About Us
Department Overview
The Department of Mechanical Engineering, together with the departments of Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering, was part of the founding departments of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Ceylon, established in 1950. The Faculty of Engineering was later relocated to Peradeniya in 1964.
The department conducts Washington Accord Accredited specialization programme in Mechanical Engineering leading to the 4-year undergraduate degree programme in Bachelor of the Science of Engineering honours (BScEngHons) offered by the University of Peradeniya.
The undergraduate curriculum is crafted with a strong focus on establishing a solid theoretical foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering principles. It emphasizes the practical application of theory through design and laboratory exercises and projects while ensuring ample exposure to cutting-edge technologies, the engineering profession, and the socio-economic dynamics relevant to contemporary engineering.
The department offers several postgraduate programmes leading to postgraduate Diploma, Master of the Science of Engineering, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy. In addition the department conducts several certificate and CPD programmes for practicing Engineering professionals.
Our Vision
The Faculty of Engineering will be the center of excellence in engineering education and research in South Asia. The best student representative of geographical and cultural diversity, academic staff of the highest caliber, and excellent learning and research environment will ensure academic excellence and highest professional standard, nationally and internationally.
Our Mission
The Mission of the Faculty of Engineering is to acquire, promote, develop and disseminate knowledge of engineering sciences and its applications to improve the quality of life and, in particular, to equip present and future generations with skills and attitudes to attain competence as professional engineers, and to interact with industry and community for sustainable development of humankind.
Message from the Head of the Department
Welcome to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Peradeniya.
As one of the three founding departments of the Faculty of Engineering, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has played a pivotal role in engineering education since its inception in 1950. The Department offers a Washington Accord–accredited specialization programme in Mechanical Engineering, leading to the degree of Bachelor of the Science of Engineering Honours (BScEngHons). The annual intake to this specialization programme is 50 students.
We provide our undergraduate students with a rich and engaging learning experience by maintaining a careful balance between fundamentals and applications. This is achieved through a blend of classroom teaching, laboratory work, design-oriented courses, problem-based learning, and project activities. Our academic programmes are strongly supported by a dedicated team of faculty and staff. With the most recent curriculum revision, we have introduced several sub-specializations, enhancing flexibility and enabling students to pursue in-depth study in selected areas of interest.
The Department offers a postgraduate taught programme in Building Services Engineering, leading to Postgraduate Diploma, Master in Engineering (MEng), and Master of the Science of Engineering (MScEng) qualifications. In addition, we offer a Master of Science in Energy for Circular Economy, jointly conducted with the Open University of Sri Lanka, the University of Moratuwa, and the University of Ruhuna. These programmes are designed primarily for practicing engineers and aim to address emerging knowledge and skill requirements in their respective fields. The Department also offers research degrees leading to MPhil and PhD qualifications, providing opportunities for advanced study through a combination of specialized coursework and innovative research.
Beyond teaching, our faculty members are actively engaged in research across a wide range of areas, including renewable energy, robotics and mechatronics, refrigeration and air-conditioning, fuel technology, automobile engineering, and machine tool technology. Much of this work is directed towards developing technological solutions to address societal needs.
I invite you to explore this website to learn more about our Department, our staff, and our academic and research activities. I hope your visit will inspire engagement with our work and initiatives.
Primal Fernando,
BScEngHons Moratuwa, M.Eng & PhD, KTH
Professor & Head/Mechanical Engineering
Department History
1930s – Foundations of Engineering Education
• The Ceylon Technical College offers engineering education up to the University of London Intermediate Examination level.
• Programmes aligned with professional pathways in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
1945 – Vision for a Faculty of Engineering
• University Council resolves to establish a Faculty of Engineering in Peradeniya by 1948.
• Plan delayed due to land acquisition and construction challenges.
1950–1952 – Establishment Phase
• Initial plan to start in Peradeniya revised.
• Faculty of Engineering established in Colombo in 1952.
• Mechanical Engineering introduced as one of the three core disciplines.
1950 – Early Academic Structure
• Faculty begins with only 12 academic staff; 2 in Mechanical Engineering.
• First year conducted by Faculty of Science; later years shared across disciplines before specialization.
1964 – Relocation to Peradeniya
• Faculty of Engineering relocates to Peradeniya.
• Dr. J. C. V. Chinnappa becomes the first Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
1966 – International Accreditation
• BScEng degree accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
1969 – Major Curriculum Reform
• Full 4-year programme conducted within the Faculty of Engineering.
• Introduction of year-end examinations and structured progression.
• Specialization strengthened in later years with limited electives.
1970 – Academic Milestone
• Prof. S. Mahalingam awarded DSc by the University of London—one of the earliest such honours in Engineering.
1980s–1990s – Period of Challenges
• Significant decline in academic staff strength.
• Lowest staffing levels reached in the mid-1990s.
2004 – Re-accreditation
• Degree re-accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Present – Growth and Strength
• Strong academic cadre supporting teaching and research.
• Continued alignment with international standards.
• Expansion into modern areas of engineering education and research.
• Obtained Washington Accord accreditation
Leadership Legacy
Former Heads of Department
• Prof. J. C. V. Chinnappa
• Prof. C. L. V. Jayathilake
• Mr. S. K. Seneviratne
• Dr. M. B. Kahawatte
• Dr. K. E. D. Sumanasiri
• Prof. S. Sivasegaram
• Dr. E. M. P. B. Boyagoda
• Prof. Leelananda Rajapaksha
• Prof. S. D. G. S. P. Gunawardane
• Prof. D. A. A. C. Ratnaweera
Emeritus Professors
• Prof. S. Mahalingam
• Prof. C. L. V. Jayathilake
Retired Senior Academic Staff
• Prof. S. Sivasegaram
• Mr. S. K. Seneviratne