Blog – Department of Physics

11Feb

Field Visit to Apeksha Hospital – Medical Physics Students

The Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, organized a field visit to Apeksha Hospital for third-year undergraduates following the Medical Physics course. The visit was arranged by the Lecturer-in-Charge, Dr. S. Kandeepan, on 18 January 2026.

Nearly 100 students participated in the visit. During the program, students gained valuable knowledge and practical exposure, particularly in medical imaging techniques, scanning methods, and the treatment planning process in radiotherapy and related applications.

The Department of Physics sincerely appreciates Apeksha Hospital for providing this valuable learning opportunity and for their support in facilitating the visit.

11Feb

News & Events

Field Visit to Gamma Center and MAS Innovation Labs – Biyagama

The Department of Physics organized an industrial field visit for Physics Special Degree students to the Gamma Center, Biyagama, and MAS Innovation (Discovery) Labs, Biyagama, on 14 January 2026.

This visit provided students with valuable exposure to result-oriented research and real-world industrial applications beyond classroom theory. The experience enabled them to gain practical insights into advanced technologies, research methodologies, and innovation-driven industrial processes, thereby broadening their academic and professional perspectives.

The Department of Physics sincerely appreciates the Gamma Center and MAS Innovation Labs for providing this valuable opportunity and for their support in facilitating this educational visit.

11Feb

News & Events

Prof. P. C. B. Fernando Memorial Oration 2026

The Prof. P. C. B. Fernando Memorial Oration 2026 was successfully held on 22 January 2026 from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. at the Physics Lecture Theatre (PLT), Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

The memorial oration was delivered by Prof. Kirthi Tennakoon under the theme “Discoveries that Transformed the World.” The lecture highlighted groundbreaking scientific discoveries that have significantly influenced the development of modern science and society.

The event was attended by retired academics, current academic staff, non-academic staff members, family members of the late Prof. P. C. B. Fernando, alumni, and students. The gathering served as a meaningful occasion to honor the legacy and contributions of Prof. P. C. B. Fernando to the field of Physics and to the academic community.

Prof. Fernando joined the Vidyodaya University of Ceylon in 1967 and devoted nearly three decades to building and leading the Department of Physics with dedication, vision, and academic excellence. He retired in 1995, after an exceptional 40-year career as a university teacher.

Prof. Fernando earned his B.Sc. Special Degree with Second Class Upper Division from the University of Ceylon and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge. This strong academic background made him a brilliant physicist and educator.

As the Head of the Department for nearly a decade and the Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1971 to 1974, Prof. Fernando played a key role in shaping the Faculty of Applied Sciences. He led the department during challenging times, laying the foundation for its growth and development.

Prof. Fernando introduced practical electronics and research projects to the undergraduate physics curriculum, which were groundbreaking at the time. He also started a professional course in optometry in 1971, which has now become a full degree program under the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences.

As a researcher, he was a pioneer in studying geomagnetic micro pulsations. His work was published in leading journals like the Philosophical Magazine and the Journal of Geophysical Research. In recognition of his research, he was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences in 1981.

Prof. Fernando also contributed to national development by solving technical problems for industries like the Ceylon Steel Corporation, for which he won the UNESCO-CAAS Scientist of the Year Award. He served in leadership roles at institutions such as the Ceylon Institute of Industrial and Scientific Research, the National Science Council, and the Atomic Energy Authority.

His contributions as a teacher, researcher, and leader have left a lasting legacy for our university and the country.

24Dec

News & Events

Double Victory for the Department of Physics at SLAAS Three-Minute Video Competition

We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our Physics Special Batch (21/22) undergraduates at the prestigious SLAAS Three-Minute Video Competition Awards, held during the 81st SLAAS Annual Sessions at the BMICH on December 7, 2025.

Congratulations to both teams for bringing honor to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Your creativity and dedication to the field of Physics are truly inspiring.

🥇 1st Place: “How birds use physics to find their way”

Team: Gihan Rashmika, Buhuni Biseka, and Jayodya Vinsadi

🥉 3rd Place: “Time Dilation”

Team: Sachintha Senanayake, Amasha Bodahewa, and Yethmi Peiris

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