A combined international delegation from Niigata University, Japan; Curtin University, Australia; and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, visited the University of Peradeniya and met with the senior administration on 4th January 2026, from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., at the Vice Chancellor’s Office.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Vice Chancellor, with the participation of Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Deputy Vice Chancellor; Prof. S. P. K. Malavirachchi, Director, International Relations Office (InRO); Prof. B. G. L. T. Samaranayake, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Prof. B. M. H. S. K. Banneheka, Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences; Prof. H. D. W. T. Damayanthi Dassanayake, Acting Director, InRO; Prof. K. S. N. Ariyasinghe, Faculty of Dental Sciences; Mr. K. A. B. Damunupola, Registrar, along with academic staff and staff of the International Relations Office.
The foreign delegation included Prof. M. Satish Kumar, Vice President – Research, Niigata University, two other professors from Niigata University, representatives from Curtin University and IISc Bangalore, and several postgraduate students from the respective institutions.
The primary objective of the meeting was the handover of a monetary donation by Niigata University to the University of Peradeniya Relief Fund, in support of recovery efforts following the recent Ditwah storm and flood-related damages. The meeting commenced with remarks by the Vice Chancellor outlining the impact of the floods on the University.
Prof. S. P. K. Malavirachchi then briefed the delegation on the background of the visit, followed by a presentation by Prof. K. S. N. Ariyasinghe on existing collaborations with Niigata University, including MoUs, academic exchanges, and long-standing institutional support. Subsequently, Prof. B. G. L. T. Samaranayake presented a proposal for the establishment of a Disaster Management and Resilience Centre (DMRC) at the University of Peradeniya. The meeting concluded with a thanking note by the Vice Chancellor, expressing the University’s sincere appreciation to Niigata University for its generous contribution and reaffirming the University of Peradeniya’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships.
