Foreign Scholarships for Master of Agriculture and MSc in Agroecology Programmes
Five fully-funded scholarships are available for selected students in Master of Agriculture and MSc. in Agroecology programmes to study the selected courses of the first semester at the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra University, Portugal. The scholarship will cover travelling, accommodation, and living costs for a one-semester (5 months). “
“Innovate Diary Fiesta” Exhibition at the Faculty of Agriculture
Held on August 25, 2023 The Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, takes great delight in putting on an outstanding display called ‘Innovate Dairy Fiesta’ 2023. On August 25, 2023, the ceremony took place on the grounds of the Faculty of Agriculture. Distinguished visitors, including Vice Chancellor Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. G.V.T.V. Weerasooriya, honored the occasion. The occasion served as a noteworthy showcase for fifteen dairy products that were the outcome of interdisciplinary work among our staff members, students, and other researchers. Attendees included members of the university community, business partners, the general public, and bankers. Attendees had a unique opportunity to examine the cutting edge of advancements in the area through this exhibition.
Product Launching Event: Herbal Foot Crack Cream
Launched on December 24, 2022 The University Business Linkage Cell (Tech Transfer Office) of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka made a significant stride towards aligning University research outcomes with industry requirements by commercializing one of its research outcomes invented by a research team of Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in collaboration with Adhitya Ayurveda Holdings (PVT) Limited. The product itself is a ayurvedic medicine developed using novel technology which will serve to improve the foot cracks and serves as a foot care treatment. Both research teams worked tirelessly on the invention of the foot care cream, which is branded as “PEDICURA”. Adhitya Ayurveda Holdings (PVT) Limited is a front running company in the field of Ayurvedic and Herbal Products manufacturing and distribution in Sri Lanka for many decades. The product launch took place at the Kandy City Centre on 24th December 2022. Following dignitaries participated the product launch representing the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka: Professor (Mrs.) G.A.S Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Manoj Samarathunga, Director, University Business Linkage Cell, Dr.(Mrs.) N.D.A.D. Wijegunawardana, Mr.Kasun Gamage, and the UBL staff. Representing the Adhitya Ayurveda Holdings (PVT) Limited and Gunawardhana Ayurveda Holdings (PVT) Limited Dr. Sarath Somasiri Gunawardhana, Chairman, Dr. Sandun Sri Gunawardhana, CEO and Dr. Kasun Sri Gunawardhana Director & Doctor in Charge of Gunawardhana Ayurveda Holdings (PVT) Limited attended the event.
Commercialization of research outcomes in collaboration with Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt) Limited
Started on December 20, 2022 The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt.) Limited was held on 20th December 2022 at the Rajarata University premises with the presence of Professor (Mrs) G.A.S Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and Mr. Isuru Chandrasekara, Managing Director of the Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt) Limited. Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt) Limited is one of the fast growing companies in Sri Lanka contributing much to the regional development. Their dairy products are widely available with almost all the supermarket channels in Sri Lanka. Through this agreement, the Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt) Limited is committed to the commercialization of two research outcomes funded by World Bank research grants, carried out by the scientists and researchers attached to the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Applied Sciences. Professor Ranjith Edirisinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Professor W.A.D Nayananjalie, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Manoj Samarathunga, Director, University Business Linkage Cell, Dr. Suchithra Senevirathne, and Mr.W.V.V.R. Weerasingha, also participated in the event representing the University. Further, the Directors of Ulankulama Dairies (Pvt) Limited were also present to witness this significant collaboration.
Commercializing RUSL Research Outcomes: Omega 3 Incorporated Food
Started on November 10, 2022 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and Lakmee Exports Lanka (Pvt.) Limited through the University Business Linkage Cell on the 10th of November 2022 at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka premises at Mihintale. The MoU was signed with the objectives of commercializing the AHEAD/RA3/RIC/RJT/Omega research outcomes customized for Lakmee Exports Lanka (Pvt) Limited and other Rajarata University research outcomes. In addition to that, both parties will collaboratively work towards further product development upon mutual agreement. As a part of the commercialization process, the four license agreements were signed enabling Lakmee Exports Lanka (Pvt.) Limited to develop Omega 3-added food items. Omega 3 has significant health benefits including enhancing the immune, preventing coronary heart diseases, anti-cancer & anti-apoptotic effects, reducing TG levels and cholesterol, and vision, brain & neural development. The Rajarata University of Sri Lanka received an upfront fee from the commercial partner for the technology exchange. The Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Prof. Ranjith Edirisinghe, Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Dr. Manoj Samarathunga, Director, University Business Linkage Cell, Mr. Ushan Udumulla, Managing Director, Lakmee Exports Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Mr. Duminda Weerasinghe, Chief Executive Officer – Lakmee Exports Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Mrs. Sujeewa Manel, Director, Lakmee Exports Lanka (Pvt) Ltd signed the MOU on behalf of the respective organizations. The event was also graced by the presence of Deans of other faculties, the Librarian, the Heads of Departments, Professors, members of the Anuradhapura Chamber of Commerce, and other invitees.
