Three shortlisted for J’apura Vice Chancellor post have been forwarded for final approval, marking a key step in appointing the next academic leader of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The selection reflects a competitive process involving senior academic figures.
Three shortlisted for J’apura Vice Chancellor post sent to President for approval
Three shortlisted for J’apura Vice Chancellor post signals a critical phase in the leadership transition at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, one of Sri Lanka’s leading higher education institutions. The final decision now rests with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who will appoint the next Vice Chancellor from among the recommended candidates.
The shortlisted candidates include the incumbent Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Faculty of Applied Sciences Dean Prof. Upul Subasinghe, and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda. Each candidate brings extensive academic and administrative experience, reflecting the university’s emphasis on continuity, academic excellence, and institutional stability.
The process to identify the three shortlisted for J’apura Vice Chancellor post follows a structured evaluation framework, where applicants are assessed on academic credentials, leadership experience, and their vision for the university’s future. The role of Vice Chancellor is pivotal, involving oversight of academic programs, research direction, institutional governance, and long-term strategic planning.
Notably, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Senior Prof. Harindra Dissabandara, who had also applied for the position, was not included in the final shortlist. Earlier speculation suggested he might have continued in his regulatory role if selected, but he ultimately did not progress to the final stage. Additionally, contrary to earlier reports, Prof. Lalith Samarakoon was not among the applicants or interviewees.
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura continues to strengthen its standing both locally and internationally. It is currently ranked within the 1501+ band in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and in the 1401+ range in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. These rankings highlight the institution’s growing academic reputation and its contribution to Sri Lanka’s higher education sector.
The appointment of a new Vice Chancellor comes at a time when universities are under increasing pressure to adapt to evolving global education trends, enhance research output, and improve graduate employability. In this context, leadership will play a decisive role in shaping the university’s trajectory.
Higher education Sri Lanka is undergoing gradual transformation, with institutions seeking to align more closely with international standards while addressing domestic challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and curriculum modernisation. University leadership appointment processes such as this are therefore closely watched, as they influence not only institutional direction but also broader sectoral development.
As the three shortlisted for J’apura Vice Chancellor post await final approval, stakeholders across academia will be monitoring the decision, given its implications for governance, academic innovation, and long-term institutional growth.