View source for University of Peradeniya

{{Short description|Public university in Kandy, Sri Lanka}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = University of Peradeniya
 | native_name            = {{lang|si|පේරාදෙණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය}}<br />{{lang|ta|பேராதனைப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்}}
 | image                  = University of Peradeniya crest.png
 | image_size             = 
 | image_upright          = .7
 | caption                = University of Peradeniya [[Crest (heraldry)|Crest]]
 | motto                  = सर्वस्य लोचनं शास्त्रम् (Sarvasya Locanam Sastram) ([[Sanskrit]])
 | mottoeng               = Knowledge is the Eye Unto All
 | established            = '''1942''' University of Ceylon<br />'''1972''' University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya Campus<br />'''1978''' University of Peradeniya
 | type                   = [[Public research university]]
 | endowment              = [[Sri Lankan rupee|LKR]] 2.265 [[1,000,000,000 (number)|billion]] ≈ US$ 6.3 million<ref name="University System at a Glance" />
 | administrative_staff   = 2,973
 | faculty                = 731
 | chancellor             = GH. Peiris
 | vice_chancellor        = W. M. T. Madhujith<!-- Reference:    1/      https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/New-Vice-Chancellor-appointed-to-Peradeniya-University/108-287617  2/ https://www.adaderana.lk/news/100619/new-vice-chancellor-appointed-to-peradeniya-university     3/ https://www.newswire.lk/2024/07/19/new-vc-appointed-for-peradeniya-university/       -->
 | students               = 11,065 {{ref label|a|a|none}}
 | undergrad              = 9,605 {{ref label|b|b|none}}
 | postgrad               = 1,440 {{ref label|c|c|none}}
 | doctoral               = 
 | other                  = 
 | city                   = [[Peradeniya]]
 | state                  = 
 | country                = Sri Lanka
 | campus                 = Suburban, {{cvt|700|ha}}
 | free_label             = Publication(s)
 | free                   = [[Ceylon Journal of Science]] <br /> Sri Lanka Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
 | colours                = {{legend striped|Maroon|Gold|Gold & maroon}}
 | mascot                 = 
 | academic_affiliations  = [[Association of Commonwealth Universities]]
 | accreditation          = [[University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka)|University Grants Commission]]
 | website                = {{url|https://www.pdn.ac.lk|pdn.ac.lk}}
 | logo                   = University of Peradeniya logo.jpg
 | logo_upright           = .7
}}

The '''University of Peradeniya''' ({{langx|si|පේරාදෙණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය}}, {{langx|ta|பேராதனைப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்}}) is a [[Public research university|public university]] in [[Sri Lanka]], funded by the [[University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka|University Grants Commission]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pdn.ac.lk/overview/ | title=Overview of the University | publisher=University of Peradeniya | year=2002 | access-date=24 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113010317/http://www.pdn.ac.lk/overview/ | archive-date=13 January 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the largest university in Sri Lanka, which was originally established as the [[University of Ceylon]] in 1942. The university was officially opened on 20 April 1954, in the presence of [[Queen Elizabeth II]], by [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]].

The University of Peradeniya hosts nine faculties, four postgraduate institutes (including the newly added Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences), 20 centres and units, 73 departments, and teaches about 12,000 students in the fields of Medicine, Agriculture, Arts, Science, Engineering, Dental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Management, and Allied Health Sciences.<ref name=history>{{cite web | url=http://www.pdn.ac.lk/overview/history_more.html | title=Faculties, Postgraduate Institutes and Centres of the University of Peradeniya in the year 2002 | publisher=University of Peradeniya | year=2002 | access-date=24 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116001155/http://www.pdn.ac.lk/overview/history_more.html | archive-date=16 January 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref> It claims to have the largest government endowment by a higher education institution in Sri Lanka, based on its large staff and faculties/departments.<ref name="University System at a Glance">{{cite web |title=University System at a Glance |publisher=[[University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka)]] |year=2009 |url=http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/statistics/university-system-at-a-glance.html |access-date=24 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418074417/http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/statistics/university-system-at-a-glance.html |archive-date=18 April 2010}}</ref>

==Location==
{{See also|Campus of University of Peradeniya}}
The University of Peradeniya site touches the natural environment of the lower slopes of the [[Hanthana mountain range]].{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} The university is in the [[Central Province of Sri Lanka|Central Province]], {{cvt|8|km}} from the centre of [[Kandy]] (the historic capital of the last kingdom of Sri Lanka) and about {{cvt|110|km}} from [[Colombo]]. The [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya|Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya]] is close by.

The university spans nearly {{cvt|700|ha}} in the Mahaweli flood plain. Most of the area remains afforested. The climate around the university is mild, and the temperature fluctuates between {{cvt|18 and 30|C}}.

The main entrance to the university is through [[Galaha]] road. The [[Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Engineering]] is on one side of the [[Mahaweli River]] and all other faculties are on the other side. The Akbar bridge links the two banks of the river. Considered as a marvel of civil engineering, it was designed by A. Thurairajah (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, 1975–77 and 1982–85), and built by the first batch of the faculty, in the year of its inception.

The Sarasavi Uyana railway station is on campus. Another [[bridge]] known as Yaka Paalama links the railway to the other bank. Daily shuttle bus services operate from Kandy to Galaha junction and Kandy to the university.

A separate sub-campus was established in 1968 at Mahailuppallama, [[North Central Province, Sri Lanka|North Central province]] for the [[Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Agriculture]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pdn.ac.lk/agri/history/ | title=Faculty of Agriculture sub campus | publisher=Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127165951/http://www.pdn.ac.lk/agri/history/ | archive-date=27 November 2010}}</ref> Separate residential facilities are provided to this sub-campus.

==History==
===Beginnings===

The proposal for the establishment of [[University of Ceylon]], the first university of Sri Lanka (the predecessor of the University of Peradeniya) goes back to 1899.<ref name="history"/> But no progress was seen until the formation of the Ceylon University Association in 1906 under the guidance of Sir [[Ponnambalam Arunachalam]], Sir [[James Peiris]] and Sir [[Marcus Fernando]]. Its request for a European-style university in Sri Lanka was partially granted by the [[British Ceylon|British rulers]] with the formation of Ceylon University College on 1 January 1921.

