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UNIVERSITY


Overview

The University of Peradeniya hosts eight faculties (including the newly added Allied Health Science faculty), two Postgraduate Institutes, 10 Centres, 73 departments, and teaches about 11,000 students in the fields of Medicine, Agriculture, Arts, Science, Engineering, Dental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and Allied Health Science.It claims to the largest government endowment by a higher educational instiution in Sri Lanka, based on its large staff and faculties/departments.

Location

Located in a site that touches the lower slopes of the lush mountains of Hanthana, University of Peradeniya is famous for its natural beauty. Its picturesqueness has inspired many intellectuals like Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Sri Lanka's premium playwright.University of Peradeniya is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, eight kilometres from the sacred city of Kandy - the historic capital of the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, and about 110 kilometres from Colombo. A tourist attraction, Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is located closed by. The university spans over an area of nearly 700 hectares in the Mahaweli flood plain. Most of the area remains afforested. Climate around the university is mild, and the temperature fluctuates between 18 to 30 degrees Celsius.
The main entrance to the university is through Galaha road. The Faculty of Engineering is located on one side of the Mahaweli River and all other faculties on the other side. The Akbar bridge links the two banks of the river. Considered as a marvel of civil engineering, it was designed by late Prof. A. Thurairajah (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, 1975–77 and 1982–85) and built by the 1st batch of the faculty, in the year of its inception. The nearest railway station is Sarasavi Uyana which is located on campus. Another bridge known as Yaka Paalama links the railway to the other bank. Daily shuttle bus services operate from Kandy to Galaha junction and Kandy to the university.
A separate subcampus was established in 1968 at Mahailuppallama, North Central province for the Faculty of Agriculture. Separate residential facilities are provided to this sub campus.

History

Early Beginnings

The proposal for the establishment of University of Ceylon, the first university of Sri Lanka, which also was the predecessor of University of Peradeniya, goes back to 1884. But no progress was seen until the formation of Ceylon University Association in 1906 under the guidance of Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam. Its request for a European style university in Sri Lanka was partially granted by the British rulers with the formation of Ceylon University College on 1 January 1921.
The University Council, through which the administration of the Ceylon University College was done, appointed committees to plan the academic activities of a future university. For the location it made suggestions to locate the university in Bullers Road (now Bauddhaloka Mawatha) in Colombo, but it was disputed by the politicians. To resolve the controversy, the then Governor Hugh Clifford appointed a committee headed by Justice M.T. Akbar on 20 December 1926. It suggested that the proposed university should be unitary, residential and has to be established outside Colombo. Another committee was appointed in 1928 with Sir Walter Buchanan-Riddel as Chairman. It proposed a site located at Aruppola, in the Dumbara Valley close to Kandy. At this stage Dr. S.C. Paul and Andreas Nell pointed out disadvantages in the site and proposed a larger site at Peradeniya. In 1938 the government acquired the site and developed an area about 150 hectares (out of 700 hectares) to create the University Park.
Although the site was acquired, no plans were made to establish the university until 1941. It was with the arrival of Sir Ivor Jennings as the 2nd principal of the Ceylon University College, that plans to establish the university were put into effect. He stressed the urgent need to move the university to Peradeniya, to the Minister of Education C. W. W. Kannangara and took the initiative in the process. Thus he is still considered as the forefather of the University of Peradeniya.

1942 to 1952

In 1942, the University of Ceylon was created as the first unitary, residential and autonomous university in Sri Lanka with its seat in Peradeniya, amalgamating Ceylon University College and the Medical College into a single unit with 55 academic staff members, 904 students in four Faculties.But due to World War II, it was only in 1946, the construction of buildings could be commenced. Until then, the lectures and laboratory classes were conducted in the buildings obtained from the Ceylon University College and the Ceylon Medical College in Colombo. Two consultants, Sir Patrick Abercrombie and Clifford Holliday did the planning and layout of the university complex. The first phase of work constituted only the development of the left bank. The building of a bridge across the Mahaweli River, later known as the Akbar bridge, was planned by Prof. A Thurairajah. Transfer of the first batch of students, students from the Departments of Law and Agriculture and the third and fourth year students of the Department of Veterinary Science, from Colombo to Peradeniya took place in 1949. Another major move took place in 1952, with the transfer of staff and students of the Faculties of Arts and Oriental Studies, together with the Main Library and the University Administration. This movement on 6 October 1952 marks the official establishment of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. At the initial stages, Vice Chancellor Jennings wanted to model the university as British universities, but met with the resistance of students who opposed the changes.

