Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya

09/10/2026

"The Kiosk" Hosts Specialized Bakery Training Workshop for Team Members 👨‍🍳

As part of a continuous effort to enhance practical skills and team capabilities, "The Kiosk" at the Faculty of Agriculture recently organized a specialized Bakery Training Workshop. The session was designed to provide team members with valuable hands-on experience in bakery product preparation, focusing heavily on proper baking techniques, product quality, presentation, and maintaining consistency. 🍰

The workshop was led by distinguished resource persons from the Department of Food Science and Technology: Senior Lecturer Mr. P.C. Arampath and Senior Lecturer Mr. N.Y. Jayanath. Their expert guidance provided the participants with a unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals. The training went beyond mastering new recipes; it actively fostered confidence, teamwork, and culinary creativity among the staff. 🤝

This capacity-building initiative reflects a strong commitment to continuous professional development, ensuring that the team is well-equipped with practical abilities directly applicable to their daily operations. The Faculty extends its appreciation to Mr. Arampath and Mr. Jayanath for dedicating their time and expertise to elevate the standards of our student-led ventures. With these newly acquired skills, The Kiosk is well-prepared to deliver exciting, high-quality bakery products to the university community. 🎓👏

09/10/2026

University of Peradeniya Shares APL 2026 Championship, Extending Its Winning Legacy! 🏏🏆

The Faculty of Agriculture has once again proven its sporting excellence by securing the joint championship at the 4th Agri Premier League (APL) 2026, themed “Battle of the Greens.” Co-hosted by the Universities of Rajarata and Peradeniya on October 4 and 5 at the Rajarata University grounds, the tournament brought together six agriculture faculties nationwide.

Continuing a remarkable legacy after winning the previous three consecutive titles, the Peradeniya team showcased outstanding determination throughout the competition. 🔥 Following decisive victories in the group stages and a strong semi-final win, the team advanced to the finals. Due to heavy rain, the final match could not be completed, resulting in a shared championship. 🤝

Following their victory, the championship-winning team met with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Senior Prof. Barana Jayawardena, today at the Dean’s Office with the championship trophy to celebrate this monumental achievement! 🏛️🏆

Beyond the overall team success, our players dominated the tournament's top individual honors, highlighting their exceptional talent and commitment:
🏏 Man of the Series: Shamuditha Thennakoon
🏏 Best Batsman: Pulitha Sarachchandra
🏏 Best Bowler: Senura Wikramarathne

Congratulations to the entire team on this remarkable achievement! 👏 Your continued success, teamwork, and sporting spirit bring immense pride to the Faculty and firmly cement the winning legacy of the University of Peradeniya at the APL. 💚

08/10/2026

බෞද්ධ සහෝදරත්ව සංගමයෙන් අර්ථවත් සමාජ සත්කාරයක්!

පේරාදෙණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයේ කෘෂිකර්ම පීඨයේ බෞද්ධ සහෝදරත්ව සංගමය විසින් වාර්ෂිකව සංවිධානය කරනු ලබන සමාජ සත්කාර වැඩසටහන් මාලාවේ තවත් එක් අර්ථවත් වැඩසටහනක් 2026 ඔක්තෝබර් මස 04 වන දින කළුගමුව පිහිඹියහේන වැඩිහිටි නිවාසය කේන්ද්‍ර කර ගනිමින් පවත්වන ලදී. 🏡

වැඩිහිටියන් වෙත සෙනෙහස, කරුණාව සහ ගෞරවය ලබාදීමත්, ඔවුන්ගේ දෛනික ජීවිතයට සතුටුදායක අත්දැකීමක් එක් කිරීමත් මෙම වැඩසටහනේ ප්‍රධාන අරමුණ විය. ❤️

මෙම වැඩසටහනට සමගාමීව ප්‍රබුද්ධ කලා කවය සමඟ එක්ව විශේෂ සංගීත වැඩසටහනක් ද සංවිධානය කරන ලදී. 🎶 සංගීතය රසවිඳිමින් විවේකීව හා සතුටින් කාලය ගත කිරීමට එම අවස්ථාව සහභාගිවූ සියලු දෙනාටම විශේෂ අත්දැකීමක් විය. ✨

