NEWS A QUARTERLY UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA Volume 06 No. 03 ISSN 2012-5356 July to September 2014

Peradeniya University International Research Sessions PURSE (iPURSE) Peradeniya University Pali Day Conference 2014 CDCE CONVOCATION The Peradeniya Economics PERS Research Symposium Workshops/ Training Programmes/ Conferences Sports News

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Photography By: Champika Bandara www.pdn.ac.lk AdministrativeBeauty Building- of MaoyaFaculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya STATISTICS & INFORMATION DIVISION, SENATE HOUSE, UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA, PERADENIYA. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I April to June 2014 I Page 02

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Latest Issueus Volume 06 No.02 UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 03

Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE) were held on 4th and 5th July 2014 at the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya. Professor Deepthi Yakandawala, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, functioned as the Chairperson of iPURSE 2014 Organizing Committee. The Annual research sessions were held for the 18th consecutive year and this year's research sessions were opened to participants and contributors from other academic and research organizations and industry within and outside . The sessions covered ten broad research themes, Climate & Environment; Natural Sciences; Plant Sciences & Forestry; Health & Hygiene; Economics & Management; IT, Mathematics & Statistics; Social Sciences & Humanities; Food, Nutrition & Livestock; Engineering, Built Environment & Earth Sciences and Education. iPURSE 2014 provided a forum for 722 presentations of which 557 were oral presentations that were organized into eighteen parallel sessions, 70% of which came from the research conducted by the researchers of the University of Peradeniya. PURSE Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE)

Twenty-five overseas delegates from Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Japan, and the United States of America participated at iPURSE. The participants that represented wider disciplines and professional backgrounds were enriched by the exchange of novel discoveries and innovations. iPURSE also provided an opportunity to build up partnerships and collaborations to advance research.

Professor James Hanken, Professor of Zoology and Director of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, USA, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the inaugural session held on 4th July. The Guest Speaker for the session was Prof. Gehan Amaratunga, the Group Leader of the Electronics, Power and Energy Conversion Research Group, Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, United Kingdom and the Chief of Research & Innovation, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) who delivered an insightful speech on "Nanomaterials for Energy".

Mr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, Founder of the Wildlife Heritage Trust, Sri Lanka and Dr. D.S.P. Kuruppuarachchi, FAO, Sri Lanka delivered keynote addresses. In addition, ten Invited Speakers also delivered speeches at the technical sessions. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 04

Workshop on Workshop on Fortieth Anniversary Celebrations “Personality Development for Drivers” “Feel the Pulse of the Others” of the 1974 Batch of the Faculty of Science The Staff Development Centre The Staff Development Centre organized a workshop on “Feel the o r g a n i z e d a w o r k s h o p o n The 1974 batch of the Faculty of Pulse of the Others” for nursing staff of “Personality Development” for Science recently celebrated their 40th the University. This workshop was on drivers of the University of anniversary of entering the Faculty of th personality development through Peradeniya on 20 of July 2014 from Science, University of Peradeniya. effective communication skills. The 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Upper They were an exemplary batch and th workshop was held on 19 of July2014 Hantana Training Centre, University have excelled in many unconventional at the Faculty of Dental Sciences from of Peradeniya. Twenty six drivers fields. Students from 23 districts out of 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Thirty four from different Faculties, Centres, 25 formed the batch of 175 students, participants from the Faculty of Dental Administration and Ser vices thus giving the opportunity to all Sciences and the Health Centre Departments participated at the ethnic and religious groups to mix attended the workshop. Prof. Deepthi w o r k s h o p . D r . C h a l i n d a together. Bandara, Dr. Chalinda Beneragama and B e n e r a g a m a , D i re c t o r / St a f f Dr. Ruwan Jayasinghe served as Development Centre and Mr. Science batch of 1974 has pledged to resource persons. Nishantha Jayasooriya, Works support the Faculty in upgrading Engineer/Works Department served s o m e o f t h e c o m m o n as resource persons. amenities/sanitary facilities used by students and to landscape the Faculty premises. Further, they wish to offer their expertise to strengthen curriculum modules and support in professional activities that would be an added support for the upward mobility of the science graduates from the University of Peradeniya.

