03-Jun-2026

Opening of the Miniature Tea Processing Unit at Meewathura Farm

The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, officially opened the Miniature Tea Processing Unit on 03 June 2026 at the Meewathura Farm premises.

This newly established facility serves as an extension of the "Aroma Acres Study Fields", a dedicated teaching, research, and demonstration area located at Meewathura Farm. The initiative aims to strengthen practical education, research, and outreach activities related to tea cultivation and processing.

The development of both the Aroma Acres Study Fields and the Miniature Tea Processing Unit was supported through the N-Tea Project, titled "Can organic farming practices increase nitrogen (N) use efficiency and decrease N losses in mature tea (Camellia sinensis L. (O.) Kuntze) plantations in Sri Lanka?". The project was funded under the SPIRIT Program of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The N-Tea Project represents a successful international collaboration among the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRI).

Principal Investigators of the Project

• Prof. Janaki Mohotti
• Prof. Emmanuel Frossard
• Dr. Keerthi Mohotti

The project collaborators included:

University of Peradeniya

• Prof. S. P. Nissanka
• Prof. Lalith Suriyagoda
• Dr. Mojith Ariyaratne
• Dr. Duminda Vidana Gamage

ETH Zurich, Switzerland

• Dr. Astrid Oberson
• Dr. Hans-Martin Krause
• Dr. Julie Tolu
• Dr. Federica Tamburini

Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka

• Dr. Mahesh Liyanage
• Dr. Deepthi Amarasena

The Faculty of Agriculture extends its sincere appreciation to all collaborators and funding partners whose contributions have enabled the establishment of this important facility, further strengthening teaching, research, and innovation in Sri Lanka's tea sector.

19-Jun-2026

Vacancy for the KIOSK – Operational Head

The University KIOSK at the University of Peradeniya is seeking applications from enthusiastic, responsible, and motivated students for the position of Operational Head.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical experience in business operations, team management, customer service, and entrepreneurship while contributing to the successful management of the University Café.

We are looking for individuals with strong leadership potential, effective communication skills, and a commitment to teamwork and innovation.

Interested candidates are encouraged to refer to the attached flyer for eligibility criteria, responsibilities, and application details.

19-Jun-2026

Visit of International Research Experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK

The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, was pleased to welcome Dr. Caspar Chater and Dr. Aaron Davis from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom, during their visit from 8–12 June 2026.

Both visitors are Senior Research Leaders in the Crops and Global Change Team, Trait Diversity and Function Department at Kew and are internationally recognized experts in coffee and cocoa research. Their visit marks the beginning of a promising research collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, focusing on coffee and cocoa research.

During their stay, Dr. Chater and Dr. Davis delivered guest lectures, met with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and participated in several field visits and discussions with academic staff. These engagements provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and the exploration of future collaborative research initiatives.

We are delighted to share some highlights from their visit and look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead.