The University of Peradeniya is the largest and oldest university in Sri Lanka, originally established as the University of Ceylon in 1942.
The Peradeniya University was unparalleled among the well renowned universities in the world. With the unique contribution of the founder it emerged as a superb centre of learning, becoming a model education centre with a reputation that spread far and wide in South East Asia with great majesty and splendour, ranking among the most prestigious in the world. The purpose behind this article is to show how this esteemed institution played a vital role during that era.
Many are those who still reminisce its past glory. This is really meant for the few living today to go down memory lane. It brings to light the early events in their lives. The then students, the intellectual cream of the country enjoyed the fruits of education with the simple way of life followed by them.
It was a blessing for those who worked hard to gain admission to the Peradeniya University. It has always been a place of veneration for the undergrads of that era. There was great enthusiasm, interest and awareness about the significance of university studies and their future careers.
The very word, inspired them towards a new era of hope and happiness. The key to success was always on the emphasis placed on the well-being and welfare of the undergrads which they received in abundance. It was a fact that the university embellished the character of the then students. Needless to say, authority, discipline, the common behaviour not imposed, but prevalent at the time, was readily accepted by the then students on account of its lasting value.
The students ably backed by the academia and the administrative staff, thought seriously about their studies which contributed towards their march to success. They were forging ahead with hardly a problem whatsoever.
Even if they did have any, they were solved by whatever means possible in the most peaceful manner. The students of all nationalities were very friendly and their cordial relationship bonded them together leading to a harmonious and peaceful co-existence.
Serene atmosphere
The University of Peradeniya is known for its natural environment. Since its inception the University in its true sense was just the right set up, the perfectly wonderful place for the ambitious undergrad. It was full of greenery with nature’s beauty reigning over the entire premises giving it a serene atmosphere. Sri Lankan tradition was embedded everywhere.
The entire buildings blended with the surrounding, enchanting nature. Entangled in the serenity of the environment the students mindfully started the day with determination to gather knowledge and gain the best. Calmness, peace and joy made their life as is appropriate for an enthusiastic budding undergraduate.
The serenity embodied in the entire premises illustrated the value attached to it, so that nobody ever thought of disrupting the serenity of the glorious institution. The undergrad of that era held the pride of preserving the undisturbed serenity and sanctity for a long time to come.
Respect and regard for the mighty institution was always there, throughout their stay at Peradeniya. This is one reason why the then University has recorded an impressive performance in every sphere. Centre of attraction
The scenic attraction with excellent learning opportunities favoured and encouraged the students sitting the university entrance examination, to somehow gain admission. It came as a blessing to many who visited the place prior to their exam.
The serenity and beauty made the visiting students on excursions, to lay all hopes in securing success to enter the university. This contributed immensely to the clever, the talented and the determined to work hard for their future success. During those early years nobody could dispute the fact that the university was the most glorious institute at the time.
Discipline
Peradeniya was the first residential university - the first institution of its kind created for those intelligentsia bent on learning with only one aim in their lives - that of getting out with a worthy academic achievement suited to a rewarding career and refinement, in life.
It offered the undergrad the best of everything that one could ever dream of. No undergrad ever thought of creating instability or upsetting the peaceful social order. They become a nuisance only when they hinder the peace and order of the institution. There was nothing of the kind here.
There were no irresponsible actions on the part of the undergrad. There was hardly a breach of discipline. Such things were unheard of. Instead there was peace and harmony, which they could be proud of reminiscing even today.
The smooth functioning of the university was never disrupted. They could be proud that discipline has been an important feature in the glorious past of the then university.
Language was no barrier for the undergrad of that era. With the quality education offered in the English medium they were well accomplished graduates holding responsible jobs not only in Sri Lanka but around the world serving humanity. The multi-cultural background helped them to acquire a broad outlook. It is a well-known fact that the university illumined the lives of almost everyone of that era - especially those of exceptional brilliance.
The University of Peradeniya the oldest, largest and the most well-known with its glorious past, still remains as one of the most important and the highest centres of learning in Mother Lanka. May it continue to be so, forever.
- Rupa Banduwardena