Category Archives: News & Events

The Department of Physics successfully conducted a Curriculum Revision Meeting on the 7th and 8th of March 2025. The primary objective of the meeting was to review and enhance the existing Physics and Electronics & Embedded Systems (EES) degree programs, ensuring they align with modern educational and industry standards.

The meeting was attended by faculty members, with some participating in person and others joining via Zoom. Discussions focused on curriculum improvements, new course structures, and innovative teaching methodologies. Key areas of emphasis included modernizing course content, integrating emerging technologies, and introducing new specialized degree programs to meet the evolving demands of the field.

This two-day residential program provided an excellent platform for in-depth discussions and collaborative decision-making, helping to strengthen the quality and relevance of the Physics and EES degree programs.

As part of the Medical Physics course, gaining practical exposure is essential for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications in healthcare. Understanding the role of physics in medicine, particularly in cancer treatment, requires hands-on experience in clinical settings. With this objective in mind, a group of 109 third-year undergraduate students from the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura had the opportunity to visit Apeksha Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The visit was organized under the guidance of Dr. S. Kandeepan, the course instructor for Medical Physics.

During the visit, students were introduced to cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques used in cancer treatment. They were accompanied by Mr. Lakitha Ruvinda, Acting Chief Medical Physicist, along with a team of medical physicists who provided insightful demonstrations. The students observed: Dosimetry measurements using the Blue Phantom in the Linear Accelerator (LINAC), Patient-specific quality assurance (QA) procedures, Treatment planning and execution using LINAC systems, Radiology instruments including Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) and CT scanners, Brachytherapy techniques and their clinical applications.

This visit provided students with firsthand exposure to the practical applications of medical physics, reinforcing their classroom learning and highlighting the critical role of physics in modern cancer diagnosis and treatment. Students expressed their gratitude for this opportunity, describing it as an invaluable experience that deepened their appreciation for medical physics and its impact on patient care.

Dr. W. Wasanthi P. De Silva from the Department of Physics has been appointed as a Regular Associate at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, for a six-year term starting in 2024. Her research collaboration with ICTP began during a one-month visit from September 15 to October 15, which strengthened international partnerships, expanded student opportunities, and enhanced the recognition of the Department of Physics.

The Inaugural Memorial Oration in honor of the late Prof. P.C.B. Fernando was successfully held on January 23, 2025, at the Physics Lecture Theatre, Department of Physics. This event was organized to commemorate the legacy and invaluable contributions of Prof. P.C.B. Fernando, the founding professor of Physics at the department, who served with dedication from 1967 to 1995.

The memorial oration was delivered by Prof. D.A. Tantrigoda, Emeritus Professor of the Department and Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka.

The event was organized by the Physics Society under the guidance of Prof. Shantha Gamage, Head of the Department of Physics, and was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Prof. Upul Subasinghe, Dean of the Faculty; Senior academics and department staff; Faculty members and retired staff; Family members of Prof. P.C.B. Fernando and Past and present students

The Physics Society and its Senior Treasurer, Prof. Duleepa Pitigala, played a pivotal role in organizing this memorable and historic event.

This first oration holds immense significance for the Physics Society, as Prof. P.C.B. Fernando was its first patron. Additionally, Prof. D.A. Tantrigoda served as the first Senior Treasurer, and the current Head of the Department, Prof. Shantha Gamage, was among the inaugural executive committee members when the Physics Society was founded in 1993.

We look forward to continuing this memorial oration annually, featuring eminent scientists in the field of Physics and related sciences. This initiative will not only honor the remarkable contributions of Prof. P.C.B. Fernando but also inspire and guide future generations in their pursuit of scientific excellence.

Highlights from the Memorial Oration are given below.