Text Book on Basic Microbiology by Dr. G. J. Panagoda nd 02 Induction Program for year 2014 The book launch was held at the Faculty of Dental Sciences with the The 02nd Induction program for the year 2014 commenced on the 23rdof participation of academics and non September 2014 for the probationary academic staff of the universities and, academic staff members from the the program is in progress at this time. The program takes place on the Medical, Dental Sciences, and Science following days at the Department of Education, Faculty of Arts: Faculties of the University of Peradeniya. The book is authored for st rd th th rd 1 segment - September 23 to 26 and September 30 to 3 October the undergraduate students of nd th th th th 2 segment - October 14 to 17 and 20 to 24 October Faculties of Medical, Dental Sciences rd th st rd th 3 segment - October 28 to 31 and 03 to 05 November and Allied Health Sciences. Written in simple and readable English, the book Twenty-four academic staff members from the University of Peradeniya and covers a number of important areas one member from Uva Wellassa University are taking part in the program. Ms. such as infective agents, sterilization Inoka Jayasooriya of the Staff Development Centre is coordinating the program. and disinfection, immunology. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 05

Research and Development Investment Framework Seminar on Astronomy and the Inception Developed with Meeting of the Astrobiology Centre wider stakeholder participation Prof. Chandra Wickramasinghe, the Director of the Buckingham Centre for Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Astrobiology, University of Buckingham, UK, visited the University of Peradeniya Minister of Technology and on the 28th of July, 2014 to conduct a seminar on 'Exploring the Universe; from Research, visited the University of Prehistory to Modern Astronomy'. This was his second visit to the University of Peradeniya on 11th of August 2014 Peradeniya. The Seminar was followed by a meeting of some key scholars of the and held discussions with the Deans University of Peradeniya with Prof. Chandra Wickaramasinghe to discuss the of the Faculties and Heads of establishment of the Astrobiology Centre for the University of Peradeniya. Department and senior academics During the meeting, the foundation was laid to initiate collaborations with on the Research and Development various scholars working in Astrobiology and related fields through Prof. Investment Framework developed Chandra Wickramasinghe for future activities of the Astrobiology Centre. The with wider stakeholder participation. inception meeting also included the laying of the groundwork for the formation of the Research Group and the organizing of the Astrobiology Conference.

Peradeniya University Pali Day Conference 2014

Two New Theatre Productions Peradeniya University Pali Day Conference 2014 from Peradeniya to Honour Professor organized by the Department of Pali and Buddhist Ediriweera Sarachchandra Studies was held on 14th July 2014 with the participation of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the The Department of Fine Arts and the Department of Classical Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the Head of the Dept. of Pali Languages of the University of Peradeniya were delighted to and Buddhist Studies, the Heads of several other present two plays to commemorate Professor Ediriweera Departments and invited guests. The Conference was Sarachchandra's birth centenary. Subha, directed by Dr. organized with a view to improving Pali studies and Kanchuka Dharmasiri was staged on the 17th of September, creating an interest in studying the Pali language 2014 and Lokanthara, directed by Ms. Muditha Dharmasiri, among academics. The Conference was conducted was staged on the 18th of September, 2014 at the E.O.E. Pereira entirely in the Pali language and the participants Theatre. appreciated the initiative. Furthermore, Lokanthara was staged on the 20th of September and Subha on the 21st of September at Namel-Malini Punchi Theatre, Borella for audiences in . Subha, a transcreation of a Rabindranath Tagore short story and Gitanjali, is a production of the Department of Fine Arts and Lokanthara, devised along the lines of Classical Greek performances is a production of the Department of Classical Languages. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 06

Workshop by ACCESS Engineering for the Students, Academic Staff and the English Language Teaching Unit Staff of the Faculty of Engineering

Mr. Christopher Joshua, the explained the growth and expansion you are”, “accomplishing happiness Managing Director, and Mr. Rohana of the company to be in the forefront and contentment by finding the Fernando, the Chief Operating of the civil engineering industry work you enjoy” and “getting ahead Officer of Access Engineering held a today and the foreseen and realized and standing out in your career.” Mr. joint workshop on the 17thof opportunities. This was followed by Joshua took examples distilled with September 2014 for the students, Mr. Joshua's excellent presentation personal experience during the academic staff and the English entitled 'Personal and Practical discourse and mentioned the Language teaching staff of the Views on Getting Ahead' that significant milestones he had Faculty of Engineering with the provided hands – on experience in achieved for Access Engineering participation of Access Engineering being involved in starting a business with vividly simple examples for Directors, Management Trainees and with no capital to establishing students to grasp the reality of the the company Engineers who were Access Engineering as a US$ 300 life of a practicing engineer. The final alumni of this Faculty. million company that is among the part of the two-hour presentation leading corporate in the country. was a candid discussion wherein the In this joint presentation Mr. His lecture from the heart touched 1st year students interactively asked Fernando, an alumnus of the on salient points of student life and questions from Mr. Joshua on University of Peradeniya, discussed the recipe for success for students to various aspects of student life and his views on what has contributed to chart their progress during their professional education and they his progress in the field of civil undergraduate life. The topics he received answers that were relevant engineering that constituted a role covered included “the foreseeable and practical. The rappor t model the students could emulate in future and the opportunities established through this dialogue charting their future progress. He presented”, “the formation of who was tremendous.

