PGIS at the University of Peradeniya celebrates its silver jubilee
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Prof. H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala Director/PGIS
Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) at the University of Peradeniya is a pioneering initiative to equip Sri Lanka with an exceptionally skilled workforce ready to tackle real-life challenges. Being the national institute for promoting postgraduate studies and research in science in Sri Lanka, PGIS aims to create a step-change in postgraduate study and training within a diverse array of scientific disciplines.
The PGIS was established in 1996 by a gazette notification issued by then Education and Higher Education Minister Richard Pathirana, fulfilling a long-felt need in this country. PGIS functions as the nerve centre for promoting, stimulating, and organising postgraduate education and training in sciences at national level, drawing resources from all universities, research and development institutions, industries, and private sector organisations in the country.
Prof. RGSC Rajapakse Chairperson/RESCON 2021
The academic programmes are conducted through 11 boards of study — Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Plant Sciences, Science Education, Statistics & Computer Science and Zoological Sciences. Among the programmes envisaged were M.Phil./Ph.D. by research, M.Sc./diploma/certificate courses, in-service training/short courses, extension services to the community and consultancy services to other institutions/industries.
The year 2021 marks a significant milestone in the history of PGIS as it is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Undoubtedly, PGIS has cruised through all expectations over the past two and a half decades and will continue to move in the same way in upcoming years. The Director, Prof. H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala, and the past directors have played an immense role in uplifting the institute to the position where it is now.
The institute, as a top priority, encourages innovative thinking of its research students and gives its fullest cooperation to fresh graduates to begin their research careers at PGIS. The research and development activities of the institute has grown steadily in recent years, proving its capacity to succeed as an outstanding national institution for science. Reflecting the success, PGIS has offered more than 2,750 postgraduate degrees so far since its establishment.
PGIS established an industrial and entrepreneurship unit to bridge industries, entrepreneurs, and investors with the PGIS aiming to commercialise PGIS research projects, assist industries in solving their research problems, provide consultancy, and produce entrepreneurs in the area of Science and Technology.
Aerial view of PGIS and the Faculty of Science at the University of Peradeniya
As a first step, PGIS attracted and engaged with industries such as Atlas Axilia Co. (Pvt) Ltd, LOLC Advanced Technologies, Texco International (Pvt) Ltd, Virtual Industrial Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, Arobiotic Products (Pvt) Ltd, Noritake Porcelain Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and Lankem Ceylon PLC. Under this unit, a research project on the synthesis of value-added products using calcite deposits in the Balangoda area of Sri Lanka was initiated aiming to set up a manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka, together with the GSMB Technical Services (Pvt) Ltd, which is a government-owned company operating under the Environment Ministry.
PGIS also established five new units: Research Unit, Media Unit, Career Guidance Unit, Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Counselling Unit, and Unit in Excellence in Biodiversity Research. Under the Research Unit, a Grant programme was established, and 12 researchers were awarded research grants in 2021. Under the Media Unit, PGIS started several educational programmes and webinars on its YouTube channel and other social media. Additionally, the Toastmasters Club was established to benefit PGIS students under Toastmasters International, a world-renowned international club dedicated to building communication skills, public speaking, and leadership skills.
PGIS organises its annual Research Congress (RESCON) besides other international and national seminars and workshops organised by the Boards of Study. It is a platform where more than 200 researchers from all over the world present their cutting-edge research. RESCON is an event that combines an inspiring keynote speech by an invited distinguished scientist with research presentations and discussions in diverse scientific disciplines in a friendly, informal, and lively atmosphere.
More than 400 scientists from universities, research institutes, senior public-sector officials, industry representatives, and postgraduate students attend the conference every year. It immensely contributes to promoting and sharing outstanding research with a stimulating scientific temper.
This year’s RESCON began on Friday, and will end today as a hybrid event at PGIS, adhering to COVID-19 health guidelines. The inauguration ceremony was held with around 50 participants at the PGIS premises on Friday, and all the presentations werre conducted virtually yesterday and today. Holger Seubert, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka, was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony. Prof. Sagarika Ekanayake, a Senior Professor at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura’s Department of Biochemistry, delivered the keynote speech. The chairperson of this year’s congress was Prof. R. G. S. C. Rajapakse.
In the years to come, PGIS will continue all programmes and services, maintaining its academic excellence and fulfilling the scientific human resources needs of the nation, while focusing on attracting international students and broadening international recognition.
(Dilshan Beligala,
University of Peradeniya)