The Department of Geography at the University of Peradeniya is proud of its distinguished and influential legacy. Established initially at the University of Ceylon in Colombo in 1942 and relocated to Peradeniya in 1952, the department has been shaped by the pioneering contributions of figures such as Elsie K. Cook and Sir Ivor Jennings. Under Jennings' tenure as the first Vice- Chancellor, and with Elsie Cook's appointment as a lecturer in 1942, the Department entered a transformative era marked by academic innovation and growth. Cook'ss enduring commitment to the discipline significantly contributed to establishing geography as a core academic field in Sri Lanka.
The design and strategic location of the Geography building at the Peradeniya campus symbolically and functionally underscore the interdisciplinary nature of geography, bridging the social and natural sciences and fostering collaboration across faculties.
Today, the Department offers a broad spectrum of academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For undergraduates, we offer:
Both degree programmes are conducted in the English medium and are designed to cultivate analytical, technical, and research competencies essential for modern geographers.
At the postgraduate level, under the auspices of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS), the Department offers:
These postgraduate programmes reflect our commitment to advanced research, critical thinking, and scholarly excellence in geographical studies.
In terms of student enrollment, the Department admits approximately 60 students annually to the Geography Special Degree programme and receives 75 students for the GIS degree through the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Currently, the Department is staffed by 20 permanent academic members supported by 9 temporary academic staff, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Our non- academic team includes 2 Senior Technical Officers, 1 Management Assistant, 2 Laboratory Assistants, and 2 Work Aides, all of whom contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of the department’s academic and research activities.
Overall, the Department of Geography at the University of Peradeniya continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of geographical education and research in Sri Lanka. Our legacy is one of academic distinction, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, a legacy we proudly carry forward into the future.
Prof. Tilak Bandara
Head, Department of Geography
University of Peradeniya