Sustainable Agro-Food Production and Value Addition Model Farm, RUSL
Started on September 5, 2022 The inauguration ceremony of “SUSTAINABLE AGRO-FOOD PRODUCTION AND VALUE ADDITION MODEL FARM, RUSL” was held on 05th September 2022 in Block 03, Faculty of Agriculture Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Puliyankulama, Anuradhapura. The ceremony was held with the participation of the Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Etalawetunawawe Gnanathilaka Thero as the Chief Guest, Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka as the Guest of Honour, Council member of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka ,Deans of Faculties and provincial and district officers of North Central Province, Academic and Non-academic staff, Students and Farmers of Bandarapuliyankulama. The objective of the model farm is to provide food and fulfill the nutritional requirements of students, academic and non-academic staff of RUSL and neighbouring community at a reasonable price and to reduce the expenses on the food of students its first step and after a several steps of upliftment it might be developed to a self-sustainable model farm of the University catering to education and service provision to national and international community. The first harvesting ceremony of this Sustainable Agricultural Project was held on 15.12.2022
Launching of “Rajarata Compost”
Launched on August 31, 2022 Ceremonial launching of “Rajarata Compost” a product of Waste Management Project, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) was held on 31.08.2022 at Rajarata University premises, Mihinthale. With the ultimate aim of converting the RUSL into a zero-waste region and creating cleaner and greener environment, the project disposes environmentally friendly organic waste for generating nutrient-rich Compost adding some more ingredients. The ceremony was held with the participation of Chancellor Ven. Etalawetunawawe Gnanathilaka Thero as the Chief Guest, Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka as the Guest of Honour, Senior Lawyer Mr. Sajeewa Gunarathna and provincial and district officers of North Central Province. Farmers of Anuradhapura district were also participated to the event. ‘Rajarata Compost’ will be available to be purchased at the Sales outlets of the Faculty of Agriculture, Puliyankulama and the Sales Outlet near the RUSL Entrance, Mihinthale
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka is to Support Green Agriculture Movement in the Country
Held on February 17, 2022 In order to strengthen the services provided by the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for promoting organic Agriculture, a discussion was held on 17th February 2022 with Honorable State Minister of Promoting the Production & Regulating the Supply of Organic Fertilizer, and Paddy and Grain, Organic Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Chilies, Onion, and Potato Cultivation Promotion, Seed Production and Advanced Technology Agriculture of Agriculture Mr. Shasheendra Rajapaksha, and Prof. Sanjeewanie Ginigaddara the Vice-Chancellor of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in presence of Deans of faculties of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, University academics, Representatives of Sri Lanka Standard Institute, Sri Lanka Fertilizer Secretariat. This was help at the National Institute of Post Harvest Management, Anuradhapura.Discussions were lead on expanding present organic input analysis capacities from the University and uplifting the existing analytical laboratories of the university as a short-term measure. It was also discussed to establish a Central Analytical Laboratory for this purpose with all necessary equipment at the Rajarata University premises targeting long-term research for staff and students of the university and providing community services for the whole country. The honorable minister was glad to hear that Rajarata University has been initiating a postgraduate degree program on Agroecology, short courses on Organic farming and Bio Fertilizer Production and he appreciated the works carried out by the university so far. The importance of promoting seed production using novel technologies was also discussed in detail. Prof. Sanjeewani Ginigaddara, the vice-chancellor of the university expressed the willingness to support the organic agriculture program of the country highlighting the importance of changing the conventional practices in agriculture to sustainable green agriculture for the betterment of the future generations in the nation.
“MAgri course is on par with international standards and recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka”
I attained my BSc in Agriculture (special in Agricultural Biology) from Eastern University Sri Lanka and now I am a PhD candidate at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. I want to say, that gap between the two degrees could avoid by achieving the degree of Master in Agriculture, Rajarata University Sri Lanka. This programme led my future on the correct way. MAgri degree is included with good course content and a good teaching panel. I appreciate all the staff in the teaching panel who did their responsibilities in a friendly and kind manner. I don’t want to forget my fellow batchmates who spend a great time together and until now we all are together sharing our happiness. Finally, I want to mention MAgri course is on par with international standards and recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. Ms. Imara AbeysekaraBatch Representative – 2020 IntakePhD Candidate, University of Agriculture, Punjab, Pakistan
