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Department of Philosophy

University of Peradeniya

Welcome to the Department of Philosophy


Department of Philosophy, being one of the oldest departments of the Faculty of Arts, holds the prestige of being one of the centers of intellect, facilitating the culmination of academics who excel in academics as well as in extra-mural activities. Department of Philosophy is one of the few Departments that offer General and Special Undergraduate Degree Programmes in Sinhala, English as well as in Tamil mediums. The Undergraduate Programmes focus equal leverage on both Western and Eastern Philosophies. Most of the intellectual figures of the Department of Philosophy have contributed nationally and internationally.

Majority of the Faculty courses are handled by the Department of Philosophy, namely, ESS 1003 (Logical Reasoning), ESS 1007 (Critical Thinking), ESS 1006 (Personality, Leadership and Ethics) and ESS 2006 (Introduction to Law, Professional Ethics and Service Learning) are handled by the Department in collaboration with two other Departments. At Postgraduate level, Department of Philosophy offers the Degree Programmes: Master of Arts in Philosophy, Master of Philosophy in Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy, and a Diploma Programme for the beginners in Philosophy.


News & Events


The Memorial Lecture of Prof. K.N. Jayathilake

The Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya organized Prof. K.N. Jayathilake Memorial Lecture in commemoration of Prof. K.N. Jayathilake. It was successfully held on 25th July, 2023 at the Arts Faculty Seminar Room. The Guest lecture on this day was delivered by Former Professor Charitha Herath, Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya. The event was graced by the presence of the Dean, Faculty of Arts.


The Memorial Lecture of Prof. Gunapala Dharmasiri

The Memorial lecture of Prof. Gunapala Dharmasiri was successfully held on 17th May, 2023 at Arts Faculty Seminar room at 02.00p.m. The speaker of the event was Senior Lecturer Jayantha Bogoda and the discussion was based on the topic of 'Dialectics of Sunyata'. The event was graced with the presence of Ven. Prof. Homagama Dhammananda thero and Prof. W.A. Gunathilake.


Philosophy Forum

The Philosophy Forum organized by the Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya was successfully held on Friday,12th May 2023 at 10.00 am at the Arts Theatre, Faculty of Arts. The discussion was based on the topic 'Critical thinking and Education' conducted by Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi, Department of Sinhala, University of Peradeniya.


Darshanika Sankathana Lecture Series

The 8th Programme of “Darshnika Sankathana” organized by Philosophy Society, Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya was successfully held on 2nd May 2023 at the Seminar Room of Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. The topic of the lecture was “ Modern Utility of Environmental Philosophy” and it was conducted by Rev. Gonalagoda Nanda, Lecturer, Department of Social Science and Comparative Studies of the Humanities of Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.


The Commemorative Lecture for the 12th death anniversary of Professor A.D.P. Kalansuriya

The commemorative lecture organized by the Department of Philosophy for the 12th death anniversary of Professor A.D.P. Kalansuriya was successfully held in the Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya on 10th February, 2023. On this day, the lecture was delivered by Mr. Samantha Ilangakoon, Senior Lecturer of Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya.


Darshanika Sankathana Lecture Series

The 07th Programme of 'Darshanika Sankathana' organized by Philosophy Society, Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya was successfully held on 17th February 2023 at the Faculty Seminar room. The topic of the lecture was 'Contemporary Relevance of Sufism' and it was conducted by senior lecturer Samantha Ilangakoon, Department of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya.


The Launching Ceremony of Hanthana Philosophy Circle Blog site- Volume III

The Launching Ceremony of Hanthana Philosophy Circle Blog site was successfully held on 02nd March, 2023 at the Audio Visual Room of Department of Philosophy. The aim of launching the WordPress blog is to culminate a generation of academically driven undergraduates, graduates and various scholars and to popularize philosophy among the general populace.


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Vision and Mission


Department of Philosophy is committed to the elevation of philosophy education beyond the traditional boundaries in a way that suits the practical concerns of the society. With the above aim in hand, our mission is to produce a graduate who is committed to the advancement and dissemination of critical, analytical and ethical knowledge. We encourage our students to consider education as a lifelong learning process.

The famous dictum of the great Greek philosopher, Socrates’, “The unexamined life is not worth living”, is at the center of our mission as well as of our vision.


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