aspects of Agriculture and related fields. However, this is by far the best agriculture faculty in the island at present celebrating its 60th glorious birthday in year 2008.

The B.Sc. Agriculture degree program was further strengthened by providing field training in plantation management of three months duration, with the assistance of the Ministry of Plantation. The degree programme include dry zone agriculture training course in Mahailuppallama area as well. This course also include one month in plant training course which is very important to expose the undergraduates to industrial environment. During the advanced training program, undertaking a research project and submitting a report under the guidance of a member of staff in the faculty was made compulsory for all undergraduates in agriculture.

Until year 2006, the Faculty offered the 4 year degree programme of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Technology and Management. After careful assessment of the content of the degree programme, Faculty now offers two 4 year degree programs. Those are Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Technology and Management and Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology. Under these programmes, students have the freedom to specialise in a subject area that they prefer offered by the 8 Departments. In very near future the faculty will offer another unique degree programme on Animal Science considering the future requirement of highly skilled work force in the animal husbandry sector in Sri Lanka .

Faculty of Arts

One of the beautiful roads

Faculty of Arts
- Department of Archaeology
- Department of Arabic
- Department of Classical Language
- Department of Economics
- Department of English & French
- Department of Education
- Department of Fine Arts
- Department of Geography
- Department of History
- Department of Management
- Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies
- Department of Philosophy & Psychology
- Department of Political Science
- Department of Sinhala
- Department of Sociology
- Department of Tamil

Faculty of Dental Sciences
- Department of Basic Sciences
- Division of Pharmocology
- Department Oral Surgery/Cleft Care
- Department of Oral Medicine & Periodontology
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry
- Department of Oral Pathology
- Department of Restorative Dentistry
- Department of Community Dental Health

File:Efac.gif

Administration Building of the Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya is one of the three institutes offering full time engineering degrees in the island. Annual entrollment to the engineering faculty is about 420. The Faculty offers a full-time Undergraduate Courses leading to the degree of Bachelor of the Science of Engineering (B.Sc.Eng). This is of four years duration, the first year being common to all students and the rest devoted to specialisation in on of the branches of engineering. Fields of specialization are determined end of the first year based on students' choices. Preference is given based on each student's standing in the first year examination results. Coursework (laboratory, design and fieldwork) and industrial training form an essential part of the undergraduate course.

Until year 2000 traditional British university education system exsisted where students followed a strict pre-defined curriculum without exceptions. Each year students had to take five to eight courses spanning the entire year. For each of the four years classes (or classifications) were offered strictly based on the students' performance in the exams held at the year end, provided the stiudents had satisfactorily completed the practical assignments related to labotrary/field-activity classes. To get a first class the students were expected to maintain an overall average above 75% in the final examination - no grade point average is reported as found in the present education system. For second upper and lower classes the margines were 65% and 55%, respectively. If the a student scored above 45% he/she passed the academic year without a class, or else had to take the 'repeat-exam' held about three months later or the next year-end examination. However, students were allowed to continue to the next year without retaking classes. Final year examination determined the class (or classification) associated with the degree offered, best being first class. Stundents who elected to take two optional courses during the final year received honours degree - e.g. B.Sc.Eng second class (Hons). The examinations were considered difficult to pass as students were supplied with minimum course related material during the exam contrary to the mdodern examination system, where students are not expected to memorize all the formulae and complete derivations. Students were either allowed to select predefined number of questions to answer by ignoring additional questions provided or expected to answer all the questions. All the questions were written type and no multiple choice quesitons(MCQ) were produced. Usually students were expected to derive an equation or a formula from first principle in the first part of the question and then use that in the following parts. Usually the final part of the question was related to applcaitons of the theory that was under consideration.

Since year 2001 course unit system has been adopted in Peradeniya engineering faculty. This allows students to elect courses of their choice and courses are not expected to be taken in the pre-defined secquence unless a course has pre-requisites. Students have to undergo assessments throughout the year and still each year classes (or classifications) are determined but not based on students' grade point average.

In order to introduce the students to practical engineering problems there are programmes for industrial training during the long vacations. These have been drawn up in colloboration with the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), which finds the places in industry. With changes taking place in both university and industry these programmes require review from time to time.

The degree of Master of the Science of Engineering (MScEng) is awarded after one year of full-time graduate study. Postgraduate Courses in special subjects are conducted from time to time and these lead to a Diploma in Engineering. The higher degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are awarded on the basis of dissertations.

In spite of having to contend with many difficulties similar to those experienced by the universities of other developing countries, the Faculty provides and academic environment of the highest quality and has maintained a gratifying record of teaching, research, and public service, the traditional functions of institutions of higher education. Research done in the Faculty have been published at home and abroad, while its consultancy and laboratory services have been provided over the years to private and public sector establishments in the country.

The Golden Jubilee of the Faculty of Engineering was celebrated grandly in July 2000 with a Jubilee Congress and mega exhibition.