The [[University Council]], through which the administration of the Ceylon University College was done, appointed committees to plan the academic activities of a future university.<ref name="history"/> It made suggestions to build the university in Bullers Road (now Bauddhaloka Mawatha) in Colombo, but it was disputed by politicians. To resolve the conflict, the then [[Governor]] [[Hugh Clifford (colonial administrator)|Hugh Clifford]] appointed a committee headed by Justice M. T. Akbar on 20 December 1926. It suggested that the proposed university should be unitary, residential and outside Colombo. Another committee was appointed in 1928 with Sir Walter Buchanan-Riddel as chairman. The committee initially proposed a site at [[Uyanawatta]], in the Dumbara Valley close to [[Kandy]]. H. B. Lees, the Director of Public Works however proposed Mavilmada and [[Austin Woodeson]], the Chief Architect recommended [[Aruppola]], both on the Kandy side of the Dumbara Valley as better sites than Uyanawatta. Dr. [[S. C. Paul|Samuel Chelliah Paul]] and Andreas Nell pointed out the disadvantages of those sites and proposed a larger one at Peradeniya.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of Education in Ceylon, 1796-1965|volume=13|author=Sumathipāla, K. H. M|page=255|publisher=Tisara Prakasakayo|date=1968}}</ref>

In 1938 the government acquired the plot and developed an area about {{cvt|150|ha}} (out of {{cvt|700|ha}}) to create the University Park.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.island.lk/2009/04/29/midweek3.html | title=Cambridge by the Mahaweli: Peradeniya University | publisher=The Island | year=2009 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref>

Although the site was acquired, no plans were made to establish the university until 1941. With the arrival of Sir [[Ivor Jennings]], as the second principal of the Ceylon University College, establishment plans were put into effect. He stressed the urgent need to move the university to Peradeniya to the Minister of Education [[C. W. W. Kannangara]] and took the initiative in the process. Thus he is considered the forefather of the University of Peradeniya.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/ivorj.html | title=First Vice-Chancellor of University of Ceylon | publisher=Rootsweb | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref>

===1942 to 1952===
{{multiple image |total_width=300
|title = First Chancellor and Vice Chancellor
| align = left
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Sir Andrew Caldecott.jpg
|caption1=[[Andrew Caldecott|His Excellency Sir Andrew Caldecott]]<br /><small>Chancellor</small>
|image2= Ivor Jennings 3.jpg
|caption2=[[Ivor Jennings|Sir Ivor Jennings]]<br /><small>Vice-Chancellor</small>
|footer=
}}
In 1942, the [[University of Ceylon]] was created as the first unitary, residential, and autonomous university in Sri Lanka with its seat in Peradeniya, amalgamating Ceylon University College and the Medical College into a single unit with 55 academic staff members, 904 students in four faculties.<ref>{{cite web |year=2009 |title=University of Peradeniya {{!}} StudyLink |url=https://studylink.com/institutions/university-of-peradeniya/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=24 May 2010 |publisher=StudyLink.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lib.pdn.ac.lk/history.htm | title=Historical Roots | publisher=[[University of Peradeniya library]] | year=2009 | access-date=28 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818010829/http://www.lib.pdn.ac.lk/history.htm | archive-date=18 August 2010}}</ref> But due to [[World War II]], the construction of buildings started in 1946. Until then, the lectures and laboratory classes were conducted in the buildings obtained from the [[Ceylon University College]] and the [[Ceylon Medical College]] in Colombo.

Consultants Sir [[Patrick Abercrombie]] and [[Clifford Holliday]] did the planning and layout of the university complex. The first phase of work constituted only the development of the left bank. The building of a bridge across the [[Mahaweli River]], later known as the 'Akbar bridge', was planned by [[Professor|Prof.]] A Thurairajah. Transfer of the first batch of students, students from the Departments of Law and Agriculture and the third and fourth-year students of the Department of Veterinary Science, from Colombo to Peradeniya took place in 1949. Another major move took place in 1952, with the transfer of staff and students of the [[Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya|Faculties of Arts and Oriental Studies]], together with the [[University of Peradeniya library|Main Library]] and the University Administration. This movement on 6 October 1952 marks the official establishment of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. In the initial stages, vice chancellor Jennings wanted to model British universities but met with resistance from students who opposed the changes.<ref name="kandy">{{cite web | title=Kandy in 1940s and 50s... | work=Daily News | year=2009 | url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/03/31/fea05.asp | access-date=14 January 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117130651/http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/03/31/fea05.asp | archive-date=17 January 2011}}</ref>

A special convocation of the [[University of Ceylon]] was held on 12 February 1948 at the temporary Convocation Hall in Peradeniya.[[Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester|His Royal Highness Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester]] laid the foundation stone for the convocation hall at Peradeniya on this occasion. Minister of Transport and Works [[John Kotelawala]] while inviting the Royal Highness mentioned that the ideal of many educated Ceylonese to have a University in appropriate surroundings is now being realized. It will be an inspiration for generations to come. HRH The Duke of Gloucester received the honorary degree of the University of Ceylon as the first in the roll of distinguished graduates in Peradeniya and shared the honors of this convocation with Prime Minister [[D.S. Senanayake]] and Dr. Andreas Nell who first suggested that the University be established on the magnificent surroundings of Peradeniya.<ref>{{Cite web | title=PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20160612/283519385156050 | access-date=2025-03-22 | website=www.pressreader.com}}</ref>

{{rquote|centre|<em>''We are all aware of the great influence which the environment plays in the education of young men and women. On this site, you have the opportunity of building a University unique in character and suited to the genius of the people of Ceylon''</em>| [[Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester|His Royal Highness Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester]] addressing the graduation ceremony, 12 February 1948}}

These prophetic words of HRH Prince Henry, are cherished by Peradeniya University Graduates to this date.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.upaawa.org.au/history/ | title=History }}</ref>

===1952 to 1972===
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the University of Peradeniya.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Elizabeth II|Queen]], [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke]] and [[Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury|Lord Soulbury]] touring the University]]

Although the buildings at Peradeniya were established in 1952, the official ceremony for its inception was held on 20 April 1954, with the participation of [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]]. The government of Ceylon was keen to postpone the ceremony until Queen Elizabeth II could participate. Her visit was delayed by the death of [[George VI of the United Kingdom|King George VI]]. During the Royal visit of Ceylon in 1954 [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]] declared open the university in the presence of [[Elizabeth II|Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury|His Excellency The Lord Soulbury]], [[Governor General of Ceylon]].[[File:Opening plaque of the University of Peradeniya.webp|thumb|left|250px|Ceremonial opening plaque of the University of Peradeniya]]

{{rquote|center|<em>''You have remarked Mr. Chancellor, that it is not easy to open a university, because once established it is always open. However, like the shopkeepers of London during the bombing, I can declare this place to be "more open than usual...''</em>| [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]] addressing the opening ceremony, 1954}}

The plaque displayed in remembrance of the proud visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in the Senate building built on 130 granite columns is a resemblance of a historical palace from the Polonnaruwa era.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ft.lk/Columnists/university-of-peradeniya-a-treasure-of-beauty-and-wisdom/30-290634 | title=University of Peradeniya: A treasure of beauty and wisdom &#124; Daily FT }}</ref>

Sections of the University of Ceylon functioned in Colombo and Peradeniya acted as campuses of the same university until 1967. In 1967, these campuses were split into two. The section in Peradeniya was known as the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, while the section in Colombo was known as the University of Ceylon, Colombo.

