University Day Celebration: Celebrating 29 Years of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
With great enthusiasm, pride, and a spirit of unity, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL) celebrated its University Day on 06th February 2025, at theAuditorium ofthe Faculty of Technology.The universitycommemorated 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, Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Chief Custodian of the Sri DaladaMaligawa, Mr. ParakramaNiriella, and key university officials graced the stage. They were accompanied by a captivating Wes dancing performance that infused cultural vibrance into the event.
Recognising Academic and Research Excellence
During the University Day ceremony, special appreciation was awarded to each faculty member's best-performing students of 2024 in recognition of their commitment to academic excellence. In addition, Mr. M.R.A. Ahlam and Ms. 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 - Mrs. 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 -Mr. V. Vithanage
Several special accolades were presented to recognise outstanding achievements in 2024. In the area of research funding, Prof. J.M.C.K. Jayawardena was recognised for securing the highest amount of research grants. For publishing in top-tier journals, honours went to Prof. K.R. Koswattage, Dr. S.S.R.M.D.H.R. Wijesekara, and Mr. D.K.A. Induranga. In addition, Prof. D.N. Jayantha was honoured as the Most Cited Researcher of 2024.
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. R.A.H.M. Rupasingha was recognised as the Best Researcher (Junior), showcasing remarkable potential and dedication in early-career research.
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), Mr. R.M.N.K. Rathnayake (administrative category), and Mr. G.K.M. Wimalasiri (non-academic category). Further,the Vice Chancellor’s Special recognition was awarded to senior lecturer Mr. D. Jasinghe for his long-standing contribution. Mr. P.S. Premalal earned the Best Employee of the Year 2024 award in the Non-Academic Clerical Allied Grade Level, while Mr. 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 Mr. ParakramaNiriella, 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.