We are proud to have successfully completed the clinical training for MCGDP trainees. This was a joint initiative between the Faculty of Dental Sciences and the College of General Dental Practitioners of Sri Lanka and was part of the faculties initiative to extend collaboration with external stakeholders. 11 trainees of the 1st Batch of MCGDP commenced training on 13th October 2024 and completed the training on 23rd January 2025. We salute the staff of the FDS for taking Extra effort inspiring these individuals to be better clinicians serving the country.
The Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, successfully conducted the inauguration ceremony for its 2023/2024 intake on January 6, 2025, at the prestigious Professor S.B. Dissanayake Auditorium (CPC).
The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, as the Chief Guest. Newly selected students, accompanied by their parents, joined this momentous occasion, which marked the beginning of their academic journey. Prof. B.M.H.S.K. Banneheka, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, along with the academic staff and other officials of the University of Peradeniya including the deans of all other 8 faculties attended the event, further emphasizing its significance.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. B.M.H.S.K. Banneheka, who provided an insightful overview of the faculty’s academic programs, its pivotal role in healthcare education, and the myriads of opportunities awaiting the students. This was followed by an inspiring speech delivered by Prof. B.G.T.L. Nandasena, Chairperson of the Students’ Welfare & Advisory Committee (SWAC), who stated that their goal is to nurture students' minds, bodies, and spirits. She emphasized that the University of Peradeniya is committed to creating an environment that fosters learning, personal growth, and a sense of belonging, with programs and services that reflect this dedication to student well-being.
Adding a touch of cultural vibrancy, the program also featured a performance by senior students, who presented a captivating traditional dance and song. This cultural display highlighted the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and added a festive dimension to the occasion.
The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone for the incoming students, officially welcoming them into the Faculty of Dental Sciences. It set a promising tone for their academic and professional development, inspiring them to embark on a successful journey in dental education and healthcare.
The inauguration was followed by a motivational speech for the new students by Dr. Ashwini Amarasinghe of the Faculty of Science and an informative session for the parents conducted by Prof. Dileep de Silva.
To celebrate music, culture, and unity, fostering a sense of community and pride within the Faculty of Dental Sciences 'Gee Padura 2024' was held on 10th December 2024 at Faculty premises.Inspired by the timeless song "Araliya Landata" by Nanda Malini, the event embraces the richness of Sri Lankan heritage with a vibrant theme symbolizing passion and vitality. The evening promises an enchanting program, including performances of 20 soulful songs by students and staff, a dramatic stage play, and a mesmerizing cultural dance performance.
'Through her eyes' the award winning drama of DRAMSOC drama competition 2024 was restaged by the kind invitation of Arts Circle of faculty of dental sciences, UOP on 5th of December 2024 at the Prof E.O.E Pereira theater
"Through her eyes" won big during the dramsoc drama competition 2024 and achieved the Best Drama award of the event among many others including,
Best Actor - Dayanjith Premalal
Best Actress - Dahami Bandara
Best Supporting Actor - Chamuditha Galkaduwa
Best Director - Lahiru Dalugoda
Best costume Designer- Lahiru Dalugoda & Beenu Mithara
'Through her eyes' was such a fabulous and heart touching story that caught everyone's attention at the show , and here is a big round of applause for the incredible performance of the students of Faculty of Dental Sciences.
_'Every person harbours both light and darkness. If you are unable to separate them, it may lead to catastrophic consequences. The story of rose started with the scent of lilies only to be ended with the smell of rafflasias. And the truth... The truth only to be seen through her eyes.'_
The Dental Faculty Buddhist Brotherhood organized the Annual Pirith Chanting Ceremony and Alms Giving on November 30 and December 1, 2024. The overnight Pirith Chanting created a spiritual atmosphere, followed by the alms-giving ceremony the next day.
We thank all who contributed to the event's success.
Dental Students Research Symposium, STURESY 2024 on the theme “Research for the Future: Shaping Tomorrow's Dentistry Today” was held on 30th November 2024 at CPC Hall. Prof W. M. T. Madhujith, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya graced the event as the chief guest. Keynote speeches on “Navigating the Research Journey: From Ideas to Publications” by Prof. S. H. P. Parakrama Karunaratne brought colour to the event. The technical sessions consisted of 12 oral presentations and 13 poster presentations. The awards ceremony was a key highlight of the event, where the six best oral research presentations received Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals with commendable certificates, and the five best poster presentations were awarded commendable certificates.
Certificate awarding ceremony for Dr Asfaq Ur Rahim from Pakistan who completed the certificate course on “Hands on training in Oral Cancer resection and reconstruction” which was conducted by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery was held on 22nd November 2024 at the BoardRoom of the Faculty of Dental Sciences
Let’s raise a standing ovation for the students of the Faculty of Dental Sciences behind the awards-winning drama " *Through Her Eyes* ". DramSoc - inter Faculty Drama Competition 2024 was held on 25th October 2024
Winners of the Best Drama - Faculty of Dental Sciences
Best Director- Lahiru Dalugoda
Best Actor - Dayanjith Premalal
Best Actress - Dahami Bandara
Best Supporting Actor Chamuditha Galkaduwa
Best Costumes - Lahiru Dalugoda and Beenu Mithara
World Children's Day Celebration was held on 01 st of October 2024 at the faculty of Dental Sciences. It was aimed at raising awareness about early childhood oral health among preschool teachers through a series of expert talks, engaging drama performances, and the recognition of student achievements. Leading professionals and students were brought together to highlight the importance of oral health in children's overall development.