University of Peradeniya Girls emerged Overall Winners in Women's Category and Overall 03rd Place at the Inter University Championships-2014

After a lapse of 07 years, the women's team of the University of Peradeniya performed brilliantly to secure the prestigious CDCE WORKSHOP ON “ Women's Overall Trophy for the year 2014 at the Inter University FILE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM” Championships held recently. The University of Peradeniya The Centre for Distance and Continuing obtained 137 points to grab the women's Overall Champions Education organized a one-day workshop on 'File Trophy. Their close competitor, the , secured Management System' on the 10th of July 2014 at the 02nd place with a margin of 135 points while the University of rd the CDCE. Mr. AHML Abeyrathne, the Deputy Kelaniya collecting 132 points was placed 03 . Director/Sri Lanka Institute of Development At the same time the University of Peradeniya became Overall 02nd Administration, was the resource person at this Runner –up at this grand sports festival in both men's and women's workshop. He discussed file management tools categories collecting 307 overall points. The Universities of that will help to enhance skills of the CDCE Staff. Colombo and Moratuwa emerged Overall Joint Champions All the Staff members of the CDCE participated in obtaining 311 points. With 163 points, the University of Sri this workshop. All participants expressed their Jayewardenepura became the 04th place winners at the conclusion great satisfaction at the end of the workshop. of the tournament. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 07

Research and Development towards Clean and Sustainable Kandy City Production of waste and sewage the kitchens and toilets in the Temple Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. often accompany the quick growth of compounds are sufficiently treated Leelananda Rajapaksha, and the Dean of a city. If not managed properly, the before disposal which will keep the the Faculty of Science, Prof. Anura city's sustainability and its people's Lake clean. In the meantime, the Wickramasinghe, also graced the wellbeing may be compromised. The floating wetlands act as a protective occasion. same applies to Kandy City as well. barrier by taking up excess nutrients in the lake and aiding in sedimentation of The New Building Project of The new sewage treatment plant at suspended particles. For long-term the Faculty of Allied Health the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the floating sustainability, the Wetland Education Sciences wetlands at Kandy Lake, and the Centre at the Mahamaya Girls' College The new building project was launched to Wetland Education Centre at the pioneers involvement of the young fulfill the objectives of enhancing the Mahamaya Girls' College all share the g e n e r a t i o n i n e n v i ro n m e n t a l quality of facilities and accommodation same aspiration: a clean, beautiful, managementthrough education. for 3rd and 4th year students who follow and sustainable Kandy City. the degree course in Allied Health On 10th July 2014, all three facilities Sciences. This project enhances the They are the main components of the were handed over by the project capacity to undertake the internationally collaborative project between the coordinator, the Faculty of Engineering recognized B.Sc. Degree in Allied Health Faculty of Engineering, University of of the University of Peradeniya, to the Sciences catering to the domestic and Peradeniya, and the Nanyang Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Kandy international demands. The project Environment and Water Research Regional Office of the Irrigation enhances the quality of healthcare I n s t i t u te ( N E W R I ) , N a n y a n g Department, and the Mahamaya Girls' delivery system in Sri Lanka through the Technological University (NTU), College respectively. The event was improvement of the professional Singapore. The project aims to held at the University of Peradeniya and capabilities of the work force involved in initiate long-term solutions for the was organized jointly by the Faculty of Allied Health. p o l l u t i o n i n K a n d y L a ke - Engineering and the International The agreement was signed between the management of wastewater at Research Centre. Waterman Engineering Company (Pvt) source, as well as training and Ltd and the Faculty of Allied Health education. The event was attended by officials Sciences, of the University of Peradeniya More than 20 staff members and from all supporting institutions where on 15th December 2011 and the project students of the University of the stakeholders presented their views should have been completed on 14th June Peradeniya were involved in the on the project and how the project 2013.However, an additional one year has project, in addition to local implementation has affected them. The been extended to complete the work and, authorities, such as the National Chief Guest for the event was Prof. Ng accordingly, phase 1 will be completed by Water Supply and Drainage Board, WunJern, the Dean of the College of 30th October 2014. At present 65% of the the Central Environment Authority, Engineering, Nanyang Technological construction work has been completed and the Kandy Municipal Council. University, Singapore. The Vice- and laying the concrete slab is to be The treatment plant at the Dalada Chancellor of the University of completed on or before 30th October Maligawa ensures that sewage from Peradeniya, Prof. Atula Senaratne, the 2014. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 08 PERS The Peradeniya Economics Research Symposium