===1972 to 1978===
[[File:UoP in May.jpg|thumb|right|The university in spring, the Senate building.]]
[[File:A Bridge Inside UoP.JPG|thumb|right|A bridge inside the university.]]
By the University Act No. 1 of 1972, four{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} universities functioned a —  Peradeniya, [[University of Colombo|Colombo]], [[Vidyodaya University|Vidyodaya]] and [[University of Kelaniya|Vidyalankara]] and the [[University of Moratuwa|Ceylon College of Technology, Katubedda, Moratuwa]] became five constituent campuses of a single structure – the University of Sri Lanka. It had one vice chancellor and five presidents for five campuses. Under this designation, the University of Ceylon – Peradeniya became the University of Sri Lanka – Peradeniya Campus. This designation prevailed until 1978.

=== 1978 to the present ===
Under the Universities Act No. 16, 1978, the University of Sri Lanka was split into six independent, autonomous institutions as the University of Peradeniya, [[University of Colombo]], [[University of Sri Jayewardenepura]], [[University of Kelaniya]], [[University of Moratuwa]] and [[University of Jaffna]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Universities Act – Part XX |url=http://www.ugc.ac.lk/si/policy/universities-act/46.html |publisher=[[University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka)]] |access-date=4 March 2012 |archive-date=22 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022235754/http://ugc.ac.lk/si/policy/universities-act/46.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This Act brought back some of the central features of the Ceylon University Ordinance of 1942 such as the senates, the councils and courts.

==Governance and administration==
The University of Peradeniya operates under the provisions of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 and the Universities (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 1985. It is a [[Public university|state university]] and the undergraduate study is 100% [[Free education|free]]. Therefore, it depends on the government for much of its annual grant, which is provided by the [[University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka)|University Grants Commission (UGC)]]. Due to this, its administration is heavily influenced by the UGC. The administration is based upon that of the former [[University of Ceylon]] consisting of a dual structure of bodies: the council (formally known as the [[University Court]] which is the governing body) and the [[Academic Senate]] (academic affairs).

===Officers ===
[[File:Sarachchandra Theatre.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sarachchandra open-air theatre]] of the University of Peradeniya, a well-known historical theatre and the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It was built according to the architectural style of [[Theatre of ancient Greece|ancient Greek theatres]] and named in memory of [[Ediriweera Sarachchandra]], Sri Lanka's premium playwright.]]

;[[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]]
The chancellor is the head of the university and is responsible for awarding all the [[academic degree]]s. Usually, the chancellor is a distinguished person in an [[List of academic disciplines|academic discipline]]. Otherwise, it is a member of the clergy or a distinguished person from civil society. The [[President of Sri Lanka]] appoints the chancellor. The position is mainly ceremonial and duties are usually carried out by the vice-chancellor. The current chancellor of the university is [[Professor (title)|Prof.]] Gerald Peiris.
;[[Chancellor (education)|Vice chancellor]]
The vice chancellor is the ''[[de facto]]'' principal academic and administrative officer of the university, responsible for management tasks. This appointment is also done by the [[President of Sri Lanka]]. The current vice chancellor is [[Professor|Prof.]]W.M.T Madhujith , who is also a Professor of Food Science.
;[[Dean (education)|Deans of Faculties]]
Deans are the heads of the faculties. They are responsible for the management and the tasks carried out by the faculty. Deans are appointed by the chancellor for three years.

===List of chancellors and vice chancellors===
{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}
*'''Chancellors'''
*;University of Ceylon and University of Sri Lanka
** [[Andrew Caldecott|Sir Andrew Caldecott]] [1942–44]
** [[Henry Monck-Mason Moore|Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore]] (1944–49)
** [[Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury|Lord Soulbury]] (1949–54)
** [[Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke|Sir Oliver Goonetilleke]] (1954–62)
** [[William Gopallawa]] (1962–78)
*;University of Peradeniya
** [[Junius Richard Jayewardene|J. R. Jayewardene]] (1978 – July 1979)
** [[Victor Tennekoon]] (1979 – 31 January 1984)
** [[Theodore Braybrooke Panabokke|T. B. Panabokke]] (1 Feb 1984–1989)
** [[Fredrick de Silva]] (1990–1993)
** [[Ediriweera Sarachchandra|Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra]] (1993 to 1996)
** Prof. [[R. G. Panabokke]] (1999 to 2002)
** [[Deshamanya]] [[R. K. W. Goonesekera]] (2002 to 2006)
** [[Doctor (title)|Dr.]] [[Premadasa Udagama]] (2007 to 2012)
** Prof. [[P. W. Epasinghe]]

{{col-2}}
*'''Vice Chancellors'''
*;University of Ceylon
** Prof. Sir [[Ivor Jennings]] (1942–55)
** Prof. Sir [[Nicholas Attygalle]] (1955–66)
*;University of Ceylon, Peradeniya
** [[S. J. Walpita]], [[Ceylon Civil Service|CCS]] (1966–68)
** [[M. J. Perera]], [[Ceylon Civil Service|CCS]] (1968–69)
** Prof. [[E.O.E. Pereira]] (1969–71)
*;University of Sri Lanka
** Prof.[[B. A. Abeywickrema]] (1972–74)
** [[L. H. Sumanadasa]] (1974)
** Prof. [[P. P. G. L. Siriwardena]] (1974–78)
** Prof. [[S. Kodikara]] (president, Peradeniya Campus)
** Prof. [[P. W. Vithanage]] (president, Peradeniya Campus)
*;University of Peradeniya
** Prof. [[B. L. Panditharatne]] (1978–84)
** Prof. [[M. A. Fernando]] (1984–85)
** Prof. [[R. G. Panabokke]] (1985–88)
** Prof. [[A. P. R. Aluwihare]] (1988–89)
** Prof. [[C. L. V. Jayathilake]] (1989–91)
** Prof. [[J. M. Gunadasa]] (1991–94)
** Prof. [[C. M. Madduma Bandara]] (1994–97)
** Prof. [[R. A. L. H. Gunawardana]] (1997–00)
** Prof. [[Kapila Gunasekara]] (2000–06)
** Prof. [[Harishchandra Abeygunawardena]] (2006–09)
** Prof. [[S. B. S. Abayakoon]] (2009–12)
** Prof. [[A. Senaratne]] (2012–15)
{{col-end}}

==Faculties and institutions==
{{Main|Faculties and institutions of University of Peradeniya}}
[[File:Campus lion UoP.jpg|thumb|left|A traditional lion statue in front of the senate building of the university]]
{| class="toccolours" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; font-size:90%; line-height:1.4em; width:300px;"
! colspan="2" style="background:#629BAB; color:white; font-weight:bold" | '''Founding of the Faculties of the University of Peradeniya'''
|- style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold;"
| style="background:lavender; width:200px" | '''Faculty'''|| style="background:lavender; width:100px" | '''Year founded'''
|-
| colspan="2" |<hr />
|-
| [[Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Arts]] || align=center| 1942
|-
| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Medicine]]|| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0" | 1962
|-
| [[Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Science]]|| align=center| 1961
|-
| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Dental Sciences]]|| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0" | 1943
|-
| [[Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Agriculture]]|| align=center| 1947
|-
| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science]]|| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0" | 1947
|-
| [[Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Engineering]] || align=center| 1950
|-
| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Allied Health Sciences]]|| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0" | 2005
|
|-
| [[Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Management]] || align=center| 2015
|-
|}

The university has eight academic [[Faculty (division)|faculties]] of study. These faculties contain 72 departments. In addition, the university has two postgraduate institutions and six affiliated centres. The first Faculty to be established was the Faculty of Arts. The Departments of Law and Oriental Studies functioned separately but have since come under the Faculty of Arts. Since then, eight other faculties have been added. The latest addition is the Faculty of Management, established in 2015.

