By Asela Kuruluwansa
The floods triggered by heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Ditwah have caused losses estimated between Rs. 3–5 billion to valuable equipment and property used for academic activities at the University of Peradeniya, according to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Terence Madujith.
He said water began accumulating within the university premises on the evening of the 27th, and with the opening of the Kotmale Dam sluice gates, a large volume of water entered the campus around 11.00 p.m., submerging the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Management.
Prof. Madujith noted that several state-of-the-art instruments used for academic and research activities were damaged. Among the destroyed items were two servers at the Information Technology Centre, each with a market value exceeding Rs. 60 million.
He added that apart from the general weather advisory issued by the Department of Meteorology, no special warning about the impending flood had been communicated by either the Disaster Management Centre or the Mahaweli Authority.
A significant part of the university was submerged within roughly three hours, prompting authorities to relocate students from two hostels to safer locations. He also said that seven plastic water tanks, each with a 2,000-litre capacity, had been swept away.
Several facilities, including the university’s indoor stadium, were damaged, and a full assessment of losses is still underway.
At the time of the disaster, about 14,000 students were on campus and were safely sent home, although around 300 students remain due to road blockages and other constraints.
Prof. Madujith added that inspections of the affected buildings are ongoing and that more electrical equipment has also been submerged. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education once the damage assessment is complete.