The Peradeniya Economics Research Symposium (PERS) is organized annually by the Department of Economics and Statistics at the University of Peradeniya. The 2014 Symposium, second in the series, was held on 11th September 2014 at the Conference Hall of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Peradeniya (first Symposium was held on August 29, 2013). The main objective of this event is to provide an interactive forum for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the discipline of Economics, and for junior economists. It is also open to other scholars in economics and to researchers from other disciplines who focus on economics-related research to enable them to present their work to a wider audience and to engage in an intellectual discussion with peers, academics and other researchers. All extended abstracts presented, and the keynote speech are published as Symposium Proceedings.

Student Exchange Programme between the FOSID 2014 University of Peradeniya and Faculty of Science Industry Day 2014 Niigata University, Japan

FOSID – Faculty of Science Industry Day, organized for the Under this programme 06 students from Faculty of Allied first time by the Science Industry interaction Cell (SIIC) of Health Sciences will be leaving to Niigata University, Japan, the Faculty of Science aims at providing a common on the 24thof September 2014 for four and half months. These platform for representatives from public/private sector students will complete their final year research project and industries to meet with final year undergraduates and two modules on credit transfer basis in the Faculty of Health recent graduates seeking internship and employment Sciences, Niigata University, Japan, during their stay. During opportunities. FOSID2014 held at the Faculty of Science their stay the students will gain experience on research, on 23rd of August 2014 concluded with a very successful academic life in Japan and on Japanese culture. Two students note with participation from many public and private each from the Departments of Nursing, Radiography, and organizations and a large number of undergraduates and Medical Laboratory Science will be participating in this recent graduates from the Faculty of Science. The Director, student exchange programme:

SIIC thanks all who have supported the endeavour and Department of Nursing Ms. R.M.A. Chamika Ms. H.M.R.K.G.Nandasena FOSID is expected to continue as an annual event at the Department of Radiography Ms. D.U. Wijesekara Ms. G.P.N.T. Ehalagasthanna Faculty. Department of Medical Ms. J.A.H. Sandarekaa Ms. V.A.S. Fernando Laboratory Science UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 09

C O N V O C A T I O N for the External Graduands 2013 The Convocation for external graduands was held on 29th of September 2014 at the BMICH in three sessions. The event was graced by the Minister of Higher Education Hon. S.B. Dissanayake, the Chief Guest, Professor J.B. Dissanayake, the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Atula Senaratne, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Shantha Hennayake, the Deans of the Faculties, Academic Staff and the Staff of the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education [CDCE]. This was the fifth Convocation held by the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education [CDCE] where 2224 graduands were conferred with the Bachelor of Arts [BA] and Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA] Degrees. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 10

Prof. Anura Wickramasinghe, The ceremonial opening Dean of the Faculty of Science, of the ward extension inducted a Fellow of the General Surgery National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka. Prof. Anura Wickramasinghe, Senior Professor, The ceremonial opening of the Department of Chemistry and Dean of the Faculty of ward extension - General Surgery Science, was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of a t t h e Fa c u l t y of D e n t a l Sciences of Sri Lanka on the 21stof March 2014, and Sciences/Dental Hospital by Prof. inducted on the 22ndof August 2014 by the President of M. D. Lamawansa, Professor in the Academy Prof. Vijaya Kumar at the Annual Induction Surgery and the Dean, Faculty of Ceremony held in Colombo. M e d i c i n e , U n i v e r s i t y o f The National Academy of Sciences l Recognizing outstanding st Peradeniya, was held on the 1 of of Sri Lanka (NASSL) is a high level, c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h e July, 2014. non-governmental scientific body advancement of science e s t a b l i s h e d i n 1 9 7 6 a n d l Acting as a consultative body incorporated by an Act of to the Government of Sri Lanka Parliament in 1988. Scientists who on all matters and activities have achieved excellence in their related to the application of respective scientific/technological scientific and technology in fields are nominated by Fellows of national development the Academy to be considered for membership. Admission to the In addition, the NASSL reports on Academy is by election following the rational utilization of Sri nomination and evaluation of the L a n k a 's n a t u r a l re s o u rc e s nominees. consistent with the sustainable use The objectives of the organization of the biosphere. The Ceremonial Opening include: of the New Lecture Theatre