The [http://www.pgia.pdn.ac.lk/ Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA)] and [http://www.pgihs.pdn.ac.lk/ Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS)] and [https://pgims.pdn.ac.lk/ Postgraduate Institute of Medical Science (PGIMS)] and [http://www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk/ Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS)] are the institutions established in the university. PGIS is a national institute established by the [[Ministry of Education (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Higher Education]], Sri Lanka in 1996. PGIA was established in 1975 and offers three [[Postgraduate education|postgraduate degrees]]. PGIA offers postgraduate-level courses in Agricultural disciplines. In addition to these institutions, Senerath Paranavitana Teaching and Research Museum functions affiliated with the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/courses.html | title=The Senerath Paranavitana Teaching and Research Museum | publisher=[[Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya]] | year=2009 | access-date=24 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508005408/http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/courses.html | archive-date=8 May 2010}}</ref> It was established in 1960.

==Ranking==
In 2023, Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed the University of Peradeniya first in Sri Lanka and 301–400 band in the [https://www.pdn.ac.lk/rankings/ world university ranking]. This is the highest world ranking that any university in Sri Lanka has reached in recent history. The University of Peradeniya has also been ranked first in Sri Lanka under other popular university rankings schemes such as Times Higher Education world university rankings, QS world university rankings and U.S. News & World Report global university ranking in 2022. In 2019–2020, according to the University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), the University of Peradeniya ranked first in Sri Lanka and 1123rd in the world. The University of Peradeniya was ranked No. 1 in Sri Lanka based on total [[ResearchGate]] scores. The ''[[QS World University Rankings]]'' ranked the university 350th in Asia in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-20 |title=QS Asia University Rankings 2025 - Overall |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/asia-university-rankings?page=1&items_per_page=150 |access-date= |website=Top Universities |language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Global-Overall
|-
! Ranking Methods !! Ranking
|-
| [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|THE]]<ref name="the.world">{{cite web |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-peradeniya |access-date=May 1, 2024 |title=University of Peradeniya {{!}} World University Rankings  |date=30 April 2024 |lang=en |publisher=[[Times Higher Education]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240501230357/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-peradeniya |archive-date= 1 May 2024 }}</ref> || 1001–1200
|-
| [[QS World University Rankings|QS]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-peradeniya |access-date=May 1, 2024 |title=University of Peradeniya |website=Top Universities |lang=en}}</ref> || 1201-1400
|-
| [[U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking|U.S. News & World Report]]<ref name="usnews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/university-of-peradeniya-529988 |access-date=2023-04-09 |title=University of Peradeniya |website=www.usnews.com |publisher=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |lang=en}}</ref> || 901
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ National-Overall
|-
! Ranking Methods !! Ranking
|-
| [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|THE]]<ref name="the.world"/> || 1
|-
| [[QS World University Rankings|QS]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023 |access-date=2023-04-09 |title=Top global universities |website=www.topuniversities.com |lang=en |date=2023}}</ref> || 1
|-
| [[U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking|U.S. News & World Report]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/search?region=asia&country=sri-lanka |access-date=2023-04-09 |title=Search U.S. News Best Global Universities |website=usnews.com |publisher=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |lang=en}}</ref> || 1
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Other-Overall
|-
! Ranking Methods !! Ranking
|-
| [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|THE- Asia University Rankings]]<ref name="the.asia">{{cite web |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2022/regional-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/locations/LKA/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2023-04-09 |date=2022 |title=Asia University Rankings |website=www.timeshighereducation.com |publisher=[[Times Higher Education]] |lang=en}}</ref> || 93
|-
| [[QS World University Rankings|QS- Asia University Rankings]]<ref>{{cite web |lang=en |website=www.topuniversities.com |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/asia-university-rankings/2023 |access-date=2023-04-09 |title= QS Asia University Rankings |date=2023}}</ref> || 351-400
|-
| [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|THE- Emerging Economies]]<ref name="the.asia"/> || 113
|-
| [[U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking|U.S. News & World Report- Asia]]<ref name="usnews.com"/> || 240
|}

==Library network==
{{Main|University of Peradeniya library}}

The library is a centrally administered network of libraries. It is considered the oldest academic library in Sri Lanka.{{ref label|d|d|none}} Containing over 430,000 items, it is one of the largest libraries serving the country. Seven branches are in faculties in the main campus at Peradeniya and one other branch is in the Mahailuppallama sub-campus.

University of Peradeniya library contains a legal deposit collection of 300,000 items, a special collection of 15,000+ items acquired from various individuals, [[palm-leaf manuscript]] collection of approximately 5,000 (second largest in Sri Lanka) and a [[Microform|microfilm]] collection of 17,000. Furthermore, it owns the largest historical map collection in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/students.html | title=Facilities and Services: University of Peradeniya Library Network | publisher=[[Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya]] | year=2009 | access-date=28 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616072501/http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/students.html | archive-date=16 June 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Student life==

===Student organizations===

Students at the University of Peradeniya run over 100 [[Student society|clubs and organizations]]. These include cultural and religious groups, academic clubs, and common-interest organizations. The Peradeniya Students' Union (PSU) is considered the highest body which represents all internal students.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/activities.html | title=Student Activities | publisher=University of Peradeniya | year=2008 | access-date=13 November 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110192657/http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/activities.html | archive-date=10 November 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref> Separate student unions operate in each faculty. These student societies include:
{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}
* Agriculture Students Union (AgSU)
**Agriculture Faculty English Literary Association (AFELA)
** Agriculture Management Science Society (AGMAG)
* Agriculture Faculty Forestry Society
** Agriculture Faculty Journalism and Media Society (AFJM)
** Arts Circle – Faculty of Agriculture
** International Students' Forum (ISF), University of Peradeniya
** Inventors Club – Faculty of Agriculture
** Nature Society
** Horticulture Society
** Society of Food Science and Technology
** Biology Guild
* Arts Students Union (ASU)
* Science Students Union (SSU)
* Engineering Students Union (ESU)
* Dental Faculty Students Union (DFSU)
* Medical Faculty Students' Union (MFSU)
* Societies in the Faculty of Engineering
** Engineering Students' Publication Society (ESPS)
** Association of Computer Engineering Students (ACES)
** Civil Engineers Society (CES)
** Chemical Engineering Students Society (ChESS)
** Electrical and Electronic Engineers Society (EEES)
** Engineering Faculty Art Circle
** Engineering Faculty Buddhist Brotherhood
** Mechanical Engineers Society (MES)
** Production Engineering Students Society (PESS)
** Power and Highvoltage Engineers Society (PHES)
* Societies in the Faculty of Science
** Art Circle
** Buddhist Brotherhood Faculty of Science
** Botanical Society
** Chemical Society
** Computer Society University of Peradeniya (CSUP)
** Hantana Conservation Society
** Hindu Society
** Mathematics Society
** Photographic Society
** Physical Society
** Science Library Club
** Tamil Sangeetha Natya Sangam
** Tamil Society
** University Explorers Club
** University Geological Society
** Zoologists' Association