මෙවැනි සමාජ සත්කාර වැඩසටහන් හරහා සිසුන්ට අධ්‍යාපනික දැනුමෙන් ඔබ්බට ගොස් නායකත්වය, කණ්ඩායම් ක්‍රියාකාරිත්වය, සන්නිවේදනය, සංවිධාන හැකියාව, සහකම්පනය සහ මානව සබඳතා වැනි වැදගත් මෘදු කුසලතා වර්ධනය කර ගැනීමට අවස්ථාව ලැබේ. එමෙන්ම, සමාජය වෙනුවෙන් තම වගකීම ඉටු කිරීමේ වැදගත්කම පිළිබඳව ප්‍රායෝගික අවබෝධයක් ලබා ගැනීමට ද මෙය සිසුන්ට වටිනා අත්දැකීමක් විය. 👏🌾

A Meaningful Community Service Initiative by the Buddhist Brotherhood Society!

On the 4th of October 2026, the Buddhist Brotherhood Society of the Faculty of Agriculture spent a deeply meaningful day at the Kalugamuwa Pihibiyahena Elders’ Home, continuing its cherished annual tradition of community service. 🏡 The initiative focused on extending love, compassion, and deep respect to the elderly residents, enriching their daily lives with joyful experiences. ❤️

As part of the initiative, a special music programme was also organized in collaboration with Prabuddha Art Circle of Faculty of Agriculture. 🎶 The musical session provided an opportunity for everyone to relax, enjoy music, and spend quality time together in a cheerful atmosphere. ✨

The Faculty of Agriculture highly commends the Buddhist Brotherhood Society for driving such impactful social initiatives. Through these annual outreach programs, undergraduates actively develop essential life skills-such as leadership, teamwork, empathy, and event coordination-proving that student growth extends far beyond the lecture halls. 👏🌾

Photo credits: Sentiero - Media Unit of Faculty of Agriculture - UoP

07/10/2026

Agriculture Faculty Students’ Union Successfully Hosts the Grand Finale of "Vihangasara 2026" 🎉

The Agriculture Faculty Students’ Union, in collaboration with the Literature Subcommittee of the University of Peradeniya, successfully hosted the Grand Finale of "Vihangasara 2026" on the 19th of September 2026 at the Department of Animal Science Auditorium. 🏛️ This prominent inter-faculty art competition was organized as part of the 31st “Mage Deahaya Awadi Karanu Mana” Students’ Art Festival. 🎨

Spanning two months and three competitive rounds, Vihangasara brought together exceptional undergraduates from all nine faculties of the University. Participants showcased their creative abilities across four major categories: Dancing, Music, Instrumental, and Announcing. 💃🎤🎸🎙️ True to its name, the initiative was designed to empower students to rise above their limits and share their artistic expressions beneath the vast skies of Hanthana. 🕊️

The vibrant evening of performances and award presentations was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, senior lecturers, and academic staff members, together with the President of the Peradeniya Students’ Union, the President of the Literature Subcommittee of the Peradeniya Students’ Union, and other committee members. 🎓 The President of the Agriculture Faculty Students’ Union and the committee members were also present at the occasion. 🌟

The Faculty of Agriculture commends the Students' Union, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya for successfully fostering creativity, artistic expression, and unity across the university community through this memorable showcase of undergraduate talent. 👏

Photo Credits: Sentiero - Media Unit of Faculty of Agriculture - UoP

06/10/2026

Agriculture Faculty Students' Union Successfully Conducts Phase One of the "Relibimen Samabimata" Educational Support Project ✨

The Agriculture Faculty Students' Union of the University of Peradeniya successfully completed the first phase of the "Relibimen Samabimata" Educational Support Project. 🎓 This outreach initiative was strategically designed to empower and academically support students in rural schools as they prepare for their upcoming G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations.

