FASEA focuses on excelling in teaching and learning, research, and outreach activities in undergraduate, postgraduate, and extramural programmes, with an emphasis on value addition to agricultural and allied resources through scientific and emerging technological approaches. The Faculty also envisions that, in order to increase foreign exchange earnings from agricultural and related products, teaching–learning activities and research must excel with a strong emphasis on adding value to national agricultural resources. Thus, FASEA strives to achieve its mission by creating a conducive environment for teaching–learning activities that enhance students’ knowledge, essential skills, values, and attitudes.

Currently, FASEA consists of three departments: (i) the Department of Animal Science, (ii) the Department of Export Agriculture and (iii) the Department of Food Science and Technology. At the outset, the Bachelor of Animal Science Honours – later revised as the Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal Production and Food Technology – was introduced under the Department of Animal Science, while the Bachelor of Science Honours in Export Agriculture was introduced under the Department of Export Agriculture. The first group of students for these two programmes was admitted to the Faculty in August 2006.

Later, three additional degree programmes were introduced: the Bachelor of Science Honours in Tea Technology and Value Addition in 2008, and the Bachelor of Science Honours in Palm & Latex Technology and Value Addition, and the Bachelor of Science Honours in Aquatic Resources Technology, both in 2009. However, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Tea Technology and Value Addition, and the Bachelor of Science Honours in Palm & Latex Technology and Value Addition were merged into one degree programme and accordingly, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Plantation Management and Technology was introduced in 2023. At present, the Faculty offers these six-degree programmes, mainly focusing on value addition to agriculture, fisheries, and related resources. The annual proposed intake for the Faculty is 543 students.

All our undergraduate degree programmes are unique and conducted in the English medium, providing Essential Skills Development (ESD) and Broad General Education (BGE). Undergraduates receive specialized knowledge in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and other related subjects within their chosen field of study, in addition to being equipped with practical skills, attitudes, and insights necessary to meet local and global challenges. The Faculty also focuses on transforming students’ mindsets to be entrepreneurial, as we expect our graduates to contribute meaningfully to the national economy. FASEA has introduced research-based MPhil/PhD degree programmes under four Boards of Study, and in the future, several taught master’s programmes will be introduced, covering various disciplines of agriculture and related fields. As extension courses, several certificate programmes have already commenced, and opportunities for such courses will be further expanded.

As a practice, curricula of the degree programmes are regularly reviewed and updated in consultation with stakeholders, considering local, regional, and international trends, needs, and standards. Qualified staff members of the Faculty are committed to developing high-quality teaching–learning processes and research activities, promoting an intellectually stimulating, multidisciplinary environment for study.

Overall, the Faculty aims to produce graduates who can make a significant impact on the national economy through the knowledge and skills gained during their stay at Uva Wellassa University. More importantly, the Faculty expects an attitudinal transformation in students to ensure they provide the service expected by the country.