Launching of the book “An Odyssey through a Century: The Story of the Faculty of Science

The book “An Odyssey through a Century: The Story of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo”, documenting the 100-year history of Science education at the tertiary level in Sri Lanka, was conceived in 2021 as part of the centenary celebrations of the Faculty of Science.
This book is the result of dedicated work involving hunting for information and photographs from numerous sources, and manuscript preparation by a committee of academics with representation from all seven academic departments and the library of the Faculty of Science, guided by the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Senior Professor Upul Sonnadara. The captivating story tells the readers how Science education at the tertiary level began in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) with the inception of the Ceylon University College in 1921, due to the concerted effort of our forefathers whose vision was to provide access to good quality science education to students from all corners of the island. It takes the readers along the Science Faculty’s journey through good times and bad, to its current position as the premier and most sought-after Faculty of Science in the entire university system in Sri Lanka.
In a fitting celebration, the book was officially launched on 21 December 2023 at a dignified ceremony in the Chemistry Lecture Theatre, which is one of the oldest lecture halls of the Faculty of Science, renowned for its architectural grandeur. The Chief Guest of the event was the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne and the Guest of Honour was Professor Saliya de Silva representing CUFSAA-NA, the North American Alumni Association of the Science Faculty, who generously sponsored the printing of the book. The occasion was graced by several distinguished past members of the Faculty of Science, its current academic staff and alumni. The book will soon be available for sale at the Souvenir shop of the University of Colombo.