Uva Wellassa University has entered into a five-year research agreement with the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ, Germany, to investigate how hyper-diverse tropical rainforests maintain their exceptional species richness. The project has secured Euro 50,000 in funding and was approved by the Sri Lankan Cabinet at its meeting on 7 September 2026.

The project, SpatioCoexistence, aims to develop a spatially-explicit coexistence framework using Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforests as a model system. Researchers will monitor the 25-hectare Sinharaja Forest Dynamics Plot, integrate spatial data with mechanistic models, and examine how dispersal limitation, microhabitat heterogeneity, and competition interact to sustain diversity.

This project will not only advance fundamental ecological theory but also provide a predictive tool for conservation by identifying the spatial thresholds and landscape configurations needed to sustain biodiversity in one of the world’s most threatened forest types.

The project is led by Principal Investigator Senior Professor Sisira Ediriweera (Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University) and Dr. habil. Thorsten Wiegand (Department of Ecological Modelling, UFZ, Germany). Mr Janith Piumal serves as a Research Assistant.

Exclusive Technology License Agreement and Prospective Intellectual Property Transfer Agreement between Uva Wellassa University and Fish Tales (Pvt.) Ltd. were signed on 27 th February 2026 at the Uva Wellassa University with the participation of Snr. Prof. Kolitha B. Wijesekara, Vice Chancellor, Snr. Prof. H.M.S.K. Herath, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Prof. P.I.N. Fernando, Director, University Business Linkage (UBL) Cell, Dr. N.M.N. Nambapana, Head, Department of Animal Science, and some representatives from Fish Tales (Pvt.) Ltd.

The agreement grants Fish Tales (Pvt.) Ltd. an exclusive five-year license to collaborate with the University on the development and future commercialization of value-added fish products using fresh marine fish, based on the technology developed by Prof. E.D.N.S. Abeyrathne, Professor in Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture. The collaboration and agreement process were coordinated through UBL Cell of Uva Wellassa University which facilitates industry–university partnerships and technology transfer initiatives.

Senior Professor Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara, Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University (UWU), initiated official pre-talk discussions with two world class Higher Education Institutions in India – Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram on 19 and 20 November 2025, aiming to strengthen future academic collaboration.

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by Dr. T. Pratheepan, Acting Librarian of UWU. Discussions focused on potential collaboration in student and faculty exchange, joint research, collaborative conferences, twinning programmes, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence.

During the visit to VIT Vellore on 19 November 2025, the UWU delegation met with Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of VIT; Dr. V. S. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Vice Chancellor; Prof. Dr. R. Seenivasan, Director,International Relations Cell; and senior officials Prof. Kalyanaraman and Prof. Lokesh. other key academic leaders.

On 20 November 2025, the delegation visited SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, where they were received by Dr. R. Shivakumar, Chairman, SRM Group of Institutions, and Dr. M. Sakthi Ganesh, Dean , Faculty of Engineering & Technology, along with the Dean of Dental Sciences, the Dean of Architecture and Prof.K.Rajah Head of the Department of Computer Science and other key officials. The discussions highlighted opportunities for strengthening cross-border academic and research collaboration. In recognition of his contributions to previous collaborative initiatives, Dr. T. Pratheepan was formally honoured by the SRM leadership.

Both visits were marked by formal receptions, cultural exchanges, and the exchange of mementoes, reflecting strong mutual interest in long-term institutional cooperation. These pre-talks represent an important step towards expanding UWU’s global academic partnerships.

Senior Professor Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara, Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, was invited as the Guest of Honor at the 14th International CALIBER 2025 Conference, held at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India, from 17th to 19th November 2025.

The International CALIBER Conference is a prestigious forum in the field of Library and Information Science, bringing together leading academics, researchers, and library professionals from across the world to discuss emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in librarianship and information management.

Representing Uva Wellassa University, Dr. T. Pratheepan, Acting Librarian, also participated in the conference and served as a Conference Session Chair, contributing to the academic deliberations and scholarly discussions of the event.

The distinguished invitation extended to the Vice Chancellor as Guest of Honor, along with the active academic role undertaken by the Acting Librarian, reflects the growing international recognition of Uva Wellassa University and its commitment to excellence in higher education, research, and professional engagement at the global level.

The Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, successfully hosted Flamma Fire Night 2025 on November 19, 2025, at the A-Block Car Park from 6.30 PM onwards. The event was organized with the aim of raising funds for EAG Bash Volleyball Tournament 2025 and the Student Support Society of the Department.

The evening was officially inaugurated by Prof. Saman K. Herath, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, who lit the ceremonial fire. The event was also graced by Dr. Lalith Amarathunga, Head, Department of Export Agriculture, Prof. Janaka Wijesinghe, Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, Prof. Wasantha Senevirathne, Senior Student Counsellor along with other academic staff members in the Faculty.

Flamma Fire Night 2025 brought together undergraduates and academic staff for a vibrant and energetic evening filled with community spirit and entertainment. Guided by the academic adviser, Dr. Nuwan Weerawansha, Senior Lecturer (Gr. II) in the Department of Export Agriculture, the organizing committee worked collaboratively to create an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.

A key highlight of the night was the impressive variety of food and beverage stalls managed by the undergraduates of the Export Agriculture Degree Program. The menu featured a delightful mix of BBQ, burgers, tacos, hot dogs, corn, spicy poori, kottu, potato pops, chai tea, coffee, and more, adding a festive touch while significantly supporting the fundraising efforts.

A dedicated game zone attracted enthusiastic crowds, offering engaging activities and friendly competition throughout the evening.

Live musical performances by talented undergraduates further enhanced the ambiance, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere that vibrated with the audience.

Flamma Fire Night 2025 truly showcased the unity, creativity, and enthusiasm of the Export Agriculture student community. The event not only delivered an enjoyable evening but also made a meaningful contribution to the success of upcoming ‘EAG Bash Volleyball Tournament 2025’ and ongoing student welfare initiatives.