{{col-2}}

* Cultural Societies
** Ceylon University Dramatic Society (DramSoc)
** English Literary Association (ELA)
** Film Society (FilmSoc)
** Gandarwa Sabhawa
** Sinhala Natya Mandalaya
** Sinhala Sangamaya
** Tamil Sangeetha Natya Sangam
** Tamil Society
* Religious Societies
** Buddhist Brotherhood
** Hindu Students' Union
** [[Newman Society]] (for Roman Catholics)
** Student Christian Movement
** University Buddhist Society
** University Muslim Majlis
* Other Societies
** AIESEC in University of Peradeniya
** Arunachalum-Hall Alumni Association
** MIDI Group
** {{Cite web | title=Perabeats – Expected the Unexpected | url=http://perabeats.lk/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607194251/http://perabeats.lk:80/ | access-date=2025-03-22 | archive-date=2019-06-07}}
** [[Rotaract]] Club
** Sports Council
** Student Meditation Society
** University Explorers' Club
** University Gavel Club
** University Radio Voice of hanthana https://voiceofhanthana.com/
{{col-end}}

===Sports===
[[File:Swimming pool, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.JPG|thumbnail|left|Swimming pool]]
[[File:Gymnasium, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - side view.JPG|thumbnail|Gymnasium]]

Sports activities are conducted by the Department of Physical Education. The University of Peradeniya has 30 athletics teams to date. Facilities include a well-equipped gymnasium, one of the largest multi-purpose outstation stadiums in Sri Lanka, a 50m swimming pool and separate stadiums for [[cricket]], [[rugby football|rugby]], [[association football|football]], [[field hockey|hockey]], [[tennis]], [[track and field]], and [[elle (sport)|elle]].

==Residential facilities==
[[File:Gal Bangalawa, University of Peradeniya.jpg|thumb|Gal Bangalawa of University of Peradeniya.]]
The University of Peradeniya is the only residential university in Sri Lanka. It provides residential facilities to most of its undergraduate students, its academic staff members and guests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=University of Peradeniya |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-peradeniya |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref> Three guest houses — Gal Bangalawa, Upper Hantana Guest House and Lady Hill a tourist hotel – come under university administration. Residential halls for undergraduate students:
{|
|valign="top"|
* '''Gents'''
** Arunachalam Hall (Named after [[Ponnambalam Arunachalam|Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam]])
** Akbar Hall (Named after [[Maas Thajoon Akbar|Justice Akbar]])
** Andreas Nell Hall (Named after Dr Andreas Nell)
** James Peiris Hall (Named after [[James Peiris|Sir James Peiris]])
** Hindagala Hall
** Jayatilake Hall (Named after [[Don Baron Jayatilaka|Sir Baron Jayatilaka]])
** Mahailuppallama Gents Hostel
** Marcus Fernando Hall (Named after [[Marcus Fernando|Sir Marcus Fernando]])
** Marrs Hall (Named after Dr Robert Marrs)
** New Akbar Hall
** Sarasavi Uyana Hall
** Senaka Bibile Hall (Named after [[Seneka Bibile]])
** Sir Ivor Jennings Hall (Named after [[Ivor Jennings|Sir Ivor Jennings]])
** Lalith Athulathmudali Hall

|valign="top"|
* '''Ladies'''
** A/7 Women's Hostel
** Hilda Obeyesekara Hall (Named after [[Paul Pieris#Personal life|Lady Hilda Obeyesekara]])
** Mahailuppallama Ladies Hostel
** Ramanathan Hall (Named after [[Ponnambalam Ramanathan|Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan]])
** Sangamitta Hall
** Wijewardena Hall (Named after [[D. R. Wijewardena]])
** Prof. Sarachchandra Hall
** Gunapala Malalasekara Hall
** Mahakanda Hall
** Sarasavi Madura Hall
* '''Bhikkus'''
** A/4 Bhikku Hostel
** A/5 Bhikku Hostel
** Kehelpannala Hall
** Sangaramaya
|}

==International collaborations==
The university has developed international relationships since its earliest days. Student exchange programs (Erasmus and International Credit Mobility Programme with SLU, Sweden), collaborative research, split postgraduate programs, international seminars, conferences and short courses are being carried out with these global partners by the Directorate of Research and International Affairs. This was established as a separate institution in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pdn.ac.lk/intres/ | title=Overview | publisher=Directorate of Research and International Affairs, University of Peradeniya | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> UoP has initiated cooperation programs with foreign governments and institutions.

===Academic networking===
UoP is a member of the [[Association of Commonwealth Universities]] (ACU) academic network.

