Colombo University Press Publishes its First Book: ‘A Practical Guide to Basic Networking’
The book “A Practical Guide to Basic Networking,” written by academics at the University of Colombo School of Computing, namely Mr Tharindu Wijethilake, Dr Chamath Keppitiyagama, Mr Kenneth Thilakarathna, and Dr Ajantha Atukorale, is the first book printed and published by the University of Colombo Press.
The Colombo University Press has been in operation since February 1st, 2020, and offers its services through a digital printing press. The press handles the printing and publication of various materials such as books, journals, articles, conference proceedings, annual reports, newsletters, brochures, certificates, answer books, and office-related stationery items including letterheads, envelopes, and file covers. Additionally, the press produces digital books used in undergraduate and graduate courses, such as student handbooks, workbooks, record books, and essential components of comprehensive syllabi and reading lists. The press is equipped to provide finishing services including laminating (Gloss or Matte), perforation, foiling, embossing, and spot varnishing.
The press facilities comprise a fully-fledged computer-controlled system encompassing digital colour and monochrome machines, binding, cutting, stapling, and folding. This system can transform digital documents into fully completed books or finished printed products. Operating under the central administration of the University of Colombo, the press aims to serve all faculties, institutes, school, campus, as well as government and private sector organizations. The press is overseen by the Board of Management.
Starting in July 2020, the UOC Council made the decision to exclusively use the Colombo University Press for printing all University of Colombo documents. Subsequently, the Colombo University Press, a registered printing press in Sri Lanka, expanded its scope to publish academic books and journals following a rigorous review process. To ensure quality, reviewers were appointed from each faculty and other relevant entities. Consequently, “A Practical Guide to Basic Networking” was submitted to the Colombo University Press. The book underwent a review process facilitated by two reviewers appointed by the UOC Council: Dr Ruwan Weerasinghe and Dr Nalin Ranasinghe. The book was then printed with consideration for the comments and feedback provided by the reviewers. The process of obtaining the ISBN number was also managed by the Press.
This book primarily caters to General Certificate of Education Advanced Level students and undergraduates. It contains a series of lab works related to Computer Network Practical sessions, which are designed to significantly enhance their learning experience. Furthermore, educators in this field can also benefit from the content. “A Practical Guide to Basic Networking” is not a typical textbook. In addition to textual content, the book provides publicly available software specifically customized for the lab sessions. These resources are freely accessible to students and educators through the book’s official website, which also includes video guides and supplementary materials.
The authors commenced their writing endeavour in 2021. During this process, they collaborated with the UOC Press and received guidance from Dr S.T. Nandasara, the UOC Press Consultant. The Press was also responsible for managing the process of obtaining the ISBN number. With great pleasure, the authors are publishing this book with the expectation that it will be beneficial to anyone interested in the field of Computer Networks.