Engineering Student Union - Arunella

ESU is the official students' union in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. It is also responsible for providing a variety of services to students. Students can get involved in its management through numerous and varied committees, general meetings, or become one of its elected officers.
The ESU represents students both within the university and outside, including on local and national issues as well as issues in the faculty and in the university. They are also involved in welfare affairs of the student body.
ESU has understood the social responsibility they have as a group of undergraduates. 'Arunella' plays a major role in the social and charity works done for the community all around the country who paid for their free education.

Faculty of Medicine
- Department of Anatomy
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Parasitology
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Forensic Medicine
- Department of Community Medicine
- Department of Anaesthesiology
- Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Paediatrics
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Faculty of Science

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
- Department of Farm Animal Health and Production

Faculty of Allied Health Science
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Department of Nursing
- Department of Physiotherapy
- Department of Pharmacy
- Department of Radiography and Radiotherapy

[edit] Post-graduate Institutes

[edit] MBA/MBM Program

In 1998 the University of Peradeniya started its MBA (Master of Business Administration) program. Over 900 students have enrolled in the University’s MBA program during the last 10 years and only less than 100 students have passed out with an MBA so far. To become eligible for an MBA, students are required to complete 16 subjects based on course work followed by submission of a Research Project. Alternatively, students may graduate with an MBM (Master of Business Management) after successful completion of 16 subjects based on course work with an acceptable GPA.

[edit] Affiliated Centres

Agricultural Biotechnology Centre
Agribusiness Centre
Centre for Distance & Continuing Education
Centre for Environmental Studies
Centre for Regional Tropical Medicine
Centre for Research and Buddhist Studies
Centre for the Study of Human Rights
Engineering Design Centre
Institute for the Study of English
Internet and Communication Services Unit
Information Technology Centre
Staff Development Centre

[edit] List of Chancellors

University of Ceylon & University of Sri Lanka^[1]

Sir Andrew Caldecott (1942 - 44)
Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore (1944 - 49)
Lord Soulbury (1949-54)
Sir Oliver Goonetilleke (1954-62)
William Gopallawa (1962-78)

University of Peradeniya

J.R. Jayewardene (1978 - 1979)
Victor Tennekoon (1979 - 1984)
T.B. Panabokke (Feb. 1, 1984- 1989)
Frederick E De Silva (1990 -1993)
Prof Ediriweera Sarachchandra (1993 to 1996)
Prof R.G. Panabokke (1999 to 2002)
Deshamanya R.K.W. Gunesekera (2002 to 2005)
Dr Premadasa Udagama (2005 to date)

[edit] List of Vice-Chancellors

University of Ceylon

Prof. Sir Ivor Jennings (1942-1954)
Prof. Sir Nicholas Attygalle (1954-1966)

University of Ceylon, Peradeniya

S.J. Walpita, CCS (1966-1968)
M.J. Perera, CAS (1968-1969)
Prof. E.O.E. Pereira (1969-1971)

University of Sri Lanka

Prof. B.A. Abeywickrema (1972-1974)
Mr. L.H. Sumanadasa (1974)
Prof. P.P.G.L. Siriwardena (1974-1978)

University of Peradeniya

Prof. B.L. Panditharatne (1978-1984)
Prof. M.A. Fernando (1984-1985)
Prof. R.G. Panabokke (1985-1988)
Prof. A.P.R. Aluwihare (1988-1989)
Prof. C. L. V. Jayathilake (1989-1991)
Prof. J.M. Gunadasa (1991-1994)
Prof. C.M. Madduma Bandara (1994-1997)
Prof R.A.L.H. Gunawardana (1997-2000)
Prof K.G.A. Goonasekara
Prof H. Abeygunawardane
Prof. S.B.S. Abayakoon

[edit] Campus life

Peradeniya University is the only residential university in the country. It offers a range of community activities to complement the academic activities. Although being just 2 minutes from the Peradeniya town and 30 minutes from the Kandy city, most facilities are available within the campus itself.

Fifteen halls of residence, a health center, places of worship along with activities ranging from sports to culture with a large number of societies catering to the interests of the different cross sections of the university makes Peradeniya to be the most attractive university in the country among students as well as aspirants to the university and the staff.

The University community participates in a wide range of activities in the areas of welfare, culture and religion. These activities comprise an important component of the university life. While many of these activities are organized by student associations there are also others that have wider participation and arranged by the academic staff and other members of the university community. The activities organized by student societies are generally administered by the Student Services Branch of the University.

[edit] Student Accommodations

The University policy on student accommodation is administered by the Student Services Branch in accordance with the rules and regulations formulated by the University. The University provides residential facilities to most of the students. There are fifteen Halls of Residence and four Bhikku Hostels in the Campus in in which accommodation is provided for more than 3,000 students. In addition, the hostel at the Agriculture Sub-Campus at Mahailuppallama provides accommodation to the first year agriculture students following practical classes there for a period of six months. This Sub-Campus is located about 130 km north of Peradeniya.

On the Campus at Peradeniya, Part-time Wardens from the academic staff are appointed by the University to be in charge of the organization and maintenance of discipline in the halls of residence. They are assisted by permanent Sub-Wardens and Part-time Academic Sub-Wardens.