===Research and academic partners===
The university has signed [[Memorandum of understanding|Memorandums of Understanding]] for research and academic development with these international universities.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pdn.ac.lk/intres/mou.html | title=Memorandum of Understandings (MoU's) | publisher=University of Peradeniya | year=2002 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|USA}} [[University of California]], [[University of California, Davis Arboretum|Davis Campus]], United States
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} [[National University of Singapore]], [[Singapore]]
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[University of Pennsylvania]], United States (with Solomon ASCH Centre for the Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict)
* {{flagicon|Canada}} [[University of Ottawa]], Canada (Governance and Institutional Strengthening Project)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Carnegie Mellon University]], United States
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[University of Aberdeen]], United Kingdom (with School of Biological Sciences)
* {{flagicon|Germany}} [[University of Göttingen]], Germany (with Institut für Sportwissenschaften)
* {{flagicon|Canada}} [[University of Guelph]], Canada (cooperation in Food and Science Technology)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/international/studies/food.cfm | title=Partners in Education – Food | publisher=[[University of Guelph]] | year=2010 | access-date=24 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606150821/http://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/international/studies/food.cfm | archive-date=6 June 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[University of Naples Federico II]], Italy
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[University of North Dakota]], United States<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sundaytimes.lk/091101/Education/ed14.html | title=University of Peradeniya signs MoU with UND | work=The Sunday Times| date=1 November 2009 | access-date=29 May 2010}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Marche Polytechnic University]], Italy
* {{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[North South University]], [[Bangladesh]] (Public Policy and Governance)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mppg-nsu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=58 | title=Our Partner Institutions | publisher=[[North South University]], [[Bangladesh]] | year=2010 | access-date=24 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528163931/http://mppg-nsu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=58 | archive-date=28 May 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|France}} [[National Polytechnic Institutes (France)|Institute of Polytechnic de Grenoble]], France (Educational and Scientific cooperation)
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Yamagata University]], Japan
* {{flagicon|France}} [[National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine|Institute National Polytechnique de Lorraine]], France (Higher Education on Disaster Mitigation)
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Hokkaido University]], Japan (With Graduate School of [[Veterinary Medicine]])
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[University for Foreigners Perugia]], Italy
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Osaka Prefecture University]], Japan (cooperation in [[Veterinary Medicine]] and [[Animal Science]])
* {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Rajamangala University of Technology]], [[Thailand]]
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Saga University]], Japan ([[Telemedicine]])<ref>{{cite web | url=http://turkey.fu.is.saga-u.ac.jp/education/project/Collabo1.html | title=Collaborative activities with University of Peradeniya, Telemedicine | publisher=[[Saga University]] | year=2009 | access-date=4 June 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627112240/http://turkey.fu.is.saga-u.ac.jp/education/project/Collabo1.html | archive-date=27 June 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Dongguk University]], [[South Korea]] (Pali and Buddhist Studies)
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Niigata University]], Japan
* {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[University of Limerick]], Ireland
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Lincoln University, New Zealand|Lincoln University]], New Zealand
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[United Nations University]], Japan
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Yonsei University]], [[South Korea]] (academic exchange and cooperation)
* {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Asian Institute of Technology]] (AIT), [[Thailand]] (Asian Regional Research Programme on Environmental Technology Phase II)
* {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Universiti Sains Malaysia|Universiti Sains]], [[Malaysia]]
* {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Lund University]], Sweden
* {{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[National Formosa University]], [[Taiwan]]

===Intercollegiate Sri Lanka Education program===
The Intercollegiate Sri Lanka Education (ISLE) program provides facilities for undergraduate students from [[United States of America]] to study in Sri Lanka. Each year, about 20 undergraduates spend five months in Sri Lanka following courses given by members of the Faculty of Arts. This programme also involves an exchange of faculty.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bowdoin.edu/isle/ | title=Isle Program | publisher=[[Bowdoin College]], [[Maine]], United States | year=2010 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/courses.html | title=Link Programmes with Outside Institutions | publisher=[[Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya]] | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508005408/http://www.arts.pdn.ac.lk/courses.html | archive-date=8 May 2010}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Cornell University]], [[Ithaca, New York|Ithaca]], [[New York (state)|NY]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Bates College]], [[Maine]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Bowdoin College]], [[Maine]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Carleton College]], [[Minnesota]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Colby University]], [[Maine]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Grinnell College]], [[Iowa]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[College of the Holy Cross]], [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Macalester College]], [[Minnesota]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Swarthmore College]], [[Pennsylvania]], United States
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Whittier College]], [[California]], United States

===Government partnerships===
* {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Government of Sweden]] – research cooperation on SAREC project
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Government of Japan]] – capacity building training programme for Oral & Maxillafacial surgeons
* {{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Government of Egypt]] – Arabic student exchange program and teaching [[Muslim world|Islamic civilization]]
* {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency]] (SIDA)
* {{flagicon|United Nations}} [[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP) – research cooperation

== People ==

=== Students ===
{| style="text-align:center; float: right; font-size:85%; margin-left: 2em;" align="center" class="wikitable"
|+ Demographics of undergraduate body (2010){{ref label|e|e|none}}
! !! Total Students !! Percentage
|-
! [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]]
| 7849 || 81.72%
|-
! [[Sri Lankan Tamil people|Tamil]]
| 1006 || 10.47%
|-
! [[Sri Lankan Moors|Muslim]]
| 661 || 6.88%
|-
! [[Burgher people|Burgher]]
| 8 || 0.08%
|-
! [[Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka|Indian Tamil]]
| 42 || 0.44%
|-
! [[International student|Other/International]]
| 39 || 0.41%
|-
! '''Total'''
| 9605 || 100%
|}
The total number of undergraduates in the university for the year 2009–2010 was 9,605. Student intake for that year remained at 2,620. In 2008, 1514 postgraduate students studied at the university, most of them affiliated with the two postgraduate institutions: Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) and Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA). Postgraduate output for the year was 358, including 15 [[Doctor of Philosophy|doctorates]]. Faculties except Science and Agriculture conducted their own postgraduate courses.

Women constituted 53.15 percent of undergraduates. Women constituted remained over 45 percent in all faculties except [[Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Engineering]] where it was 15.46 percent.{{ref label|f|f|none}} Courses in all faculties except [[Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Arts]] are taught in [[English language|English medium]]. In the Faculty of Arts, 69.85 percent of undergraduates are enrolled in [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]], 15.93 percent in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and 14.22 percent in English.

