Prof. N. G. S. Shantha Gamage, Professor in Physics attached to the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has been elected as the new Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Prof. Gamage has served the University for more than three decades, including more than seven years as a Professor in Physics. After completing his B.Sc. (Special) Degree in Physics with First Class Honours from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1994, he joined the Department of Physics as a Temporary Demonstrator and subsequently progressed to the position of Lecturer in Physics. He later proceeded to Tohoku University, Japan, under the Japanese Government Scholarship Programme, where he obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Geophysics.
Following his return to Sri Lanka, Prof. Gamage continued his academic career at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and progressed to the position of Professor in Physics. He has previously served as Head of the Department of Physics, Chair of the Faculty Research Committee, Faculty representative on the Senate, Student Counsellor, Academic Counsellor, and member of numerous University- and Faculty-level committees. He has also contributed to curriculum and programme development associated with the establishment and development of several academic programmes and faculties of the University.
His research interests include Geophysics, Seismology, Solid-Earth Geophysics, Geothermal Energy, Wave Propagation, Nuclear Safety, and related environmental applications. He has led and contributed to local and international research projects through competitive grants, including the India–Sri Lanka Research and Development Grant for geothermal energy exploration and an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) research grant in nuclear safety. He has also supervised postgraduate research students and developed multidisciplinary collaborations with national and international institutions.
Prof. Gamage has held several national and international scientific and professional leadership positions, including President of the Institute of Physics, Sri Lanka (IPSL), President of Section E1 of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), and National and International Coordinator of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO). He has also served on professional and scientific bodies, Director Boards, and various technical and expert committees at national and institutional levels.
He has contributed to national education and examination activities as an Examiner and Advisor to the Department of Examinations, with responsibilities relating to G.C.E. Advanced Level Physics and Science for Technology, including subject development, examination, evaluation, and quality assurance.
Through his distinguished academic career, research contributions, professional leadership, and sustained service to national education and scientific initiatives, Prof. Gamage has developed extensive expertise in academic leadership, administration, research, student development, and both institutional and national service.
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura wishes Prof. Gamage every success in his new role and all the very best in his future endeavours.