Professor M.A.K.L. Dissanayake, widely known as Lakshman Dissanayake, has been appointed the seventeenth Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya by His Excellency the President, effective 16th July 2025.
An alumnus of the Faculty of Science, he earned his B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics from the University of Peradeniya in 1970 and his Ph.D. in Experimental Solid-State Physics from Indiana University, Bloomington, USA in 1977. He served the University in key roles, including Professor of Physics, Head of the Department of Physics, and Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Science.
Currently a Research Professor in condensed matter physics and solid-state ionic research at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Professor Dissanayake is globally recognised for his research excellence. He is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide and is the top scientist in materials engineering in Sri Lanka, according to the AD Scientific Index 2023.
His accolades include the Vidya Nidhi national award (2005), CVCD Award for Outstanding Senior Researcher in Physical Sciences (2010), National Science Foundation Life Time Award (2018), and honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees from the University of Peradeniya (2024), University of Wayamba (2013), and the Open University of Sri Lanka (2021).
With an h-index of 39 and an i10-index of 107, his impactful work continues to inspire. He is an Editor of the Springer Journal of Materials: Materials in Electronics, a prolific textbook author, and a mentor to many scientists. He was also honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University on 1st July.
The Vice-Chancellor and the university community extend warm congratulations and best wishes for his continued success as Chancellor.