1952 to 1972


A bridge inside the university.
Although the buildings at Peradeniya was established in 1952, the official ceremony for its inception was held in 20 April 1954, with the participation of Queen Elizabeth II. The reason for its delay was the Sri Lankan government who were keen to postpone the ceremony until Queen Elizabeth II could participate in the event, whose visit was delayed by the death of King George VI. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh also participated in the event. He declaring the university opened stated:
“ You have remarked Mr. Chancellor, that it is not easy to open a university, because once established it is always open. However, like the shopkeepers of London during the bombing, I can declare this place to be "more open than usual..." ”
Sections of the University of Ceylon, functioned in Colombo and Peradeniya acted as campuses of the same university until 1967. But in 1967, these campuses were split into two. The section located in Peradeniya was known as the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, while the section located in Colombo was known as University of Ceylon, Colombo.

1972 to 1978


The elegance of the University in spring, the Senate building.
By the University Act No.1 of 1972, four universities functioned at that time; Peradeniya, Colombo, Vidyodaya and Vidyalankara and the Ceylon College of Technology, Katubedda, Moratuwa became five constituent campuses of a single university structure - the University of Sri Lanka. It had one vice chancellor and five presidents for five campuses. Under this designation, University of Ceylon - Peradeniya became the University of Sri Lanka - Peradeniya Campus. But this designation prevailed only until 1978.

1978 to the present

Under the Universities Act No. 16, 1978, the University of Sri Lanka had been split into six independent, autonomous universities as University of Peradeniya, University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, University of Moratuwa and University of Jaffna.This Act brought back some of the central features of the Ceylon University Ordinance of 1942 such as the Senates, the Councils and Courts.

Governance and Administration

The University of Peradeniya operates under the provisions of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 and the Universities (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 1985. It is a state university and the undergraduate study is 100% free. Therefore it depends on the government for much of its annual grant, which is provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Due to this its administration is heavily influenced by the UGC. The University's administration is based upon that of the former University of Ceylon consisting of a dual structure of bodies: the Council (formally known as the University Court which is the governing body) and the Academic Senate (academic affairs)

Officers of the university


Sarachchandra open air theatre of University of Peradeniya, a well known historical theatre and the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It was built according to the architectural style of ancient Greek theatres. Named in memory of Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Sri Lanka's premium playwright.
Chancellor
Chancellor is the head of the university, and is responsible for awarding all the academic degrees. Usually the Chancellor is a distinguished person in an academic disciplene. Otherwise it is a clergy or a distinguished person in the civil society. Appointment is done by the head of the state, the President of Sri Lanka. The position is mainly ceremonial and duties are usually carried out by the vice chancellor. The current chancellor of the University is Dr. Premadasa Udagama.
Vice Chancellor
The Vice chancellor is de facto the principal academic and administrative officer of the university, responsible for the management tasks. This appointment is also done by the President of Sri Lanka. The current vice chancellor of the University of Peradeniya is Prof. S. B. S. Abayakoon, the previous dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
Deans of Faculties
Deans are the heads of the faculties. They are responsible for the management and the tasks carried out by the faculty. Deans are appointed by the chancellor for a time period of three years.

Faculties and institutions

Main article: Faculties and institutions of University of Peradeniya

A traditional lion statue in front of the senate building of the university
Founding of the Faculties of the University of Peradeniya
Faculty Year founded
Faculty of Arts 1942
Faculty of Medicine 1966
Faculty of Science 1961
Faculty of Dental Sciences 1943
Faculty of Agriculture 1947
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science 1947
Faculty of Engineering 1950
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences 2005
The university has eight academic faculties of study. These faculties contain 72 departments in total. In addition, the university has two postgraduate institutions and six affiliated centres. At the beginning, it had only three present day faculties, namely; the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science. Departments of Law and Oriental Studies also functioned separately. Since then, five other faculties have been added. The latest addition is the Faculty of Allied Health Science which was established in 2005.
Post-graduate Institute of Science (PGIS) and Post-graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) are the two postgraduate institutions established in the university. PGIS is a national institute established by the Ministry of Higher Education, Sri Lanka in 1996. PGIA was established in 1975 and offeres three postgraduate degrees in total. In addition to these institutions, Senerath Paranavitana Teaching and Research Museum functions affiliated to the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts.[14] It was established in 1960.

Library network

Main article: University of Peradeniya library
University of Peradeniya library is a centrally-administered network of libraries in University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. It is considered the oldest academic library in Sri Lanka. Containing 430,000 plus items, it is one of the largest libraries serving the country today. Seven branches of the library are established in faculties in the main campus at Peradeniya, and one other branch in Mahailuppallama sub campus. University of Peradeniya library also contains a legal deposit collection of 300,000 items, special collection of 15,000+ items acquired from various individuals, palm-leaf manuscript collection of approximately 5,000 (second largest palm-leaf manuscript collection in Sri Lanka) and a microfilm collection of 17,000. Furthermore, it owns the largest historical map collection in Sri Lanka.

List of Chancellors and Vice Chancellors

  • University of Peradeniya
    • Prof. B.L. Panditharatne (1978–84)
    • Prof. M.A. Fernando (1984–85)
    • Prof. R.G. Panabokke (1985–88)
    • Prof. A.P.R. Aluwihare (1988–89)
    • Prof. C.L.V. Jayathilake (1989–91)
    • Prof. J.M. Gunadasa (1991–94)
    • Prof. C.M. Madduma Bandara (1994–97)
    • Prof. R.A.L.H. Gunawardana (1997-00)
    • Prof. K.G.A. Goonasekara (2000–06)
    • Prof. Harishchandra Abeygunawardena (2006–09)
    • Prof. S. B. S. Abayakoon (2009-12)
    • Prof. A. Senaratne (2012-)

Student life

Student organizations

Students at the University of Peradeniya run over 100 clubs and organizations. These include cultural and religious groups, academic clubs and common-interest organizations. The Peradeniya Students' Union (PSU) is considered the highest body which represents all internal students of the university.Separate student unions operate in each faculty. These student societies include:
  • Agriculture Students Union (AgSU)
  • Arts Students Union (ASU)
  • Engineering Students Union (ESU)
  • Dental Faculty Students Union (DFCU)
  • Medical Students Union (MSU)
  • Societies in the Faculty of Engineering
    • 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)
  • Societies in the Faculty of Science
    • Art Circle
    • Buddhist Brotherhood Faculty of Science
    • Botanical Society
    • Chemical Society
    • Computer Society University of Peradeniya (CSUP)
    • Hantana Conservation Society
    • Hindu Society
    • Mathematics Society
    • Photographic Society
    • Physical Society
    • Science Library Club
    • Tamil Sangeetha Natya Sangam
    • Tamil Society
    • University Explorers Club
    • University Geological Society
    • Zoologists' Association
  • Cultural Societies
    • Ceylon University Dramatic Society (DramSoc)
    • English Literary Association (ELA)
    • Film Society (FilmSoc)
    • Gandarwa Sabhawa
    • Sinhala Natya Mandalaya
    • Sinhala Sangamaya
    • Tamil Sangeetha Natya Sangam
    • Tamil Society
  • Religious Societies
    • Buddhist Brotherhood
    • Hindu Students' Union
    • Newman Society (for Roman Catholics)
    • Student Christian Movement
    • University Buddhist Society
    • University Muslim Majlis
  • Other Societies
    • Arunachalum-Hall Alumni Association
    • MIDI Group
    • Rotaract Club
    • Sports Council
    • Student Meditation Society
    • University Explorers' Club
    • University Gavel Club

Sports

Sports activities in the university are conducted by the Department of Physical Education. University of Peradeniya has 30 athletics teams up-to date. Sports facilities include a well equipped gymnasium; which is one of the largest multi-purpose outstation stadiums in Sri Lanka, a 50m swimming pool and separate stadiums for cricket, rugby, football, hockey, tennis, track and field and elle.