===Alumni===
{{Main|List of University of Peradeniya people}}

The University of Peradeniya has produced a large number of alumni. Among the best-known are Sri Lankans are [[The Honourable|Hon.]] [[W. J. M. Lokubandara]]; former speaker of the parliament (2005–2010),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/7803 | title=The Role of the Speaker of Parliament: W.J.M.Lokubandara – Lawyer, Poet, Song Writer, Author, Humanist & Philosopher | publisher=[[Asian Tribune]] | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [[Sri Lankabhimanya]] [[The Honourable|Hon.]] [[Lakshman Kadirgamar]]; distinguished diplomat, politician and lawyer,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.island.lk/2008/08/10/features1.html | title=When Kadirgamar was killed, the Indian Prime Minister was moved to tears | publisher=The Island | year=2005 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tamilweek.com/Lakshman_Kadirgamar_0014.html | title=Lakshman Kadirgamar (1932–2005) | publisher=Tamil Week, D.B.S Jeyaraj | year=2005 | access-date=24 May 2010 | archive-date=14 October 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014010955/http://tamilweek.com/Lakshman_Kadirgamar_0014.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> Prof. [[Channa Jayasumana]]; Medical Professor, winner of [[AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility]]  in 2019 offered by American Association for the Advancement of Science and former Health minister of Sri Lanka, [[S. H. M. Jameel|S. H. M.. Jameel]], [[Doctor (title)|Dr.]] [[Jayantha Dhanapala]]; former Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ices.lk/publications/esr/articles_jul98/PeraMem.pdf |title=Jayantha Dhanapala |publisher=ices.lk |year=2007 |access-date=24 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080700/http://www.ices.lk/publications/esr/articles_jul98/PeraMem.pdf |archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Gananath Obeyesekere]]; [[Professor emeritus|emeritus Professor]] of [[Anthropology]] at [[Princeton University]] and the person who entered into an intellectual debate with [[Marshall Sahlins]] over the rationality of indigenous people through the details of [[Captain Cook|Captain James Cook]]'s death in the [[Hawaiian Islands]] in 1779,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gananathobeyesekere.org/|title=Gananath Obeyesekere official website|work=gananathobeyesekere.org|access-date=15 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607072440/http://www.gananathobeyesekere.org/|archive-date=7 June 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Anuradha Seneviratna]]; a renowned [[Sri Lanka]]n scholar,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.anuradhaseneviratna.com/ | title=www.anuradhaseneviratna.com | publisher=anuradhaseneviratna.com | year=2007 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Malik Peiris]]; discoverer of [[severe acute respiratory syndrome]] (SARS) virus,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.sciencewatch.com/sept-oct2004/sw_sept-oct2004_page3.htm | title=Malik Peiris on Containing SARS and Watching for What's Next | publisher=Sciencewatch | year=2007 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=0-6ZXi0AAAAJ&hl=en Prof. Saman Warnakulasuriya] ; OBE- Emeritus Professor King's College London, UK & Director WHO Collaborating Centre on Oral Cancer, [[Major General]] [[Janaka Perera]]; [[Chief of staff (military)|chief of staff]] of the [[Sri Lanka Army]] and one of the most distinguished generals in Sri Lankan history,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.island.lk/2008/07/21/news3.html | title=Janaka rejects police bodyguards Firmly believes in military victory against LTTE | publisher=The Island | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[J B Disanayake]]; head of the Department of Sinhala, [[University of Colombo]].,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nation.lk/2007/06/24/news3.htm | title=JB new Ambassador to Thailand | publisher=[[The Nation]] | year=2006 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Kusuma Karunaratne]]; the first female Professor of [[Sinhala language]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sundaytimes.lk/090208/Education/ed703.html | title=D. Litt. (Honoris Causa) for Prof. Kusuma Karunaratne | work=[[The Sunday Times]] | year=2006 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [[Doctor (title)|Dr.]] [[Gunadasa Amarasekera]]; a prominent [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] [[writer]], [[poet]], and [[essayist]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.infolanka.com/org/srilanka/people/57.htm | title=Gunadasa Amarasekera: The dentist – philosopher rooted in Sinhala soil | publisher=Info Lanka | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> and [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Neelan Tiruchelvam]] – A [[Sri Lanka]]n [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Tamil]] [[politician]], peace activist and an internationally respected academic. Founder and director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies and the founder and director of [[The Law and Society Trust]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3708 | title=Vice Chancelor of Jaffna University Ratnajeevan Hoole questions the warnings issued by the Messenger of Deaths in Japan | publisher=[[Asian Tribune]] | year=2006 | access-date=30 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://anandasangary.com/?p=491 | title=Neelan Tiruchelvam 'A Sharp Mind and Full of Conviction' by The Times London | work=[[The Times]] | year=2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407081553/http://anandasangary.com/?p=491|archive-date=7 April 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref>

===Faculty===
{| class="toccolours" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; font-size:85%; line-height:1.4em; width:300px;"
! colspan="3" style="text-align: center; background:lavender" | '''Comparison of Academic Staff'''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ugc.ac.lk/statistics/teaching-staff.html | title=Distribution of University Teaching Staff by Faculties 2008 | publisher=[[University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka]] | year=2009 | access-date=9 June 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412042833/http://www.ugc.ac.lk/statistics/teaching-staff.html | archive-date=12 April 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref>{{ref label|g|g|none}}
|-
| '''Category''' || '''Number engaged in the university system (2008)''' || '''Number engaged in University of Peradeniya (2008)'''
|-
| colspan="3" |<hr />
|-
| [[Professor]]s || style="text-align:center" | 386 || style="text-align:center" | 106
|-
| [[Professor|Associate Professors]] || style="text-align:center" | 79 || style="text-align:center" | 23
|-
| [[Lecturer|Senior Lecturers]] || style="text-align:center" | 1929 || style="text-align:center" | 336
|-
| [[Lecturer]]s || style="text-align:center" | 1556 || style="text-align:center" | 216
|-
| Academic Support Staff || style="text-align:center" | 326 || style="text-align:center" | 50
|}
The number of permanent academic staff at the University of Peradeniya is 731. It is the university in Sri Lanka that is served by the highest number of [[professor]]s, [[associate professor]]s and academic staff. Teacher to student ratio of the university was 1:13 by 2008.

Faculty include [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Stanley Jeyaraja Tambiah]]; professor in [[anthropology]] (1955–1960), a leading [[social anthropology|social anthropologist]] in the world, recipient of the prestigious [[Balzan Prize]],<ref>
{{cite web
 |url          = http://www.balzan.it/Premiati_eng.aspx?Codice=0000001326&nome=Stanley%20Jeyaraja%20Tambiah
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060514220748/http://www.balzan.it/Premiati_eng.aspx?Codice=0000001326&nome=Stanley%20Jeyaraja%20Tambiah
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-date = 14 May 2006
 |title        = Stanley Jeyaraja Tambiah
 |access-date   = 20 August 2007
 |publisher    = Fondazione Internazionale Balzan
}}</ref> the highest recognition of the [[Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland]] and Esther and Sidney Rabb Professor (Emeritus) of Anthropology at [[Harvard University]], [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Senarath Paranavithana]]; the pioneering [[archeologist]] and [[epigraphist]] of Sri Lanka and once the archaeological commissioner,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sundaytimes.lk/980222/plus5.html | title=Where tradition comes together | work=[[The Sunday Times]] | year=2009 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Gunapala Piyasena Malalasekera|Gunapala Malalasekera]]; famous Sri Lankan [[scholar]] and [[diplomat]]; compiler of the "Gunapala [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]-English [[Dictionary]]",<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lakehouse.lk/mihintalava/sasana03.htm | title=The first ever English medium Encyclopedia of Buddhism | publisher=Lake House | year=2009 | access-date=14 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521222106/http://www.lakehouse.lk/mihintalava/sasana03.htm | archive-date=21 May 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Anuradha Seneviratna]]; a renowned Sri Lankan scholar, [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Seneka Bibile]], the founder of [[Sri Lanka National Pharmaceuticals Policy|Sri Lanka's drug policy]] and the greatest medical benefactor of humanity that Sri Lanka has hitherto produced,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/sbibile.htm | title=Who was Senaka Bibile? | publisher=Rootsweb | year=2006 | access-date=7 June 2010}}</ref> and [[Professor|Prof.]] Ashley Halpé, a prominent Sri Lankan writer.