The ceremonial opening of the l Promoting the dissemination New Lecture Theatre at the Faculty of scientific knowledge of Dental Sciences by Prof. Atula Senaratne, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, was held on the 1st of July, 2014.

Academic Co-operation Between the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences And The School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Japan.

Under the MOU signed between the School of Health Sciences Niigata University, Japan, and the University of Peradeniya for student staff exchange programme, a team of delegates including three Professors and nine students from the Niigata University visited the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences from the 3rd to the 9thof September 2014 for the fifth consecutive year. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 11

The University of Peradeniya is known for its social responsibility projects. Each Faculty has one or more projects directly involved with the people of Sri Lanka. The Department of Geology of the Faculty of Science is one among the many Departments of this University engaged in community service. Since its establishment in 1965 this Department has been serving people in distress due to landslides, water scarcity during droughts, environmental problems, Tsunami (2004) etc. Recently, on the request of the Chief Minister of the North Central Province a team of Hydrogeologists led by the Prof. Atula Senaratne, Professor of Geology and the Vice- Chancellor, visited the drought stricken NCP to explore the groundwater and establish emergency water supply points SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECTS OF THE in over 20 villages. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA And recently the Department of Wildlife Conservation requested the Department of Geology to identify locations to dig water holes within the Yala sanctuary. It is well known that over 5,000 animals die in our sanctuaries during the peak drought periods every year. The Department reacted positively to this request by sending a team to investigate the area. . As a consequence, over 15 new sites for water holes were identified and private sector donors are implementing the project. The Team consisted of Prof. Atula Senaratne and Dr. H.A. Dharmagunawardena of the Department of Geology. On both occasions the University undertook the field work and reporting free of charge.

A Kidney Research Unit for the University of Peradeniya IT Centre News A Kidney Research Unit for the University of Peradeniya was ceremonially opened on 06th The Information Technology Centre is conducting a Short Term September 2014 at the Faculty of Medicine. Training Program on Basic ICT Skills (Batch 8) from 7/09/2014 onwards for the public. The course duration is 64 hours for 45 The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Athula Senaratne, participants - 8 internal students and 37 external students. former Chairmen of the University Grants Commission, Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare, Prof. Malik A Short Term Training Program on Web Programming Peries & the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. commenced on the 20th of September 2014, with 15 M. D. Lamawansa participated on this occasion. participants. The course duration is 48 hours. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 12

The Prof. H.A. de S. Gunasekera Memorial Oration 2014

The Prof. H.A. de S. Gunasekera (1970-1977) under Prime Minister Migration Programme in Geneva at Memorial Oration 2014 was held on Sirimavo Bandaranaike. He was a the point of retirement in 2010. Thursday, 18th September 2014 at much respected academic and During his career at ILO, he has 4.00 p.m. at the Senate Room, public servant. A large number of his contributed extensively to the University of Peradeniya. The students have made outstanding formulation of ILO's thinking on Oration was delivered by Dr. Piyasiri contributions to both academic and international labour migration Wickramasekara, Vice President, public life in Sri Lanka and overseas. issues, in the promotion of a rights- Global Migration Policy Associates, based approach to labour migration G e n e v a , S w i t z e r l a n d , o n Dr. Piyasiri Wickramasekara, a and in the production of several “International Migration and distinguished student of Prof. flagship reports and monographs. Development: Myths and Facts”. Gunasekera, is an internationally He is currently the Vice President of recognized expert in development, Global Migration Policy Associates Prof. H.A. de S. Gunasekera was a migration and employment issues. in Geneva, a multi-disciplinary team Professor of Economics and a Head He served on the academic staff of of migration related experts. Dr. of the Department of Economics the then Department of Economics, Wickramasekara holds a B.A. in &Political Science of the then Commerce & Statistics of the Economics from the University of . He succeeded University of Peradeniya from 1968- Peradeniya and a Ph.D. in Economics Prof. Das Gupta to become the 1984. Thereafter, he joined the from the University of Cambridge. second occupant of the Chair (and International Labour Organization the first Sri Lankan) in the (ILO) as a Senior Specialist and The Oration was jointly organized by Department in 1961. He also served worked for 25 years in New Delhi, the Department of Economics & as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Bangkok and Geneva. He lastly Statistics, University of Peradeniya Peradeniya (1963-1969) and later on served as a Senior Migration and the Prof. H.A. de S. Gunasekera as Secretary, Ministry of Planning Specialist in the ILO's International Memorial Trust Fund.

