06-Feb-2026

Laptop and Scholarship Distribution Program to Support Undergraduates Affected by the Ditwa Cyclone

A special event was held at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, to distribute laptops and needy scholarships to undergraduates who were severely affected by the recent Ditwa Cyclone. This timely initiative aimed to support students’ academic continuity and strengthen their resilience during challenging circumstances.

The program was initiated and coordinated by the Fellowship of Animal Science Graduates, reflecting its strong commitment to student welfare and educational equity.

The event was graced by the presence of the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Barana Jayawardhana, along with the Senior Treasurer of the Fellowship of Animal Science Graduates, Prof. Janak K. Vidanaarachchi. Academic and administrative staff members of the Faculty of Agriculture also participated, highlighting collective support for the student community.

Representing the committee of the Fellowship of Animal Science Graduates, Mr. Lavindu Sachinthaka, Ms. Raveena Minoli, and Ms. Kinkini Apsara actively took part in the event.

This initiative stands as a meaningful example of collaboration and compassion within the Faculty, reinforcing the shared responsibility to ensure that no student’s education is disrupted in times of adversity.

17-Feb-2026

SLIAg Donates to the Rebuilding fund of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya

The Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture (SLIAg) has generously contributed to the rebuilding fund of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, which recently sustained significant damage due to adverse weather conditions brought about by the Ditwah Cyclone. The severe impacts of the cyclone disrupted academic activities, affected infrastructure, and posed considerable challenges to students, academic staff, and the wider university community.

Recognizing the long-standing role of the faculty in advancing agricultural education, research, and innovation in Sri Lanka, SLIAg stepped forward to extend its support during this critical period. The contribution is intended to assist in restoring damaged facilities, rehabilitating essential resources, and ensuring that teaching, research, and extension services can resume smoothly and effectively.

This gesture reflects SLIAg’s strong commitment to standing in solidarity with the academic and professional agricultural community during times of hardship.

06-Aug-2025

US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Executive Director Visits Faculty of Agriculture

On August 6, 2025, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya met with Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, to discuss educational partnerships. He spoke with Dean Prof. Barana Jayawardena, Prof. Venura Herath, and Dr. Wikum Jayasinghe about scholarship opportunities for both Sri Lankan and American citizens. Dr. McNamara highlighted the Commission's long history since its founding in 1952, noting that over 2,000 participants have benefited from its programs. He emphasized that Fulbright's mission is for alumni to "give back" to their home countries, a principle that aligns with the Faculty of Agriculture's goal of knowledge transfer and community engagement.

The discussion also covered the merit-based application process. Dr. McNamara outlined opportunities for faculty to host visiting scholars, suggesting that U.S. Fulbright Specialists could help in the professional development of junior lecturers. He mentioned a planned Colloquium in January 2026 for early-career academics in engineering and entrepreneurship, co-sponsored by the Universities of Peradeniya, Jaffna, and Kelaniya. The faculty expressed a strong desire to develop these collaborations. This meeting is a key step toward expanding the international profile of the university. Dr. McNamara is scheduled to return on August 27, 2025, to lecture to the entire university community.

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02-Jan-2026

Cargills Dairies Pvt. Ltd., Donates Laptop Computers to the Department of Animal Science

Cargills Dairies (Pvt.) Ltd. generously donated four laptop computers to the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, to support teaching, research, and student learning activities.

The donation was formally handed over to Dean, Faculty of Agriculture on 2 January 2026 at the Faculty of Agriculture. Representing Cargills Dairies (Pvt.) Ltd., Mr. Crishantha Kumarage, Mr. Uditha Dissanayake, and Mr. D.C. Kumarage participated in the event.

From the University of Peradeniya, the event was attended by Professor B.C. Jayawardana, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Pradeepa Silva, Professor J.K. Vidanarachchi, who facilitated the collaboration between the University of Peradeniya and Cargills Quality Dairies, and Professor Sarath Kodithuwakku of the Faculty of Agriculture.

The donated laptop computers will be utilized to strengthen academic instruction, postgraduate and undergraduate research activities, and capacity building within the Department of Animal Science. This contribution reflects Cargills Dairies’ continued commitment to supporting higher education, research excellence, and industry-academia collaboration in Sri Lanka.

The Faculty of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Science sincerely appreciate this valuable contribution and look forward to further strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders for the advancement of education and research.

27-Jun-2025

Two memorandum of understanding (MOU)s were signed between the University of Peradeniya and Keels Food Products PLC and Ceylon Cold Stores PLC to establish opportunities for mutually beneficial research and development projects.

The Vice-chancellor, Prof. W.M. Terrance Madujith, Prof. B.C. Jayawardana (Dean, Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. Sarath Kodithuwakku (Former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture) and Dr. Malinda Hulugalla ((Dept. of Animals Science, Faculty of Agriculture) from the University of Peradeniya and Mr. Daminda Gamlath (President - Consumer Foods Group at John Keels Holdings), Mr. Viranga Wickramaratne (CEO, Keels Food Products), Mr. Nirosh Lalantha (Head of Research and Development Keels food Products), Mr. Sanjeewa Jayasundera (Head of Supply Chain, Ceylon Cold Stores) and Mr. Udaya Padmakumara (Head of Innovation and Product Development, Ceylon Cold Stores) participated the event held on 27 th June 2025 at the Head Office of John Keels Holdings in Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.