Focused on schools within the Katugastota Educational Zone, the project delivered comprehensive full-day instructional sessions. The academic program covered critical examination subjects, specifically Mathematics, Science, Sinhala, and History. 🧮🔬

The initiative successfully benefited over 390 students, aimed at enhancing their subject comprehension and exam confidence. 📈 The participating schools and session impacts included:
🏫 Session 1 (128 Students): Idamegama Central College & Gonigoda Sri Piyarathana Central College
🏫 Session 2 (107 Students): Molagoda Sri Piyadassi M.V. & Nalanda M.V.
🏫 Session 3 (156 Students): Alawathugoda Central College
🏫 Session 4: Azhar N.S.

The Faculty of Agriculture commends the Students' Union, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya for their outstanding commitment to social responsibility and community education. 🤝 A special note of appreciation is extended to the undergraduates of the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya for their invaluable collaboration and support in conducting the Sinhala and History teaching sessions. 🏛️ Furthermore, the Faculty expresses its sincere gratitude to the school administrations, teachers, and student participants whose dedication made this meaningful initiative a resounding success. 👏

Photo Credits: Sentiero - Media Unit of Faculty of Agriculture - UoP

06/10/2026

Bee PERA Society Successfully Hosts Bee FORUM-2026: Research Symposium on Apiculture and Melittology 🌼

The Bee PERA Society of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, successfully organized Bee FORUM-2026, the society's inaugural Research Symposium on Apiculture and Melittology. The Main Conference of this milestone event was held on the 08th of August 2026. 🏛️

The symposium explored vital topics in the field, focusing on four main thematic areas:
🔬 Apitherapy & Bee Products
🐝 Bee Biology & Bee Health
🌼 Pollination & Bee Flora
📈 Beekeeping Economy

The abstracts of the symposium were carefully evaluated by an esteemed panel of reviewers: Dr. S. H. N. P. de Silva, Prof. Dimanthi V. Jayatilake, Ms. Ayesha Warnasooriya, and Dr. A. N. R. Weerawansha. 📋

The academic sessions were highly enriched by an insightful Keynote Address delivered by Dr. U. G. A. I. Sirisena, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. ✨

The symposium presentations were assessed by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising Dr. L. M. Rankoth, Mr. G. G. R. Vimukthi, and Dr. H. K. B. S. Chamara. ⚖️

Following the successful completion of the main conference, an Awarding Ceremony was held on September 2nd, 2026. 🏆 This ceremony celebrated the achievements and contributions of the participants and winners of Bee FORUM-2026, alongside the outstanding entries of the B-FOCUS Article Writing and Photography Competition. 📸

The Faculty was honored to welcome the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Barana Jayawardana, as the Chief Guest for the ceremony, with Dr. Lalith M. Rankoth and Dr. Nuwan D. Silva joining as Distinguished Guests. 🎓

This significant milestone reflects a strong, continued commitment to fostering research, innovation, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development in apiculture and pollinator conservation. 🌍

📄 Symposium proceedings can be accessed here: https://beeforum.netlify.app/

28/09/2026

Faculty of Agriculture Secures Championship at Pera Champs 2026! ✨

The Faculty of Agriculture proudly announces that its undergraduate student team, "Team Phantoms," emerged as the overall Champions of Pera Champs 2026! 👑 The rigorous adventure challenge, held on the 19th and 20th of September 2026 as part of the 2026/27 Hike Season, saw students secure back-to-back victories for the Faculty in this highly competitive university-wide event. 💥

Spanning two intense days across the university premises, the competition tested the physical endurance, problem-solving skills, and quick thinking of all participating teams. 🧗‍♂️ Team Phantoms successfully navigated a series of tough obstacles and team-building activities, demonstrating exceptional strength, unity, and leadership to claim the ultimate victory. 🤝

In celebration of this remarkable triumph, the champions formally met with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Barana Jayawardana, at the Dean's Office to officially present the prestigious Pera Champs championship shield. 🏛️

The Faculty extends its warmest congratulations to the victorious team members: Salinda Rathnayake, Imedha Kaushalya, Avindu Hasaral, Madhawa Nirmal, Kavinda Vimansana, Anuvinda Suraj, Dineli Wijayarathna, Ranesha Peiris, Anjalika Munasinghe, and Isanka Wijerathna. 🌟 Their unwavering perseverance, trust, and teamwork have brought immense pride and glory to the Faculty of Agriculture. 💚

25/09/2026

🌱 Proudly from Pera | From Agriculture to Space Food 🚀

It is a matter of great pride to see one of our former students, Dr. Lahiru N. Jayakody, now leading an innovative research project at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, taking agricultural and plastic waste into an entirely new frontier.