Establishment of the Arts Education Unit (ARTSED) of the Faculty of Arts under HETC Project The Arts Education Unit (ARTSED) of the Faculty of Arts necessary skills among students to improve their was established in the Faculty of Arts under the HETC ability to compete in the job market. Project. Prof. Prasad Sethunga of the Department of ARTSED has conducted the following programmes Education has been appointed as the Director of the ARTSED. a) Workshop on Optimizing the Course Unit System The followings are the specific objectives of ARTSED. in the Faculty of Arts on 27thJune, 2014. a) Facilitate the Curriculum Development, Curriculum b) English for Academic Purposes for Probationary Evaluation, Monitoring and Quality Assurance Lecturers Stage 2, on June 23 and July 7, 8, 9, 21, tasks identified by the Faculty Board of Arts. 22, 23 (48 hours of instruction). b) Undertake staff development programmes c) MOODLE workshop for Computer Applications approved by the Faculty Board of Arts for the Assistants and Technical Officers on 21st and 22nd development of skills and capacities of individual August 2014. members of academic and non-academic staff. d) Two English for Academic Purposes Workshops (for c) Coordinate Special Programmes identified by the Senior Lecturers, and Temporary Lecturers) Faculty Board of Arts for the development of conducted by The British Council, Colombo. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS IJuly to September 2014 IPage 13

A student delegation from Tokyo Institute of Technology visited the University of Peradeniya for a study program that was held from the 6th to 14thof September 2014. The delegation consisted of 12 students who were led by Prof. Ananda Kumara and Mr. Tsugihiro Shimura. The students visited Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Pinnawala and Kandy during the program that also consisted of lectures conducted by scholars belonging to InRInternational ResearchC Centre the University of Peradeniya.

Scanning Electron Microscope for the University of Peradeniya

l The International Research Centre procured a high-end analytical instrument, a Scanning Electron Microscope, to facilitate cutting edge research at the University of Peradeniya. The instrument was installed at the new Geology l The International Research Centre facilitated building and a series of workshops were held on its numerous activities at the University of Peradeniya utilization for academic staff members and technical officers th th over the past few months. The activities with international resource persons from the 10 to the 13 undertaken in collaboration with foreign scholars of September 2014. A workshop was also held to introduce that were facilitated by the International Research the various applications of the instrument and how it can be Centre include the following: utilized in various fields of research. l A workshop on Business Process Management was organized with Prof. Susanne Leist from Regensburg University, Germany, for staff and students of the University of Peradeniya on the 2nd of September 2014. Discussions were also held with various staff members to initiate possible research collaborations. l On the 17thof September 2014 a delegation from the Miyazaki University visited the University of l Representatives from GIZ and IFaS visited the University of Peradeniya and a meeting was held with the Peradeniya to conduct the inception meeting of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on initiating research Travelling University program on the 13th of September 2014. collaborations in the near future. Meetings were The program is to be held during the month of October 2014 also held with various staff members to extend GIS and will bring together students from all the universities in Sri application and initiate collaborative projects Lanka. The meeting was attended by students and staff related to road traffic control and accident members from the University of Peradeniya, University of prevention. Jaffna, Uva Wellassa University and Eastern University. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 14

Signing of an MoU between the Signing of MOU between Utsunmiya University of Peradeniya and the and University of Peradeniya Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan

A delegation from Utsunomiya University, Japan, An MoU was signed on 22nd of July 2014 between the visited the University of Peradeniya on 4th of September University of Peradeniya and the Tokyo University of 2014 for the signing of an academic exchange Agriculture, Japan, with the participation of Prof. agreement between the two institutions. The Hironobu Shiwachi (Director/International Program) delegation consisted of Dr. Matsuo Tamaki and Mr. and Prof. Toshihiro Wathanabe (Vice President) from Kurihara Shunsuke who were accompanied by a Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan. student of the Utsunomiya University. The Agreement was signed by Dr. Matsuo Tamaki, the Dean of the Faculty of International Studies of the Utsunomiya A delegation from Maldives National University University and Prof. Atula Senaratne, the Vice- (MNU) visited the Vice – Chancellor Chancellor of the University of Peradneiya. Dr. Nanda Gunawardhana, Director of the International Research The purpose of the visit was to meet the students of the Faculty of Medicine and to visit the Departments in the Centre, and Prof. Missaka Wijegunawardhana, Director Faculty of Medicine on 11th of August 2014. The of the Sri Lanka Japan Study Centre, were also present at delegation met with the Dean of the Faculty of the occasion. The two institutions intend to launch the Agriculture as well.A presentation on MNU was made academic exchange program by 2015 and initiate by the Deputy Vice–Chancellor of Academic research collaborations in the near future. Affairs. The team from Utsunomiya University also met with a group of students representing the various Faculties of the University of Peradeniya with whom they had a Visit of the Scholars from the fruitful interactive session regarding the opportunities University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo, Japan available to the students of UoP through the newly A group of students from the University of the Sacred signed agreement. Heart, Tokyo, Japan, visited the University of Peradeniya on the 15th of August, 2014. The students were accompanied by Prof. Yoshiyuki Nagata and Prof. Naoki Visit of Prof. Tamashiro Mizushima as a part of their study tour to Sri Lanka. Hiko and Dr. Kiyako Sato During the visit, the scholars of the University of the from the Hokkaido University, Japan Sacred Heart had an initial discussion with the Vice- Chancellor and the Deputy Directors of the The University of Peradeniya had the pleasure of International Research Centre, Dr. Shameen Jinadasa welcoming Prof. Tamashiro Hiko and Dr. Kiyako Sato and Dr. Ariyarathna Herath regarding the collaborative from the Hokkaido University, Japan, on the 8th of work that would be undertaken by the two Universities. August, 2014. The main aim of their visit to the The students of the University of the Sacred Heart University of Peradeniya was to develop further represented various disciplines including water collaborations between the University of Peradeniya, Sri irrigation and primary education. With the support of Lanka, and Hokkaido University, Japan. During the visit, the International Interaction Club, the International the delegates of the Hokkaido University held initial Research Centre organized a short tour around the discussions with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya for the students of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. Shantha K. Hennayake, University of the Sacred Heart to identify the nature of the Director of the International Research Centre of the the University system in Sri Lanka and the life style of Sri University of Peradeniya, Dr. Nanda Gunawardhana, Lankan University students. During the tour students and Prof. Tudor K. Silva from the Faculty of Arts of the from both Universities shared their experiences on their University of Peradeniya regarding the future activities academic disciplines and their life styles as university to be carried out between the two Universities. students. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 15

Program launched to conserve Jaffna local sheep, an endangered breed indigenous to Sri Lanka

Jaffna local sheep (JLS), limited to the e m b r y o p r o d u c t i o n , a n d D e e p a n i , D r . A . A . A . W . K . northern parts of the country, is the cryopreservation to accomplish this Amarasinghe, temporary Lecturer Dr. only breed of sheep that is task. In the event of extinction of JLS, W.M.T.D. Rathnakumara, and indigenous to Sri Lanka. According to cryopreserved embryos can be undergraduate students Mr. Wimal guidelines set forth by the Food and transferred to recipient sheep of any Ganewaththa, Mr. Isuru Makuloluwa, Agriculture Organization (FAO), JLS breed, even centuries after they have Mr. HarshanaWarusamana, and Mr. h a s b e e n i d e n t i f i e d a s a n been frozen, to re-establish the U. Katheeswaran. endangered breed with a negative breed. The cryopreserved embryos population trend. A group of may also be used to produce Dr. D.R.T.G. Rathnayake –Director scientists from the Department of genetically engineered, locally General, Department of Farm Animal Farm Animal Production and Health adapted, high producing sheep. Production and Health (DAPH), Dr. of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Preliminary sample collection and W.W. Abeygunawardena - Assistant and Animal Science and the laboratory studies have already Director (Genetics Resources) DAPH, Department of Animal Production commenced. The researchers expect and Dr. L.W.N. Samaranayake Deputy and Health of the Ministry of to complete the project by the end of Director (Animal Breeding) DAPH. Livestock and Rural Community 2015. Development has launched a Personnel involved: program aimed at conserving this D r. B a s i l A l e x a n d e r, H e a d , breed of sheep. Department of Farm Animal The researches will use Advanced Production and Health, senior Reproductive Biotechnologies lecturers Dr. R. A. ChanakaRabel, Dr. suchas superovulation, in vivo L.G.S. Lokugalappatti, Dr. M.L.A.N.R.

