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.
