Inauguration Ceremony of MSc in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology (Batch 8 – 2026)
The Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, successfully inaugurated the eighth intake of the Master of Science in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology programme on 28 March 2026. The event was held at the Faculty of Science and marked the commencement of a new academic journey for over 60 postgraduate students who enrolled in the programme.
The ceremony commenced with student registration and refreshments, providing an opportunity for the newly enrolled students to interact with academic staff and fellow participants. The formal proceedings began with the arrival of the distinguished guests, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and the university anthem.
The ceremony commenced with student registration and refreshments, providing an opportunity for the newly enrolled students to interact with academic staff and fellow participants. The formal proceedings began with the arrival of the distinguished guests, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and the university anthem.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by Ms. P.V.K.H. Botheju , who extended greetings to the students, guests, and academic staff. The programme was graced by the presence of Senior Prof. P.A. Paranagama, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, as the Chief Guest, along with several distinguished invitees from academia and industry.
An address was delivered by Prof. W. A. P. Jeewantha Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science, who emphasized the importance of advanced scientific education, innovation, and research in addressing contemporary challenges in agriculture, food security, and
environmental sustainability. The Dean encouraged students to make the most of the
opportunities available through postgraduate education and research.
An address was delivered by Prof. W. A. P. Jeewantha Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science, who emphasized the importance of advanced scientific education, innovation, and research in addressing contemporary challenges in agriculture, food security, and
environmental sustainability. The Dean encouraged students to make the most of the
opportunities available through postgraduate education and research.
The Chief Guest, Senior Prof. P.A. Paranagama, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, addressed the gathering and highlighted the growing demand for interdisciplinary expertise in crop protection, molecular biology, and biotechnology. The address underscored the critical role of postgraduate education in producing highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to national and global development.
The students were also addressed by Prof. R.N. Attanayake, Head of the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, who welcomed the new intake and encouraged them to actively engage in academic, laboratory, and research activities throughout the programme. The Head of Department emphasized the department’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and innovation.
A special guest lecture was delivered by Dr. M. Mahadevan, Senior Research Officer, Plant Pathology Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, and a distinguished alumnus of the MSc in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology programme.
Dr. Mahadevan shared valuable insights into emerging trends, current research developments, and career opportunities in plant sciences and biotechnology. The session provided inspiration and practical guidance to the students as they embarked on their postgraduate studies and future careers.
Dr. Mahadevan shared valuable insights into emerging trends, current research developments, and career opportunities in plant sciences and biotechnology. The session provided inspiration and practical guidance to the students as they embarked on their postgraduate studies and future careers.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. R.P. Wanigatunge, Programme Coordinator of the MSc in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology, who expressed appreciation to the
distinguished guests, academic staff, organizing committee members, and students for their contributions towards the success of the event.
Following the inauguration ceremony, an orientation session was conducted by Prof. R.P.
Wanigatunge, Programme Coordinator, to introduce students to the programme structure,
course delivery methods, laboratory training components, assessment procedures, and
research requirements. Students were also given the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the university facilities, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the learning environment and resources available at the University of Kelaniya.
distinguished guests, academic staff, organizing committee members, and students for their contributions towards the success of the event.
Following the inauguration ceremony, an orientation session was conducted by Prof. R.P.
Wanigatunge, Programme Coordinator, to introduce students to the programme structure,
course delivery methods, laboratory training components, assessment procedures, and
research requirements. Students were also given the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the university facilities, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the learning environment and resources available at the University of Kelaniya.
The Department of Plant and Molecular Biology warmly welcomes the students of Batch 8 and looks forward to supporting their academic, professional, and research achievements as they contribute to advancements in crop protection, sustainable agriculture, and plant biotechnology both nationally and internationally.