This program designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate efforts in promoting better oral health practices for young children. The initiative showcases the Faculty of Dental Sciences' commitment to community engagement and the well-being of future generations. Sponsored by Clogard.
We are pleased to announce that Professor Shyama Banneheka has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya. With an illustrious career in academia and a profound commitment to advancing dental education, Professor Banneheka brings a wealth of experience and vision to this esteemed position.
From July 29th to August 9th, 2024, the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya, in collaboration with the Rotary Foundation, Sri Lanka, successfully conducted an intensive voacitonal training program on Treatment of Dental and Maxillo-Facial Disorders. The program featured a series of workshops and live surgical sessions led by renowned international experts in the field.
Key Highlights:
• Mr. Sajid Sainuddin led the program with a hands-on live surgical session and a workshops focused on virtual surgical planning for head and neck reconstruction, providing participants with critical insights into cutting-edge surgical techniques.
• Dr. Andrew Fletcher and Dr. Annette Wyllie conducted specialized workshops on sedation, enhancing participants' knowledge and practical skills in this essential aspect of dental surgery.
• Dr. Anand Nadgir hosted workshops on advanced life-saving procedures, equipping attendees with the skills needed for handling complex emergencies in dental and maxillofacial surgery.
• Dr. Tim O’Brien and Dr. Andrew Buddle made significant contributions by reviewing the curriculum for quality assurance and accreditation in dental education. They also conducted a mini-audit of the BDS curriculum at the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, and are preparing a comprehensive report.
• Dr. Caryl led workshops on prosthetic planning and the use of implants in the rehabilitation of head and neck defects, providing crucial training in these advanced procedures.
• Dr. Sandya Nadgir delivered a guest lecture on sexual and contraceptive health, offering valuable knowledge to participants, thereby broadening the scope of the vocational training program.
The event was a significant success, enriching the skills and knowledge of the participants and enhancing the Faculty of Dental Sciences' commitment to excellence in education and patient care. The collaboration with the Rotary Foundation, Sri Lanka, and the contributions of these esteemed professionals underscore the University of Peradeniya's dedication to advancing dental and maxillofacial healthcare in the region.
Join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to the brilliant minds behind "නිරුවත"" , who have triumphed as the FIRST PLACE winners in the short film competition "Don't Swallow the Bait" conducted by Sexual and Gender-Based Harrasment and Sexual Violence Committee(SGBVC) together with Alumni Association, University of Peradeniya(AAUP) and Peradeniya University Alumni Australia Victoria Chapter(PUAAViC).Your remarkable storytelling, boundless creativity, and unwavering dedication have set you apart, captivating audiences and judges alike.Your win is a testament of your talent and hard work, and we couldn't be prouder of your well-deserved success.Here's to the beginning of an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities and continued excellence. Keep inspiring us with your cinematic brilliance!
Prof. RD Jayasinghe has been appointed as a member of the Resource Pool of Expertise for Research Review and Roadmap Development for a tenure of two years. Further, it was mentioned that this appointment is under the category I and an honorary post. Further, this initiative was spearheaded by the Research & Innovation Division of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The Faculty Board congratulated him.
The Dean announced that the Faculty of Dental Sciences has received a generous donation of a high-end workstation worth LKR 1,679,140. This contribution was made by Dr. W.S.P. Nandasoma (BDS Cey. 1969) from the UK in loving memory of his parents, Mr. W.S.P. Panjnadas and Mrs. G.B. Somawathie. The Dean expressed gratitude to Dr. Nandasoma and acknowledged the significant efforts of Prof. D.Y.D. Samarawickrama and Prof. J.A.C.K. Jayawardena in facilitating this donation.
During the presentation ceremony, the Dean officially handed over the workstation to the Director of DELU and its primary user, the Audio-Visual Technical Officer of DELU. Additionally, he extended appreciation to the officials of the Sri Lanka Dental Association, Kandy Branch, for their invaluable assistance in coordinating this initiative.
Professor Karthikeyan Ramalingam and Professor Monal Yuwanati from the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India visited the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya and the Dental Teaching Hospital Peradeniya on 14.03.2024 and delivered a guest lecture on Quality of life outcomes among patients with oral cancer. They had also discussed future activities under the existing MoU between Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya and Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India.
Dr. Gayani Nawarathna has received the Best Oral Research Presentation award for the research titled " The effects of L-theanine- caffeine combination on selective attention in sleep-deprived young adults: A double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study." at the Kandy Society of Medicine, 46th Annual Academic Sessions 2024.