Prof. Dissanayake bids farewell, Prof. Lamawansa inducted new VC of Peradeniya university
View(s):In the traditions of the University of Peradeniya, the outgoing vice chancellor Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake placed the “Meterboard” or cap on the head of Prof. M. D. Lamawansa inducting him as the 22nd vice chancellor of the University of Peradeniya.
At a welcome ceremony, held in the university’s senate room, Prof. Lamawansa addressed the elite of the university dons at Peradeniya, and said he expects honesty, commitment, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties at the highest and the lowest levels in the various divisions of the university.
Prof. Lamawansa’s induction was conducted first with religious observations of the Maha Sangha and other religious denominations. Then the traditional oil lamp was lit at the senate room by Prof. Lamawansa, Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake and the deputy vice chancellor Parakrama Karunaratne.
Prof. Lamawansa is no newcomer to the University of Peradeniya, as he was one time the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. His last appointment was Ambassador to the Soviet Federation.
He said the main function of the university, is to produce competent graduates. He said it is the duty of the University to ensure that all graduates from the university are not only competent but also well-rounded professionals and who can contribute to national development and the advancement of global society, finding solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow.
Prof. Lamawansa said the financial transparency and management can be optimised to facilitate the growth of the institution In-depth analysis of financial management under the guidance of a powerful council and sub-committees is an urgent need. New projects, consultation services and academic programmes with high national and international flavour can be initiated to attract additional funding. The university is not spared from the global economic downturn due to the pandemic. Finding alternatives to mitigate the effects of economic hardships is a responsibility bestowed upon the institutional management, he added.
Concluding, Prof. Lamawansa said he does not hope to find excuses for himself, to deviate from his vision to make the Univerity of Peradeniya a world-renowned university in Sri Lanka. In this regard, he expects to face challenges and hopes to be optimistic and take positive decisions, and will expect the assistance and cooperation of all staff members.
(By L. B. Senaratne)