The Psychological Well-being and Assessment Center was officially inaugurated on March 4, 2024. The event was honored by the presence of Professor Terence Madujith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya; Professor Ranjith Pallegama, Deputy Vice Chancellor; Dr. Prabath Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; and Dr. Asanka Bulathwatta, Head of the Department of Psychology and the staff, along with other distinguished guests and invitees.
The primary aim of this center is to advance research and awareness in the field of mental health. The Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts has long been providing first-line counseling support to students of the Faculty of Arts and, more broadly, at the university level. This support includes initial psychological assistance and, when necessary, referrals to Counseling and Psychological support Unit(CAPSu)—the university’s dedicated psychological support unit, which offers specialized medical and
psychological interventions.
It is important to note that this center does not intend to replace or interfere with CAPSu’s essential services, as it does not handle medical interventions. Instead, it seeks to formalize and strengthen the Department of Psychology’s ongoing efforts to support student well-being. Beyond serving as a student support center, this space will also promote research initiatives, awareness programs on mental health, and function as a training center for undergraduate students in Psychology.
The refurbishment of the center has given it a fresh new look, with furniture generously provided by the Peradeniya University Alumni Association of New South Wales (PUAAN). Special thanks go to Dr. Neil Horadagoda for coordinating the donation of furniture and overseeing the initial arrangements to enhance the center’s aesthetics. The center is located at Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, in front of Vithanage theatre (VT).
