Journal of Agriculture and Value Addition (JAVA) was launched on May 31, 2018 as the maiden Research Journal of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture and also of the Uva Wellassa University. Launching was undertaken as an amiable ceremony at the Senate Hall of the University. With the arrival of the Vice Chancellor and other Invited Guests, the event was commenced at 9.00 am by lighting the oil lamp respecting the traditional norms. Prof. Saman Herath, Editor-in-Chief, gave an overview about the JAVA and also welcomed the gathering. Thereafter, Prof. Thilak Attanayake who is attached to the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture on sabbatical basis and originally from the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka was invited to deliver the ‘Invited Speech’ of the day on ‘Agriculture and Value Addition’. Prof. Attanayake presented the potentials that are available for adding value to the agriculture and related disciplines taking examples from the present domain.

The journal was officially launched by offering the maiden copy of the JAVA to the Vice Chancellor by the Editor-in-Chief. Copies of the same was presented to the other Guests including Dr. Gamani Chandrasena, one of the former Vice Chancellors. After the address delivered by the former Vice Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor added his best wishes to the JAVA and addressed the gathering.

At the end, Prof. Sepalika Jayamanne, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture delivered the ‘Vote of Thanks’. The occasion was witnessed by the Deans of the Faculties, Heads of the Departments, Registrar, Bursar (Acting), many of the Academic Staff, Student Representatives of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture and other well-wishers.