Dr. Jayakody is the Principal Investigator of the µBites project, which explores how PET plastic waste and agricultural biomass can be transformed into food ingredients and subsequently 3D-printed into cookie-shaped food prototypes.

The research was supported through NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, reflecting its potential relevance to the future of long-duration space missions, where producing food from locally available resources and waste could become increasingly important.

The project brings together biotechnology, food science, materials science, waste valorisation and 3D food printing; an excellent example of how the boundaries of modern agriculture are expanding far beyond conventional farming.

What makes this achievement particularly special to us is that Dr. Lahiru Jayakody is a proud alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. His journey is a wonderful reminder that an education in agriculture can provide the foundation for careers and discoveries that reach far beyond the traditional boundaries of the discipline.

From Pera to space food, a journey that makes us proud. 🇱🇰🌱🚀

Congratulations, Dr. Lahiru Jayakody, and the entire µBites research team!

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25/09/2026

Faculty of Agriculture Secures 1st Runners-Up Title at "Vihangasara 2026" Inter-Faculty Art Competition ✨

The Faculty of Agriculture proudly announces that its undergraduate students achieved an outstanding milestone by securing the 1st Runners-Up title at "Vihangasara 2026", the prestigious inter-faculty art competition organized in conjunction with the 31st “Mage Deahaya Awadi Karanu Mana” Students’ Art Festival. 🎉

Competing against talented competitors from all nine faculties across the University of Peradeniya, the students demonstrated remarkable versatility, artistic flair, and discipline throughout several competitive stages. Over the course of nearly two months, participants contested across four primary disciplines-Dancing, Music, Instrumental, and Announcing-delivering exceptional performances that culminated in this overall podium finish at the Grand Finale. 💃🎤

In celebration of this victory, student representatives formally met with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Barana Jayawardana, at the Dean's Office to present the trophy won by the Faculty contingent.

The Faculty of Agriculture extends its warmest congratulations to all the student performers, organizers, and supporters who contributed to this commendable achievement, bringing honor and pride to the faculty community. 👏🌾

21/09/2026

Agriculture Faculty Students’ Union Successfully Concludes "INDEEWARI 2026" with an LKR 4 million Donation to the Needy Students' Scholarship Fund 🎉

The Agriculture Faculty Students’ Union successfully concluded INDEEWARI 2026, held on the 11th of March 2026 at the University Gymnasium, University of Peradeniya. 🏛️ The highly anticipated musical event featured renowned artists Athma Liyanage, Ashanthi De Alwis, Bathiya Jayakody, Santhush Weeraman, and Raween Kanishka, with Daddy as the featured band. 🎶🎸

Organized through the collective dedication and tireless efforts of all five batches of the Faculty of Agriculture, INDEEWARI 2026 brought together music, unity, and a strong shared commitment to giving back to the student community.🌾

The event proudly concluded with a remarkable donation of LKR 4 Million to the Needy Students’ Scholarship Fund! 🎓 To mark this achievement, a ceremonial handover was held where the Senior Treasurer of the Agriculture Faculty Students’ Union, Prof. Gamini Hitinayake, alongside student representatives, officially presented the donation to the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Barana Jayawardana. The Needy Students' Scholarship Fund is a longstanding initiative established to provide vital financial assistance to students in need, supporting more than 30 undergraduates each year in pursuing their higher education. 📚

The Faculty extends its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, partners, artists, supporters, and well-wishers whose invaluable contributions made INDEEWARI 2026 a resounding success. 🌟

Deep appreciation is also extended to the Students' Union, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya for their exceptional dedication, teamwork, and commitment in bringing this highly meaningful initiative to fruition. 👏