Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake - Chancellor of UoP

Legacy of a Legend

Professor Emeritus, Vidya Nidhi, Lakshman Dissanayake:

Professor Emeritus, Vidya Nidhi Lakshman Dissanayake

A New Chapter as Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya

The Physics Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya is profoundly honored and immensely proud to announce the distinguished appointment of Professor Emeritus Vidya Nidhi Lakshman Dissanayake – a visionary leader, a cherished alumnus, and a guiding force within our own faculty – as the new Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya. This prestigious elevation marks a truly historic and heartwarming milestone, not only for the entire University but also for the Department of Physics, which proudly recognizes his pivotal role in its growth and evolution. This momentous occasion encapsulates a lifetime defined by unwavering dedication, pioneering research, transformative teaching, and impactful national service.

Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Future Leader

Professor Dissanayake’s remarkable journey in physics began within the very institution he now presides over as Chancellor. He was a proud member of the inaugural cohort of students in the Physics Special Degree program at the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya), graduating with a B.Sc. in Physics in 1970. His foundational academic excellence and an innate intellectual curiosity propelled him to pursue advanced graduate studies in the United States, where he earned:

M.Sc. in Experimental Solid State Physics (1974)
Ph.D. in Experimental Solid State Physics (1977)

both from the prestigious Indiana University, Bloomington, USA

Academic Career and Institutional Leadership: A Guiding Force

Returning to Peradeniya in 1977, Professor Dissanayake embarked on an illustrious career that would span over four decades. His deep dedication to teaching, cutting-edge research, and robust institution-building profoundly transformed the landscape of physics education and research in Sri Lanka. Key Milestones in his impactful career include:

Joined the Department of Physics as an Assistant Lecturer in 1971
Served as Head of the Department of Physics during two pivotal terms (1989–1991 and 2000–2001)
Achieved the distinguished title of being appointed the first Professor of Solid State Physics in Sri Lanka
Served with distinction as the Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) from 2003–2008, a period during which he initiated several nationally significant MSc programs.
Was rightfully conferred the esteemed title of Professor Emeritus in 2011, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Continues his invaluable research and mentorship today as a Research Professor at the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS), Kandy.

Pioneering Contributions to Research: Igniting the Spirit of Discovery

Professor Dissanayake is widely acknowledged as the driving force behind the establishment and nurturing of the research culture in physics at the University of Peradeniya. His pioneering spirit fostered an environment of inquiry and discovery that continues to thrive. Highlights of his transformative research legacy include:

Established solid-state ionics research at Peradeniya (1985 onwards)
Led a remarkable 25-year collaboration with Uppsala University, successfully securing over USD 1 million in funding, underscoring his international reputation and collaborative vision.
Headed a major European project on lithium-ion conductors.
A dedicated mentor, he supervised or co-supervised over 50 postgraduate theses, significantly contributing to the development of scientific human resources.
Authored an extensive body of work, comprising over 160 research papers, with more than 60 published in esteemed SCI journals.
His profound global scientific impact was formally recognized by his ranking among the top 2% of world scientists based on citation analysis by Elsevier–Stanford in both 2023 and 2024.

Advancing Physics Education: Broadening Horizons of Knowledge

Beyond his significant research contributions, Professor Dissanayake harbored a deep commitment to making physics accessible and engaging for a wider audience, extending its reach beyond academic circles. His notable contributions to physics education include:

Authored seven popular Sinhala physics textbooks for GCE Advanced Level students, becoming invaluable resources for countless learners.
Penned numerous articles for the local press, actively promoting scientific literacy and igniting curiosity among students, teachers, and the general public.
During his directorship at PGIS, he was instrumental in introducing nationally vital MSc programs, such as Disaster Management, Nanoscience, Medical Microbiology, and GIS.
Demonstrated foresight in institutional development by initiating the construction of the new PGIS building in 2007.
Played a crucial international role as Chairman of the Asian Physics Education Network (ASPEN), affiliated with UNESCO, from 2002-2006, fostering excellence in physics education across Asia.

National and International Honors: A Testament to Excellence

Professor Dissanayake’s distinguished career has been adorned with a myriad of prestigious awards and accolades, each a resonant testament to his profound national and international impact. These include:

The distinguished "Vidya Nidhi" Presidential Award in 2005, recognizing his exceptional scientific achievements and contributions to national development.
The CVCD Research Excellence Award in 2010 from H.E. the President, honoring him as the Most Outstanding Researcher in Physical Sciences.
The NSF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, presented by H.E. The President for his enduring and exceptional contributions to the Science and Technology sector in Sri Lanka.
The GRC Award, SLAAS (2015).
A remarkable 10 Presidential Awards for his SCI publications.
Multiple D.Sc. (Honoris Causa) honorary doctorates from Wayamba University (2013) , Open University (2021) , and his alma mater, the University of Peradeniya (2024).
The Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake Gold Medal, by his former students and colleagues, is awarded annually to the top Physics Special student at Peradeniya, serving as a perpetual inspiration for future scholars.

Closing Tribute: A Visionary for Tomorrow

Professor Dissanayake’s appointment as Chancellor is not merely an honor; it is a fitting culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in science and education. As a poignant departmental quote affirms,

“In Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, we find not only a brilliant scientist but also a mentor, a builder of institutions, and an enduring symbol of academic integrity and vision”.

We, the Physics Alumni Association, extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Professor Emeritus, Vidya Nidhi, Lakshman Dissanayake. We are immensely proud to witness one of our most distinguished luminaries ascend to such a pivotal role, and we eagerly anticipate his continued guidance and visionary leadership in charting a brilliant future for the University of Peradeniya.

NIFS - Felicitation - prof dissanayake_3.mp4

1.Three Chancellors (UOP, UOJ, OUSL) from the Peradeniya Physics Department

Three distinguished Physics alumni of the University of Peradeniya have been appointed as Chancellors of leading Sri Lankan universities:

Professor Emeritus Lakshman Dissanayake (University of Peradeniya), Professor Emeritus Rajaratnam Kumaravadivel (University of Jaffna), and Professor Emeritus K.M. de Silva (Open University of Sri Lanka). Read more...

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