==Criticism==

===Ragging===
The university has been criticized for its high level of [[Ragging in Sri Lanka|ragging]] with several incidents grabbing national headlines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://groundviews.org/2009/11/30/ragging-in-our-universities-a-symptom-or-a-disease/|title=Ragging in our universities: A symptom or a disease?|date=30 November 2009 |access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref> These include the death of S. Varapragash in 1997 due to kidney failure following severe ragging by a group of senior students<ref>{{cite web | url=http://noragnofear.com/index.html | title=Death of S. Varapragash | publisher=noragnofear.com | year=2008 | access-date=24 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228191019/http://noragnofear.com/index.html | archive-date=28 February 2009}}</ref> and the permanent disability of Rupa Rathnaseeli in 1975 as a result of having jumped from the second floor of the hostel Ramanathan Hall to escape the physical ragging by the seniors. She died by suicide in 2002.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.island.lk/2003/01/11//news01.html | title=Rupa Rathnaseeli, forced to jump from the second floor of the ''Ramanathan'' | publisher=The Island | year=2007 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> In 1997, Selvanayagam Varapragash, a first-year engineering student was murdered on the campus due to hazing. He was subjected to sadistic ragging, and in the post-mortem, a large quantity of toothpaste was found in his rectum.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}}

==Popular culture==
[[File:Uni trees.jpg|thumb|left|Serene road inside university]]

The University of Peradeniya holds a central position in classical university education, which has made it the setting for many dramas, films, songs, poems, novels and other cultural works in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2003/11/02/fea03.html | title=Sarath Amunugama's ''Maname Mathakvi'' The Return to Peradeniya | publisher=The Sunday Observer | year=2003 | access-date=13 June 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181539/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/11/02/fea03.html | archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref><ref>Book Review: Peradeniya-Memories of a University. Edited by K.M. de Silva and Tissa Jayatillaka. Reviewed by [[Jayantha Dhanapala]]{{cite web | url=http://sundaytimes.lk/980517/plus9.html | title=More than just a nostalgic voyage down memory lane | work=The Sunday Times| year=1998 | access-date=13 June 2010}}</ref>

Songs like "Hanthanata paayana sanda..." by [[Amarasiri Peiris]], "Hanthane kandu muduna sisara..." by [[W. D. Amaradeva]], "Hanthana adaviye meduru kulunu sudu sandaluthalaa pisa..." by [[Nanda Malini]], "Mé nagaraya maa oba munagasunu nagarayayi..." by [[Mervin Perera]], "Hanthane raja dahane...", "Nethu saluna...", "Hantana Desin ena..." are only a few of them. Movies like [[Gamini Fonseka]]'s ''Saagarayak Meda'' (In the middle of an ocean) and [[Sugathapala Senarath Yapa]]'s ''[[Hanthane Kathawa]]'' (The story of Hanthana) are directly based on University of Peradeniya.

UoP is featured in novels: [[Siri Gunasinghe]]'s ''Sevanella'' (The shadow) and [[Gunadasa Amarasekara]]'s ''Ek Sathya Kathawak'' (One true story). Groundbreaking dramas like [[Professor|Prof.]] [[Ediriweera Sarachchandra]]'s ''Maname'' (1957) and ''Sinhabahu'' (1960) were first directed and played there.<ref name="kandy"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.island.lk/2004/03/21/featur07.html | title=Celebrating Creativity: Applause at the Wendt | publisher=The Island | year=2007 | access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref> In Sarachchandra's novel ''Heta Echchara Kaluvara Nae'' (Tomorrow is not that dark), an entire chapter is dedicated to describing the beauty of the university.

==Further reading==
* De Silva, K. M. and Jayatilaka, Tissa (eds). ''Peradeniya: Memories of a University'', International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Kandy (1997), {{ISBN|955-580-023-5}}
* Peiris, Ralph. ''Universities, politics and public opinion in Ceylon'', Springer, Netherlands (Volume 2, Number 4 / June 1964). {{ISSN|0026-4695}} (Print) {{ISSN|1573-1871}} (Online). 435-454pp.
* [[H. A. I. Goonetilleke|Goonetileke H. A. I.]] ''Introduction to Jennings’s The Kandy Road'' (1993)
* [[Ivor Jennings|Jennings, Sir Ivor]] ''The Road to Peradeniya'' (''Autobiography''),  {{ISBN|955-552-114-X}}
* Gooneratne, Yasmine. ''The Sweet and Simple Kind: A Poetic Account of a Nation's Troubled Awakening'', Abacus Publishers (2006), {{ISBN|1-4087-0163-4}} / {{ISBN|978-1-4087-0163-8}}  (UK edition)

==See also==
{{Portal|Sri Lanka}}
*[[Education in Sri Lanka]]
*[[List of universities in Sri Lanka|Sri Lankan universities]]
*[[University of Ceylon]]
** [[List of split up universities]]

==Notes==
{{Refbegin}}

:a. {{note label|a|a|none}} Table 2.1.1: Total student enrolment by faculty (pp.24), ''University Hand Book 2009'' published by the University of Peradeniya publications (2010).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pdn.ac.lk/news/handbook/handbook2009.pdf | title=University of Peradeniya Hand Book 2009 | publisher=University of Peradeniya | year=2010 | access-date=13 November 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617045713/http://www.pdn.ac.lk/news/handbook/handbook2009.pdf | archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>
:b. {{note label|b|b|none}} Table 2.1.1: Total student enrolment by faculty (pp.24), ''University Hand Book 2009''.
:c. {{note label|c|c|none}} Table 2.1.1: Postgraduate students by faculty (pp.24), ''University Hand Book 2009''.
:d. {{note label|d|d|none}} "The oldest academic library in Sri Lanka, founded in 1921 as the university College Library became the University of Ceylon Library in 1942 and was moved to Peradeniya in 1952. Currently, it has one of the largest collections in the country, numbering more than 500,000 in volume" – International dictionary of library histories, Volume 1.<ref>{{cite book|first= David H. |last= Stam |title= International dictionary of library histories, Volume 1 |year=2001 |publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers|location=Chicago, USA}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Zoq_TtEN54IC&pg=PA166 p.166]</ref>
:e. {{note label|e|e|none}} Table 2.1.15: Undergraduate enrolment by ethnicity (pp.39), ''University Hand Book 2008''
:f. {{note label|f|f|none}} Total number of students in [[Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya|Faculty of Engineering]], 2008: 1468. Number female: 227. Table 2.1.4: Undergraduate enrolment by ethnicity (pp.22), ''University Hand Book 2008''
:g. {{note label|g|g|none}} Only permanent staff included. The number of academic staff engaged in university education is retrieved from the University Statistics – 2008 by [[University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka]]
{{Refend}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons|University of Peradeniya}}
* {{Official website|http://www.pdn.ac.lk}}
*[https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2010/01/17/spe03.asp University of Peradeniya :Proud beginnings]
*[http://www.ugc.ac.lk/ University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka]

{{University of Peradeniya}}
{{Universities in Sri Lanka}}
{{Kandy landmarks}}
{{Coord|7|15|15|N|80|35|48|E|type:city |display=title}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Peradeniya, University Of}}
[[Category:University of Peradeniya| ]]
[[Category:1942 establishments in Ceylon]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1942]]
[[Category:Engineering universities and colleges in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Forestry education]]
[[Category:Statutory boards of Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Education in Kandy District]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Central Province, Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Universities in Sri Lanka]]