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The University of Ruhuna, set up on August 28, 1978, celebrates its Silver Jubilee today under the theme "A new era of expanding intellectual horizons of Ruhuna".

Initially equipped with only four faculties, 40 academics, 50 non-academics and 275 students 25 years ago, the university today has six faculties, 450 academics, 800 non academics and well over 5,000 students. It has produced 10,000 graduates during the past 25 years. Shortly, the university will set up its new faculty, the "Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and Technology" which is the first of its kind in the country.

Career guidance and staff development programmes which now exist, assist the students to develop their personality and communication skills, and the academics are furnished with the latest information and modern teaching methods. The setting up of a business incubator to support industry, a resource centre for modern languages, a service laboratory which provides analytical and testing services to the public and private sectors are some other developments of the university in the recent past. A consultancy and an advisory service centre for lifelong learning and early childhood development programmes are certain new additions on the cards.

The silver jubilee celebrations include an exhibition, a cultural festival, educational programmes and public awareness programmes. The celebrations commenced on September 11 with the historic occasion of felicitating the illustrious sons and daughters of Ruhuna by awarding the title "Rohana Pradeepa" in recognition of valuable services they have rendered to the country. On October 6 the exhibition and the cultural festival was ceremonially inaugurated. The celebrations will continue till October 12.

All faculties - Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management and Finance, Medicine and Science, are presenting their scientific exhibits, illustrations and demonstrations from October 6 to 12 at the University premises Wellamadama, Matara.

Latest developments in biotechnology, nano-technology, information and communication technology (ICT), space technology, food technology, global climate change and so on are featured in several stalls. "Inventions and Innovations Corridor" displays the recent inventions and innovations by Lankans, interactive objects and novel and creative exhibits by schoolchildren, university students and both academic and non-academic staff.

The international activities and research programmes of the university are depicted by the "International Window". The "Traditional Corner" brings about a broad understanding about the traditional arts and craft and good items. Performances of well-known artistes, dancers and vocalists at the exhibition grounds will be crowd pullers.

Muppet shows, street dramas, vannam, kolam and other traditional dances will make the evening enjoyable.

Special seminars were arranged for students, schoolteachers and the public. Furthermore, each faculty organized a Faculty Day with the following themes during the period from October 6 to 12 to educate the above target groups.

6th - Science and Technology, by the Faculty of Engineering

7th - Innovations and Inventions, by the Faculty of Agriculture

8th - Cultural and National Heritage, by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

9th - Business and Entrepreneurship, by the Faculty of Management and Finance.

10th - Professionalism and Ethics, by the Faculty of Medicine.

11th - ICT and Biotechnology, by the Faculty of Science.

12th - Indigenous Knowledge, by the Library.

These seminars and awareness programmes, and the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the University of Ruhuna as a whole were designed to enhance the creative thinking and satisfy the intellectual curiosity of the youth of the country. National consciousness is cultivated and ethnic harmony is encouraged. Stress is placed on appreciating tradition and what is local, while new vistas are being opened. This is also armed at affording a golden opportunity for all to gain novel knowledge in every field, Science, Arts, Management, Medicine, Agriculture and Engineering.

The Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the University is the result of concerted efforts of the students and the members of academic staff of the University. Grateful mention must also be made about the sponsors and well-wishers who helped us in various ways. If not for their wholehearted support this would not have been a success.

In conclusion, I would like to invite everyone, especially schoolchildren, to visit the University during this period to learn as well as to enjoy themselves and have an unforgettable experience.

Prof. Ranjith N. Pathirana, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Matara.

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