The Faculty of Agriculture (FoA) at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka has been dedicated to producing innovative and adaptable graduates equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to advance sustainable agricultural development in the nation. The Annual Research Symposium is an esteemed event that showcases the research findings of its students, reflecting the faculty’s commitment to advancing agricultural research and practice. This year, the faculty celebrated its 16th research symposium on 20th November 2024 at the premises at Puliyankulama, Anuradhapura. The theme for this year’s symposium was ‘Innovation and Sustainability in Modern Agriculture’.
The program began with a formal inaugural session, and it was graced by the presence of Prof. G.V.T.V. Weerasooriya, Acting Vice Chancellor/Dean of the FoA, RUSL; Deans of other faculties of RUSL; Dr. U.G.A.I. Sirisena, Symposium Coordinator; Prof. Paul Kenyon, Head of School, School of Agriculture & Environment/Professor in Sheep Husbandry, Massey University, who served as the keynote speaker; academics, including professors and lecturers from the FoA, other faculties of RUSL, and other universities; professionals from different research institutes in Sri Lanka; academic-supportive staff; non-academic staff; undergraduate and graduate students of the FoA, RUSL.
The inaugural session was commended for the tradition of lighting the oil lamp followed by reciting the university anthem. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. U.G.A.I. Sirisena as the coordinator of the symposium. Ms T.M.C.S. Siyambalangamuwa, a student of the passing out 2018/2019 batch shared her experience gained during research. This was followed by speeches from Prof. Weerasooriya, Acting VC/the Dean, FoA. The inaugural session was made splendid by the video presentation screened in which the highlights of student research were available. The video presentation was followed by the launching of the symposium proceedings, symbolised by the handing over the CD containing the abstracts of student research to the Acting Vice Chancellor by Dr. D.A.U.D. Devasinghe, the Editor-in-Chief of the symposium. Following this, the award for Excellence in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Work in 2023 was presented to Mrs. T.D.C. Priyadarshani, who excelled in her work; the award contained a plaque and certificate. Then, Prof. Paul Kenyon, Head of School, School of Agriculture & Environment/Professor in Sheep Husbandry, Massey University, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on “Has sheep research involving farmers in New Zealand had an impact on the industry,” highlighting the importance of farmer-driven research to uplift the agriculture-based industries. Mrs. M.A.A.P. Kumari delivered the vote of thanks.
Following the inauguration session, the technical sessions were held at 11 venues at the FoA, RUSL, where the undergraduate students presented the outcomes of their research conducted over the last six months in widely different fields of agriculture belonging to the following eight majoring modules: Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Economics and Extension, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Systems and Management, Animal Production and Technology, Crop Science, Environmental Soil Management, and Food and Postharvest Technology. Altogether, 145 students presented their research findings. In addition, there was a postgraduate session where four MPhil and eight MAgri students of the postgraduate program conducted by the FoA, RUSL, presented their research findings.
The closing ceremony was held in the evening of the same day at the auditorium of the FoA, RUSL. Prof. G.V.T.V. Weerasooriya, Acting VC/Dean and Dr. U.G.A.I. Sirisena, symposium coordinator chaired the session. The most outstanding presenter selected from each majoring module was awarded a medal and a certificate on this occasion. The winners of the undergraduate technical sessions were Ms. C.M.W. Nadeeshani (Agricultural Biology), Ms. J.A.K.A. Jayasinghe (Agricultural Economics and Extension), Mr. M.S.H. Karunanayake (Agricultural Engineering), Ms. A.T.S. Weerasignhe (Agricultural Systems and Management), Ms. M.N.F. Nushkiya (Animal Production and Technology), Mr. N.G.S. Vimukthi (Crop Science), Ms. M.R.F. Nusra (Environmental Soil Management) and Ms. T.M.C.S. Siyambalangamuwa (Food and Post-harvest Technology). In the postgraduate session, Ms. K.G.N.H. Kumari became the best presenter.
In addition, the winners and participants of the 3MT competition where the students presented their research in 3 minutes, were awarded medals and certificates. In the 3MT competition, Ms. Ms. G.L.A. Kirinde was the winner while Ms K.P. Samaraweera and Ms. S.M.P.P. Bandara became the first and second runners-up. Ms K.P. Samaraweera won the People’s Choice. In addition to the above winners, the participants of the final round of 3MT (Ms. J.A.K.A. Jayasinghe, Ms. T.M.C.S. Siyambalangamuwa, Ms. A.S. Ekanayaka, Ms. H.L.A.C. Liyanage, Ms. P.N.S. Paranamana, Mr. W.C. Hemantha, Ms. M.N.F. Nushkiya and Ms. S. Hemaluxshika) were awarded certificates. The program came to an end with an address by Prof. G.V.T.V. Weerasooriya, Dean, recapitulating the proceedings of the day and congratulating the passing out batch of students for their successful completion of the degree program at the FoA, RUSL.
The 16th Annual Research Symposium underscores the faculty’s dedication to advancing research and education, fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and students. This event reflects the progressive role of the Faculty of Agriculture and Rajarata University in contributing to national development by nurturing high-quality graduates and promoting impactful research.