Residential facilities


Gal Bangalawa of University of Peradeniya.
The University of Peradeniya is the only residential university in Sri Lanka. It provides residential facilities to most of its undergraduate students, all its academic staff members and guests. Three guest houses, Gal Bangalawa, Upper Hantana Guest House and Lady Hill which formerly was a tourist hotel come under University of Peradeniya administration. Residential halls for undergraduate students:
  • Gents
    • Arunachalam Hall
    • Akbar Hall
    • Andreas Nell Hall
    • James Peris Hall
    • Hilda Obeyesekara Hall
    • Hindagala Hall
    • Jayatilake Hall
    • Mahailuppallama Gents Hostel
    • Marcus Fernando Hall
    • Marrs Hall
    • New Akbar Hall
    • Sarasavi Uyana Hall
    • Senaka Bibile Hall
    • Sir Ivor Jennings Hall
  • Ladies
    • A/7 Women's Hostel
    • Mahailuppallama Ladies Hostel
    • Ramanathan Hall
    • Sangamitta Hall
    • Wijewardena Hall
  • Bhikkus
    • A/4 Bhikku Hostel
    • A/5 Bhikku Hostel
    • Kehelpannala Hall
    • Sangaramaya

International collaborations

The university has developed international relationships since its earliest days. Student exchange programs, collaborative research, split postgraduate programs, international seminars, conferences and short courses are being carried out with these global partners via the Directorate of Research and International Affairs of the university. This was established as a separate institution in 2006.UoP has initiated cooperation programs with foreign governments and institutions

                                                                                               details by wikipedia




HISTORY
   
The Dental School was established as the Department of Dental Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ceylon, Colombo in 1943. Due to lack of space fir expansion, it was moved to Augosta Hill, Peradeniya in 1954. However, the pre-clinical subjects continued to be taught at the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo.
With the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at Peradeniya in 1961, the Dental School became a Department of the Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya, and the BDS Degree was awarded by the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya.
In 1974, under the University Act, the Medical, Dental and Veterinary Schools were amalgamated into the Faculty of Medical, Dental & Veterinary Sciences of the Peradeniya Campus, University of Sri Lanka, With aChairman in each School. The Chairman of the Medical School was also the Dean of the Faculty.
In 1974, under the University Act, the Medical, Dental and Veterinary Schools were amalgamated into the Faculty of Medical, Dental & Veterinary Sciences of the Peradeniya Campus, University of Sri Lanka, With aChairman in each School. The Chairman of the Medical School was also the Dean of the Faculty.
The promulgation of the University Act. No. 1 of 1972 gave University status to each of the existing Campuses. The Dental School still remained as aDepartment of Faculty of Medical, Dental & Veterinary Sciences of the University of Peradeniya. In 1980, the Dental School was departmentalized into 5 departments, and in October 1986 it achieved Faculty status.
In 1990, the Faculty of Dental Sciences expanded into 6 Departments of Study, namely, Department of Community Dental Health, Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, Prosthetic Dentistry, and Restorative Dentistry. A new department of Basic Sciences was created in 1997. Although there are a number of Faculties of Medicine in the country, this is the only Faculty of Dental Sciences in Sri Lanka.
With the recent advances in dentistry, the need for a modern Faculty of Dental Sciences to train dental undergraduates was considered a necessity and in October 1996 the foundation stone for the new Faculty of Dental Sciences and the Teaching Hospital was laid adjacent to the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya.
This development project was an outright grant from the Japanese Government to the Government of Sri Lanka, wich symbolizes the close friendship between the two countries. This grant included the construction of physical facilities and provision of modern equipment needed for teaching, patient care, student facilities and research. The total value of this project was 1200 million rupees. The new Faculty of Dental Sciences and the Teaching Hospital were opend on the 12th of june 1998. This is now considered as one of the best Faculties of dental sciences in the South East Asia.
 
 
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