The Halls of Residence consist of study-bedrooms which are shared by the students. As far as possible students of different Faculties are mixed in a given hall of residence. A nominal fee per term is charged for room and electricity. An additional fee per month is charged from students using their own electrical appliances such as irons, radios etc. Meals are available at hall canteens and the cafeterias located in the University where food is provided by private caterers at prices fixed by the University.

The Halls of Residence as follows,

Gents

- James Peiris Hall
- Arunachalam Hall
- Akbar - Nell Hall
- Marrs Hall
- Marcus Fernando Hall
- Sarasavi Uyana Hall
- Jayatilake Hall
- Hindagala Hall
- New Akbar Hall
- Sir Ivor jennings Hall

Ladies
- Hilda Obeyesekara Hall
- Wijewardena Hall
- Ramanathan Hall
- Sangamitta Hall

Bhikkus
- Sangaramaya
- Kehelpannala Hall

[edit] Students Societies

[edit] Societies of Students Unions

There are a large number of campus societies and inter-faculty which cater to the wide range of interests of the campus community. The most superior and the responsible society for all the students in the university is the Peradeniya Students Union (PSU), which plays the dominant role in student life. Other societies are,

Student Unions
- Peradeniya Student Union (PSU)
- Science Students Union(SSU)
- Agriculture Faculty Students Union (AFSU)
- Dental Faculty Students Union (DFCU)
- Engineering Students Union (ESU)
- Medical faculty student union (MFSU)

[edit] Societies of Faculties

There are several types of societies and clubs are held by the faculty wise. The main vision of these are to improve the skills and competencies of the university students during their academic free times.

Societies in Agriculture Faculty
- Buddhist Brotherhood faculty of Agriculture

Student and staff community in Peradeniya University includes the number of different ethnic groups and religions. Harmony among these religious and ethnic groups is essential for the smooth functioning of the University. This has been well recognized even at the time of planning of the University. Our university has Buddhist temple, Hindu temple, Mosque and a Church. However, interest on religion among students was more evident in certain years than the other years, perhaps could be associated with social, political and economical reasons. University Buddhist society and the Buddhist society in Faculty of Agriculture were also active in certain years than others. By the time of 1987, Buddhist Society in Faculty of Agriculture was almost dormant, and no significant activities was organized. In 1990, university was re-opened after a long vacation and administrators paid more attention to form religious societies. At this point, students also felt the need of religious society. In 1990, Buddhist society in Faculty of Agriculture was formed and registered under the name “Buddhist brotherhood”. Renewal of registration as required by university administer was not continued due to many reasons. In 2005, an active group of students were involved and renewed the registration and the society became active again at the Faculty and the University level.

- University Explorers Club
- Society of Information Technology
- Society of Horticulture
- Chess Club
- Society of Animal Science
- Photographic Club
- Agricultural Engineering Students Society
- Agriculture Faculty Social Science Society
- Society of Forestry
- Food Science and Technology Society
- Management Science Society (AgMag)
- English Literary Association (AFELA)
- "Prabudha Kala Kawaya" Sinhala Literary Association

Societies in Faculty of Science
- Operation Research (SOR group)
- Art Circle
- Buddhist Brotherhood Faculty of Science
- Botanical Society
- Chemical Society
- Computer Society University of Peradeniya (CSUP)
- Mathematics Society
- Photographic Society
- Physical Society
- Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya
- Science Library Club
- University Geological Society
- Hantana Conservation Society
- Tamil Sangeetha Natya Sangam
- Tamil Society
- Hindu Society
- Zoologists' Association

Cultural Societies
- English Drama Society
- Sinhala Sangamaya
- Sinhala Natya Mandalaya
- Film Society (FilmSoc)
- Tamil Sangeetha Natya Sangam
- Gandarwa Sabhawa
- Tamil Society
- Muslim Majlis^[2]^[3]

Religious Societies
- Buddhist Brotherhood
- University Buddhist Society
- Helahanda Students' Union
- Hindu Students' Union
- Muslim Majlis^[2]^[3]
- Newman Society (for Roman Catholics)
- Student Christian Movement

Societies in the Engineering Faculty
- Association of Computer Engineering Students (ACES)
- Civil Engineers Society (CES)
- Chemical Engineering Students Society (ChESS)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineers Society (EEES)
- Engineering Faculty Art Circle
- Engineering Faculty Buddhist Brotherhood
- Mechanical Engineers Society (MES)
- Production Engineering Students Society (PESS)
- Power and Highvoltage Engineers Society (PHES)
- Buddhist Brotherhood Society Faculty of Engineering

[edit] Notable alumni

Hon. W. J. M. Lokubandara - Present speaker of the parliament
Dr Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Sri Lanka's premier playwright.
Malik Peiris, Discoverer of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus
Prof. Prof. S. "SAM" Karunaratne - Former Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa, current Chancellor of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.
Prof. Kusuma Karunaratne, The first female Professor of Sinhala Language
Prof. J B Disanayake, Head of the Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo.
Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, former Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations
Dr. Indira V. Samarasekara-President of the University of Alberta, Canada
Prof. Sarath Amunugama-Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] External links

[0] University Calendar

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