Professor
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Email : sanjeewapj@agri.sab.ac.lk
Fax : 0452280015
PhD - Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture -University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
M. Phil. (Meat science) - Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture -University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
M. Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition -ICP Food Science and Nutrition -Faculty of Bio Science Engineering -Ghent University, Belgium.
B. V. Sc. second Class (Upper division) Honors- University of Peradeniya -Sri Lanka.
Professor Thotawaththage Sanjeewa Prasad Jayaweera
After completing his secondary education at St. Aloysius' College, Ratnapura, Sanjeewa Prasad Jayaweera entered the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, where he graduated with the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) degree with Second Class (Upper Division) Honours. Immediately after graduation, he was appointed as a Temporary Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Preclinical Studies of the same faculty.
In 2000, he joined the Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, as a Lecturer (Probationary). Following the successful completion of his postgraduate qualifications and academic requirements, he was promoted to Senior Lecturer (Grade II), Senior Lecturer (Grade I), and subsequently to the position of Professor, in which he currently serves.
Professor Jayaweera has pursued extensive postgraduate education. He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Food Science and Nutrition from Ghent University, Belgium, followed by a M.Phil in Animal Science, specializing in Meat Science, from the PGIA, University of Peradeniya. He later earned his Ph.D. from the PGIA through a collaborative research programme between Sri Lanka and India.
Throughout his academic career, Professor Jayaweera has made significant contributions to the development of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka through a wide range of academic, administrative, and community service roles. He has served as a Student Counsellor, Warden of the Boys' Hostels (2 years), Senior Student Counsellor (4 years), Director of the Career Guidance Unit (2 years), and Director of the Student Welfare Unit (2 years). He also served as Acting Head of the Department of Livestock Production for three years before holding the position of Head of the Department for nine years.
He coordinated the World Bank-funded Improving Relevance and Quality of Undergraduate Education (IRQUE) Project within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences for two years and founded the Livestock Extension and Research Circle (LERC), through which numerous educational, research, and livestock extension programs have been implemented across Sri Lanka. He also initiated and coordinated the establishment of the University Cattle Breeding Centre, making a valuable contribution to livestock genetic improvement and national development.
Professor Jayaweera has been actively involved in national educational development by conducting teacher training programs for G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level teachers, organizing student training programs, and contributing to national Advanced Level practical examination activities. During his tenure as Head of the Department, he spearheaded several major infrastructure and academic development initiatives at the University Agricultural Farm, including the establishment of new layer and broiler production units, a modern piggery, a feed processing unit, and a digital marketing system for livestock products. These developments significantly enhanced practical training opportunities for undergraduate students while strengthening the University's service to the farming community.
His teaching portfolio encompasses a broad range of undergraduate courses, including Meat Science and Technology, Swine Production, Animal Health and Hygiene, Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Management of Non-Ruminants, Zoonoses and Public Health, Health Management of Livestock spp. and Fish and Farm Practice. In addition to his responsibilities at Sabaragamuwa University, Professor Jayaweera has served as a Visiting Lecturer at the Aquinas College of Higher Studies, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, and Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, where he has delivered lectures and conducted practical training for undergraduate students.
Member of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Council (Reg. No. 904)
Life Member of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA)
Life member and a past president of Section B of SLAAS