With great enthusiasm, pride, and a spirit of unity, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL) celebrated its University Day on February 6, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Technology. The university commemorated 29 years of its journey, reflecting its growth, achievements, and dedication to excellence in education and research.
The celebration commenced with the arrival of distinguished invitees and guests, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, a Sri Lankan symbol of wisdom and prosperity.Vice-Chancellor Prof. M. Sunil Shantha, Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Chief Custodian of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Parakrama Niriella, and key university officials graced the stage. They were accompanied by a captivating Wes dancing performance that infused cultural vibrance into the event.
29 years journey
The Sabaragamuwa Affiliated University College (SAUC) was established on February 2, 1992, and is affiliated with the University of Sri Jayawardenepura. In 1996, SAUC was elevated to the status of a national university, becoming the twelfth national university in Sri Lanka. Professor Dayananda Somasundara served as its first Vice-Chancellor.
Today, SUSL encompasses nine faculties, including Agricultural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Geomatics, Management Studies, Social Sciences and Languages, Computing, Medicine, Technology, and Graduate Studies. These faculties operate with the vision of becoming an internationally acclaimed centre of excellence in higher learning, producing dynamic human capital to create value for society.
Academic and research excellence
During the University Day ceremony, special appreciation was awarded to each faculty member for the best-performing students of 2024 in recognition of their commitment to academic excellence. In addition, M.R.A. Ahlam and S.M.H.N. Samarakoon were honoured as the best sportsmen and sportswomen of the year.
In recognition of outstanding research contributions, awards were presented to the Best Researchers of 2024 from each faculty. The following researchers were recognised for their exceptional work;
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences – Dr. G.E.M. Wimalasiri
Faculty of Applied Sciences – Prof. R.M.K.T. Rathnayaka
Faculty of Geomatics -Dr. D. R. Welikanna
Faculty of Management Studies – M.S.H. Rathnasiri
Faculty of Medicine – Dr. R.M.M.K.N. Rathnayake
Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages- Dr. U. S. Thathsarani
Faculty of Technology -V. Vithanage
Several special accolades were presented to recognise outstanding achievements in 2024. Honours went to Prof. K.R. Koswattage, Dr. S.S.R.M.D.H.R. Wijesekara, and D.K.A. Induranga for publishing in top-tier journals. In the area of research funding, Prof. J.M.C.K. Jayawardena was recognised for securing the highest amount of research grants. In addition, Prof. D.N. Jayantha was honoured as the Most Cited Researcher of 2024.
Further, R.A.H.M. Rupasingha was recognised as the Best Researcher (Junior), showcasing remarkable potential and dedication in early-career research.Highlighting the pinnacle of research achievements in 2024, Prof. K.R. Koswattage was honoured as the Best Researcher (Senior) for his exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge.
Honouring long-standing contributions
The event paid tribute to long-serving staff members, with Silver and Bronze Medals awarded for their dedicated contributions over the years. Retired personnel were also honoured for their unwavering commitment to the university’s growth.
The Vice Chancellor’s Special Appreciation Awards were presented to academic, administrative, and non-academic staff for their dedicated service, reflecting the university’s gratitude toward its hardworking members.
Recipients included Prof. J.M.C.K. Jayewardhane (academic category), R.M.N.K. Rathnayake (administrative category), and G.K.M. Wimalasiri (non-academic category). Further, the Vice Chancellor’s Special recognition was awarded to senior lecturer D. Jasinghe for his long-standing contribution. P.S. Premalal earned the Best Employee of the Year 2024 award in the Non-Academic Clerical Allied Grade Level, while K.G.M. Bandara was similarly recognised as the Best Employee of the Year 2024 in the Non-Academic Primary Grade Level.
Special recognition
Adding a unique touch to the ceremony, the university recognised contributions to Sri Lankan cinema, theatre, and television by honouring Parakrama Niriella, a distinguished figure in the arts, with special appreciation. In his address, he spoke of his journey and the enthusiasm artists gain from such recognition.
Chief Guest’s Address
Chief Guest Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Chief Custodian of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, delivered an inspiring speech emphasising the university’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future, reflecting on the combination of education and culture in higher education and commending SUSL for nurturing holistic excellence. The Vice-Chancellor followed with an address highlightingthe university’s achievements and vision for the future.
Celebrating 29 years of remarkable achievements, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka honoured its students and staff, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence, research breakthroughs, and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and inspiration for both past accomplishments and a bright future.With a spirit of unity and determination, SUSL is poised to continue its transformative journey and inspire future generations. Together, we look forward to writing the next chapter in our legacy!
Centre for Research and Knowledge Dissemination (CRKD)
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
