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.

Walk-in Interview

Academic Vacancies

Department of Tourism Studies , Faculty of Management

POST OF TEMPORARY LECTURER IN HOSPITALITY, TOURISM, AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates who have a,

• B.B.M. or B.Sc. Special degree or equivalent in the relevant field with a First Class or Second Class (Upper Division) Honors from a recognized University/ HEI

OR

• B.B.M. or B.Sc. Special degree or equivalent in the relevant field with a Second Class (Lower Division) Honors from a recognized University/ HEI

OR

• (a) A Degree with specialization in the relevant field without Honours or any other degree with at least Second Class Honours,

AND

• (b) [a] (i) A Doctoral Degree in the relevant field
• OR
• (ii) A Masters degree in the relevant field obtained after a full-time course of study of at least 24 months duration (or an equivalent part-time course of study) with a research component by way of thesis/ dissertation.
• OR
• (iii) A full time Masters degree in the relevant field of a minimum of 18 months duration with at least 60 credits * of which not less than 15 credits* of research by way of thesis/ dissertation.

[*One credit considered per course unit/module should be in accordance with the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF)]

SALARY SCALE:

Rs. 85,305/- per month and allowance applicable to the post.

NOTES:

Candidates are required to make a presentation before the Selection Committee in order to prove their teaching ability as Temporary Lecturers. (UGC Cir. 935)

METHOD OF RECRUITMENT:

The candidates are invited to present at a Walk-in Interview with the following documents and copies of them.

• National Identity Card
• All relevant Academic / Professional Certificates (originals and copies)
• Curriculum Vitae and Reference Letters
• Research Publications (If any)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS: 16th February 2026

Applications should be e- mail to dts@uwu.ac.lk

For more details, Contact Head, Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University (T.P. 055-2226167)

All the appointments are for a period of one year. Uva Wellassa University reserves the right to select the candidates.

Acting Registrar
Uva Wellassa University
Passara Road
Badulla