Dean's
Message
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the University of Peradeniya is the sole
institute in Sri Lanka offering an undergraduate degree program in veterinary medicine leading to the
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree. The faculty comprises five academic departments, namely
the Departments of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Public Health and
Pharmacology, Farm Animal Production and Health, and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, along with several
affiliated units. The teaching program is supported by the two Veterinary Teaching Hospitals
(Companion and Zoo Animal and Farm Animal) and the Veterinary Teaching Farm. Additionally, the
faculty serves as a center for advanced research in veterinary science and related fields.
The faculty's high standard of teaching and research is attributed to its well-equipped laboratories,
highly qualified teachers, and well-trained support staff. The vision of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
and Animal Science is to be a national center of learning and research in veterinary medicine and animal
production, producing veterinary graduates of the highest standard. The mission is to impart sound
knowledge of veterinary medicine and animal production techniques to students, thereby promoting
the well-being of both humans and animals.
The history of veterinary education in Sri Lanka dates back to 1947 with the establishment of the
Department of Veterinary Science affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. In 1954, this
department relocated to Peradeniya and was incorporated into the Faculty of Agriculture. In 1973, the
Department of Veterinary Science was upgraded to the status of a School of Veterinary Science,
becoming a partner of the Faculty of Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Science at Peradeniya University.
The veterinary school attained full faculty status in 1980, with four academic departments, and was
named the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science.
The faculty has expanded over the last two decades, resulting in five academic departments, an
outcome-based curriculum, and enhanced facilities. Currently enrolling 100 students per annum, the
five-year academic program leading to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science provides opportunities to
enter the veterinary profession, which is in high demand nationally and internationally. Students not
only benefit from full residential and recreational facilities but also experience one of the most beautiful
and pleasant environments on campus.
The students could interact with peers from eight other faculties, creating a lifelong experience. Many
faculty members are engaged in high-quality basic and applied research funded by national and
international organizations. The well-equipped laboratories support both undergraduate and
postgraduate study programs, with over 30 students currently pursuing MPhil/PhD degrees. The faculty
maintains academic and research collaborations with developed countries, including the United States,
Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. The latest collaboration is with the University
of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, USA.
Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science.