l A seminar on “Working Dog Teaching Hospital joined hands with Nutrition” was held on 10th of Sri Lanka Veterinary Association September at the George (SLVA), Department of Animal Kodithuwakku Memorial Production and Health (DAPH) and Auditorium of Veterinary World Organization for Animal health Teaching Hospital. The (OIE) in an anti rabies vaccination seminar was conducted by campaign and dog sterilization Prof. Dominique Grandjean program held at the Sri Lanka School and the event was sponsored of Animal Husbandry, Karandagolla. by Gamma Pharmaceutical l Staff of the Veterinary Teaching Pvt. Ltd. Hospital (VTH) contributed their time l A seminar on “Common on education programs for school Causes of Lameness in Dogs” children on “Rabies Prevention and l Kandy Esala Perahara Activity: Dr. Asoka was held at the Veterinary Control”. These events were Dangolla, Head of the Veterinary Teaching Teaching Hospital on the 24th organized by the Kandy Municipal Hospital Elephant Tranquilization Unit, final of September by Dr. Elvin Council and the Veterinary Teaching year students and staff members of the Kulendran from the Royal Hospital. On behalf of the V.T.H. Dr. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Veterinary College UK. Shamilka Wikramaratne, Dr. Gayan participated in the Kandy Esala Perahara l To commemorate “Word Indika, Dr. Chamara Fernando and Dr. 2014. A health clinic for elephants was Rabies Day 2014” the staff and Yushika Dharmasooriya participated conducted during the Perahara season. students of the Veterinary in these programs. UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA NEWS I July to September 2014 I Page 16

Inter University Wrestling Championship-2014

Wrestlers from the University of Peradeniya have remained undefeated for a long time and are the champions in their Sports chosen sport this year as well. They concluded their paramount wrestling competition, Inter University News Wrestling Championship-2014 in a grand manner defeating all other state universities. Eastern University was University of Peradeniya Swimming Overall Champions the runner-up while the University of Moratuwa secured Inter University Swimming (Men's and Women's) the third place. The Championship was held at the Eastern Championships-2014 University sports complex on 19th & 20th July, 2014 at Vantharamulai, Batticaloa. Swimmers of the University of Peradeniya performances extremely well at the recently held Inter University Swimming Championships-2014 held at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex, Colombo, on the 27thof July, 2014. Our women's team secured the prestigious champions trophy while our men's team obtained the runner-up trophy at the tournament. The undergraduate swimmers of the University of Peradeniya proved their supremacy in the field of swimming establishing 08 Sri Lanka University swimming records at the competition. Representing the University of Peradeniya, the swimming sensation K.D.M.K. Weerathunge ,a 01st year student in the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree program, together with her own sister from the Faculty of Engineering, H.Y. Weerathunge established most of the records. H.Y. Weerathunge established new meet records for 50m Butterfly event & her sister K.D.M.K. Weerathunge established new meet records for 50m freestyle, and 100m freestyle events. Another girl swimmer, D.M.H. Dissanayake also established a new meet record in the 100m Breaststroke. University of Peradeniya women's' team established two more new meet records for 4x100m free style & 4x100m Medley Inter University Chess (Men's & Women's) Relay events. Championships-2014 With this splendid performance shown at this major competition, University of Peradeniya Women's team Our men's Chess team emerged Champions at the emerged champion while the Men's team secured the runner recently held Inter University Chess (Men's and Women's) –up position and claimed the prestigious Overall Trophy for Championships-2014 at the Sabaragamuwa University of the Inter University Swimming Champions. University of Sri Sri Lanka, Belihuloya. The championships were held from Jayewardenepura and the University of Peradeniya were 12th to 15th June 2014. All the 14 state universities took part placed overall second and third respectively. in this tournament. Our women's team became the overall 02nd runner-up.

Inter University Weightlifting Championship-2014 Weightlifters of the University of Peradeniya were victorious at the conclusion of the Inter University Weightlifting Championship-2014 worked off at the University of Ruhuna on 03rdAugust, 2014. University of Peradeniya weightlifting team emerged champions at the competition obtaining overall 24 points. University of Ruhuna placed second while Sabaragamuwa University placed third. 12 state universities participated for the Weightlifting Championship.