The Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture hosted the Academic Session 2022 as an online event under the theme of “Harnessing Strength of Emerging Research in Agriculture”. This was 3rd consequent Academic Session organized by the Department with the financial support of AHEAD-ELTA-ELSE Development Project.

This event aimed to provide a platform for the final year students to improve and showcase their scientific communication skills in alignment with the vision of the University; value addition to agricultural resources and promoting entrepreneurship. Further, this provides an opportunity for undergraduates to disseminate their research findings to a wider audience. The Technical Session was staged under seven tracks; Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering & Processing Technology, Agribusiness Management, Crop Production Technology (I & II), and Food Technology (I & II). The presentations were evaluated by an external panel of experts in the relevant field and merit certificates were awarded to the best presenters in each track.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Wasantha Senevirathna, Head, Department of Export Agriculture with a welcome address and he briefed the Academic Session 2022 for all the participants. Followed by, Prof. Saman K. Herath, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture delivered his address underpinning the importance of this stage for undergraduates for their career development. Then, Prof. J.L. Ratnasekera, Vice Chancellor, Uva Wellassa University delivered his speech highlighting that our University always gives high priority to research and knowledge dissemination. Afterwards, Prof Jeevika Weerahewa, Senior Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya delivered the Keynote Address on Agricultural Policies and Food Security of Sri Lanka. Before winding-up the inauguration ceremony, Dr. U.G.A.T. Premathilake, Coordinator of the Academic Session 2022 delivered the ‘Vote of Thanks’.

After the technical session, Dr. G. Abhiram, Senior Lecturer, Department of Export Agriculture shared his PhD findings with the participants. The Academic Session 2022 came to an end with the declaration and recognition of the best seven presenters in each track. At last, Dr. Prasad Mahindarathne, Department Coordinator, AHEAD-ELTA-ELSE Development Project officially winded up the programme with his concluding remarks.

List of Best Presenters of Academic Session 2022

Dr. U.G.A.T. Premathilake and Dr. G. Abhiram served as the Coordinator and Secretary of Academic Session 2022, respectively. Prof. H.M.S.K. Herath, Prof. A.M.W.K. Senevirathna, Dr. M.G.P.P. Mahindarathne, Dr. S.R.W.M.C.J.K. Ranawana, Dr. R.M.S.D. Rathnayaka, Dr. M.P.M. Arachchige and Dr. M.K.S.L.D. Amarathunga represented the Advisory Committee of Academic Session 2022. Ms. Nirasha Fernando compered the Academic Session 2022.

Track Coordinators and Co-coordinators

Digital Media and Video Highlights of Academic Session 2022 were covered Mr. T.A.R.W.M.M.C.G. Bandara, Mr. H.T. Amadoru, Ms. G.D.J.M. Abeysekara and Ms. G.R.V.S. Gamlath. Ms. P.W. Jeewanthi, Ms. K.B.L. Kaushalya and Ms. C.H.M. Banagala assisted in selecting the best presenter award. The hospitality team comprised Ms. M.P. Charithangi, Ms. T.T.D. Dharmarathna and Ms. B.N.N.Silva looked after the arrangement of refreshments. Invitations and best presenter awards were designed by Ms. T.A.N.T. Perera, Ms. Prathibha Kahandage and Ms. N.S.W.T.H. De Silva. Following affiliates served as editorial committee members; Prof. W.A.J.P. Wijesinghe, Dr. M.G.M.K. Meegahakumbura, Ms. N.S. Withanage, Dr. M.W.A.C.S. Wijetunga, Dr. R.M.S.D. Rathnayaka, Dr. M.P.M. Arachchige, Dr. N.W. Gunasekara and Dr. G. Abhiram.