University of Ruhuna’s 2011 General Convocation starts today

The University of Ruhuna, Wellamadama, Matara will hold its 2011 General Convocation over two days starting today from 7.00 a.m. onwards at its premises awarding nearly 1,800 degrees.

A spokesperson said among the degrees to be awarded are one Honorary Degree, 115 Postgraduate Degrees, 150 Degree of Bachelor of the Science of Agriculture, 662 Degree of Bachelor of Arts, 206 Degree of Bachelor of the Science of Engineering, 247 Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration, five Degree of Bachelor of Commerce, 131 Degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, 255 Degree of Bachelor of Science and 26 Degree of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Marine Sciences.

The convocation will be webcast live from 7a.m. on 30 and 31 March.

The University of Ruhuna was established on 1 September, 1978 as Ruhuna University College which was housed in the Technical College buildings at Meddawatte, Matara with about 40 academics, 50 non-academics and 275 students. A new building complex for the university was designed by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and was constructed at Wellamadama with a unique architectural landscape. The Ruhuna University was shifted to the new premises in 1984 and it was elevated to full university status.

Over the past 34 years, it has witnessed considerable progress and development in the academic, research and outreach spheres with substantial improvement in intellectual and infrastructure resources and has emerged as one of the leaders of higher education in Sri Lanka.

Following the vision of the university, “to be the intellectual trust of the nation,” university operates with eight faculties: agriculture, engineering, fisheries and marine science and technology, humanities and social sciences, management and finance, medicine, science and graduate studies.

Currently, the University of Ruhuna has to play a critical role with parallel to the mega development process underway in the Southern Province. Because this is the only National University located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Therefore as the knowledge centre of the region, University has to geared itself to produce qualified graduated to the nation.

Agramaha Panditha, Royal Pandith, Grantha Visharada, Saddharma Kirthi Shri, Most Venerable Pallaththara Sumanajoti Maha Nayaka Thero holds the Chancellor position and the Senior Professor Susirith Mendis is the Vice Chancellor of University of Ruhuna. At present 6604 students caring out their studies and there are 460 academic and 800 non-academic staff in the university.