 Prof. D. Tantrigoda obtained his first degree, Special Degree in Physics from University of Ceylon, Peradeniya Campus and he joined to Vidyodaya Campus (present University of Sri Jayewardenepura) of the University of Sri Lanka as a Probationary Assistant Lecturer in November 1974. In 1978 he left to the United Kingdom for his higher studies and obtained M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Durham. On his return to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura after successful completion of postgraduate studies he was promoted to the post of Senior Lecturer in Physics in 1982. In 1996 he was appointed the Chair of Physics which became vacant subsequent to the retirement of Prof. P.C.B. Fernando. In 2004 he was promoted to the post of Senior Professor of Physics, a position he held with dignity and distinction until his retirement on the 18th January 2015.
He gave the leadership to the Department of Physics as its head for almost twelve years and has also been the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In 2011 he was elected as the 67th General President of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), a premier scientific body in the country.
Prof. Tantrigoda has published over 50 research papers in reputed national and international scientific journals on a spectrum of topics which made him recognized and acknowledged by the international colleagues as a leading researcher in Sri Lanka. He played a leading role in the project on “Demarcation of the Outer Edge of the Continental Margins of Sri Lanka According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea”. He has been awarded the National Science and Technology Award for the year 2008 in recognition of this contribution which went far beyond the outlines of mere ‘knowledge creation”.
At the time of retirement he has been the Chair and Senior Professor of Physics in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura as well as the Chairmen of the National Science and Technology Commission.
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Farewell Speech delivered by Prof. Swarna Piyasiri, Senior Professor of Zoology and Dean Faculty of Graduate Studies at the Workshop on “Present and Future Prospects of Faculty of Applied Sciences” and appreciation Dinner for retired Professors of Science Faculty.
“Ladies & gentleman
I consider this opportunity as a great privilege and an honor to present concluding remarks & vote of thanks in this workshop organized to pay the gratitude to our highly reputed and greatly honored senior academic members of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
At the same time I would like to mention that we are sad due to the vacuum created by them and also to miss their company and their valuable contribution in the future endeavors of our faculty.
Dear Professor Thanthirigoda
You are an eminent professor not only to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura but known to entire academic community as well as to the scientific community nationally & internationally.
You have reached academic milestones on time from lecturer probationary level to a professor, cadre chair position and to the senior professor level through your service effortlessly facing all the challenges within the university system achieving the highest academic levels.
Not only that you have contributed to the university administration as a Head of the Department nearly for 15 years and as the second dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Apart from that you participated in many decision making committees of the university and helped the university administrations to come up with correct solutions during many crisis situations.
Even after your retirement, now you are extending your services further to our university to establish the new Engineering & Technological Faculty.
At the same time you are serving as the chairman of the NASTEC extending your knowledge, experience and advisory capacities further at very high levels.
Your interests towards research specially on seismic studies enabled you to produce many PhDs & M Phil graduates in this university as well as in the other universities of the country.
Even after achieving the highest academic levels of the university you never tried to relax. You completed supervision of many Ph D degrees and M Phil degrees and helped the postgraduate students to complete their work before your retirement making an example to fellow academics of the university.
You have publications in the indexed journals, refereed journals & you have contributed massively to science in your research field during your carrier.
Also you served as the president of the SLAAS which is a recognition to your academic carrier & to the university.
Apart from all that you are a genuine faithful person with a pleasant personality to all of us. You always advised the junior academics for their betterment.
Thank you sir for your valuable contributions and service to upgrade the Faculty of applied sciences during your entire carrier. Your great contributions to the academic community are very highly appreciated and remain in our hearts forever. Thank you”
Retirement ceremony for distinguished Professors of Science Faculty
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