Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya

What if I told you that the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, standing before you, is a direct descendant of a rebellion? Not a rebellion of guns and grenades, but of knowledge and ambition. The story begins in the heart of Colombo, in 1950. This was the year the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, first opened its doors, born from the ashes of the Ceylon Technical College. You see, the students at the technical college were ambitious. They yearned for a university education, for degrees from the prestigious University of London. When an entire batch of civil engineering students failed their London exams, it sparked a crisis. The government’s solution? To absorb the technical college into a brand new entity: the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ceylon. The faculty started with just 25 students, nurtured by the experienced staff inherited from the technical college. For fourteen years, the faculty thrived in Colombo, laying the groundwork for Sri Lankan engineering prowess. But the vision was much grander. In 1964, the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, moved to its permanent home here, on the banks of the majestic Mahaweli River. This move, however, wasn’t without its hiccups. The initial budget allocated was a pittance compared to the grand vision of Professor E.O.E. Pereira, the faculty’s founding father. This disagreement, fueled by Pereira’s unwavering commitment, led to his resignation. A technical committee, however, recognized the value of his plans, leading to increased funding and Pereira’s reinstatement. This tenacity, this refusal to compromise on quality, is woven into the very fabric of this faculty. Today, the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, stands as a testament to that legacy – a legacy built on the foundations of a rebellion for better education.