Senior Professor Gamini Senanayaka assumes 2nd term duties as Ruhuna University VC

Text and pix by P.D. De Silva

Senior Professor Gamini Senanayaka assumed duties of his second three-year term as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna amidst the chanting of stanzas at a simple ceremony held at the Vice Chancellors office with the participation of the Maha Sangha, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Librarian, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments of the University of Ruhuna and well wishers Wednesday morning (9). Professor Senanayaka is the sixth vice chancellor of the University of Ruhuna and succeeded Senior Professor Susirith Mendis in March 2013.

Professor Senanayaka received his letter of appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna from President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat a few days ago.

Professor Gemini Senanayaka into his 37th year at the University of Ruhuna has earned the respect of the students and staff due to his tactfulness, diplomacy and firm decisions. There has been minimal student unrest at the university during his first tenure. 

Addressing staff at the University’s Senate Room Professor Senanayake said, “My success in performing the duties of VC, if I have been successful is due to the support all of you have extended to me in the past three years and I am confident that you will continue to support me in the next three years too. Together we have achieved much for the university during that period. The construction of the new auditorium a gift from the Indian government which has been long delayed will commence shortly and so will the University Town project.” 

“We should work together to make the University of Ruhuna the number one university in Sri Lanka within the next three years,” he said in conclusion.