Greek and Roman Studies at Peradeniya

Study of Western Classics in Sri Lanka started concurrently with the inception of the University of Ceylon. As elaborated on in the Department's History, the Department of Western Classics got amalgamated with the Department of Sanskrit to form the present 'Department of Classical Languages' in the University of Peradeniya. As regards the current position, in addition to offering degree and non-degree programs to its own students, the Department attracts undergraduate students on Archaeology, History, Sinhala, Fine Arts, Philosophy, English, and Education while extending its support to classicists-to-be from schools as well.

The existing undergraduate syllabus has undergone revisions to the title of its discipline and to its content. The former title of its discipline, i.e., Western Classical Culture (WCC,) was changed to Greek and Roman Studies (GRS) and the new title was applied to the courses offered since 2012.

The rationale behind this major revision to the existing syllabus was the need of avoiding ambiguity of this subject, which is entitled Greek and Roman Civilization (GRC) in the school curriculum for General Certificate of Education (A/L), at university level by linking the two names closely.

Degree and Non-Degree Programs in Greek and Roman Studies

The Department offers the following programs in Greek and Roman Studies. Except the postgraduate programs which are offered in English only, both internal and external undergraduate programs are offered in Sinhala and English media depending on the number and interest of the students registered as well as availability of the faculty.

Degree Programs

Non-Degree Programs

Postgraduate Diploma

Research

The Department welcomes and facilitates advanced research on Greek and Roman Studies by both local and international students and scholars. Notable is that the research culture initiated and nourished by the world-renowned scholars on classics from this Department, namely, Profs. Merlin Peris and D. P. M. Weerakkody, most of the research publications by whom have now become prescribed literature for both local and international students on Western Classics, Philosophy, Literature and Fine Arts etc. The current faculty on Greek and Roman Studies includes a healthy blend of scholars with expertise on and interests in numerous fields of research.