Prof Upul Dissanayake re-elected VC of Peradeniya University

The present Vi c e Chancellor ( VC) of the University of Peradeniya ( UoP), Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake received the highest number of votes ( 23) at the University Council election for a new VC, held last week.

Of the other candidates, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health De p t , P r o f . Saman Dharmaratne received 7 votes and former VC Prof Athula Senaratne received 6 votes.

Prof. Dissanayake was first appointed as UoP's VC in 2015 and his term will end in July this year. The VC post is for 3 years. The results of this election will be confirmed at the next meeting to be held in May, and forwarded to the University Grants Commission for final approval. The official appointment will be made by President Sirisena in August this year.

The University Council comprises 27 members, with 9 Deans of Faculties, 1 Deputy VC, 1 VC, 2 members of the University Senate and 14 members appointed by the UGC. As the incumbent VC, Prof. Dissanayake does not have voting rights.

Prof Dissanayake BDS, M.Phil, PhD is a Professor in Oral Pathology and was UoP's Dean of Dental Sciences for over 5 years. He is also a past President of the Sri Lanka Dental Association.

“I’m humbled by my selection as the VC of the UoP, for the 2nd time. I am determined to serve my utmost for the University, to take it to the peak of academic success and excellence in extra curricular activities,” Prof Dissanayake told Education Times.