The establishment of the University of Ceylon in 1942 under the Ceylon University Ordinance marked a landmark moment. Ivor Jennings, appointed as its first Vice-Chancellor, played a transformative role by promoting academic excellence and recruiting distinguished scholars from the United Kingdom. Among them was Elsie Cook, whose pragmatic perspective and passion for geography greatly influenced the institution.
Appointed as a lecturer in 1942, Elsie Cook emphasized a practical and empirical approach, focusing on local geographical understanding as a means to foster responsible citizenship. Her vision and dedication significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of geography education in Sri Lanka. Together with Jennings and other academics, she helped build a robust academic community committed to liberal ideals and national development.
Despite facing initial challenges related to staffing and limited student enrollment, the department attracted prominent scholars such as Bertram Hughes Farmer, who conducted influential research on Sri Lanka's physical geography. Cook also played a crucial role in advocating for dedicated space and resources for the department, underscoring the importance of geography in the academic sphere. Cook's legacy also included her involvement in designing the Peradeniya campus layout, ensuring that the Geography Department was spatially accommodated to support academic growth and collaboration. Her efforts emphasized geography's role as both a social and spatial science.
One of Elsie Cook's key achievements was her role in securing a dedicated building for the Geography Department at the Peradeniya campus. Understanding the spatial nature of the discipline, she emphasized the need for appropriate facilities.
Strategically positioned between the Arts Block and the Faculty of Science, the Geography building highlights the interdisciplinary character of the subject, bridging the social and natural sciences. This spatial integration enabled collaboration and enriched the academic environment.
Over time, the department expanded its focus to include diverse fields such as climatology, urban geography, and agrarian studies. Local scholars made meaningful contributions despite limited resources, and the department became a hub for specialized research.
Several academics left a lasting impact on the department's development. Bertram Hughes Farmer conducted pioneering studies on the Dry Zone and agriculture; George Thambyahpillay advanced climatology with innovative local applications; and Leslie Panditharatne became a leading figure in urban geography, particularly in relation to Colombo.
Other notable contributors included Neil Fonseka, Percy Silva, Dias, Kustuna Gunawardene, and Selvadurai Selvanayagam, who undertook valuable research in land use, agrarian issues, and rural development. Their collective work significantly enhanced the department's academic stature.
In 1942, the Faculty of Arts and Oriental Studies at the University of Ceylon had an undergraduate population of around 345, with only 13 students pursuing a Special Degree in Geography and approximately 35 students enrolled in General Degree courses. Though initial numbers were modest, student interest in geography fluctuated over time, often reflecting broader social and educational trends.
Through these changes, the department remained committed to fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to the field of geography.
Prof. Tilak Bandara
Head, Department of Geography
University of Peradeniya