Professor M.A.K.L. Dissanayake Appointed Seventeenth Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya

Professor M.A.K.L. Dissanayake, widely recognized as Lakshman Dissanayake, has been appointed as the seventeenth Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, effective July 16, 2025, by His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka.

An esteemed alumnus of the university’s Faculty of Science, Professor Dissanayake completed his B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics in 1970 before earning his Ph.D. in Experimental Solid-State Physics from Indiana University, Bloomington, USA in 1977. Throughout his career at the University of Peradeniya, he has held key positions, including Professor of Physics, Head of the Department of Physics, and Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Science.

Currently serving as a Research Professor in condensed matter physics and solid-state ionic research at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Professor Dissanayake has garnered global recognition for his exceptional research contributions. Ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide and recognized as Sri Lanka’s leading scientist in materials engineering, he has cemented his reputation on the international stage, according to the AD Scientific Index 2023.

His outstanding accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including the Vidya Nidhi national award (2005), the CVCD Award for Outstanding Senior Researcher in Physical Sciences (2010), and the National Science Foundation Lifetime Award (2018). Additionally, he has been awarded honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees from the University of Peradeniya (2024), University of Wayamba (2013), and the Open University of Sri Lanka (2021).

With an h-index of 39 and an i10-index of 107, his research continues to make a significant impact in the scientific community. As an Editor for the Springer Journal of Materials: Materials in Electronics, a prolific author of textbooks, and a mentor to numerous scientists, his work continues to inspire future generations.

On July 1, he was also honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Peradeniya.

The Vice-Chancellor, faculty, and the entire university community extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Professor Dissanayake for his continued success as Chancellor.

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