Severe rainfall and subsequent flooding have caused an estimated loss of nearly Rs. 5 billion to valuable equipment and property used for academic activities at the University of Peradeniya, according to Vice Chancellor Prof. Terence Madujith.
He stated that floodwaters began accumulating on the university premises on the afternoon of the 27th, and following the opening of the Kotmale Dam spill gates, a massive surge of water entered the campus around 11:00 p.m. that night. The Veterinary Faculty and the Faculty of Management were among the worst affected.
Prof. Madujith noted that several advanced research instruments were damaged, including equipment at the Information Technology Center, with the market value of just two destroyed servers exceeding Rs. 60 million.
Within about three hours, a significant portion of the university was submerged, forcing the evacuation of students from two hostels to safer locations. Additionally, seven plastic water tanks, each with a capacity of 2,000 liters, were swept away by floodwaters. Multiple facilities, including the university’s indoor sports complex, also sustained damage. The total extent of destruction is still being assessed.
At the time of the disaster, around 14,000 students were on campus, all of whom were safely relocated. However, about 300 students remain within the premises due to blocked roads and other challenges.
The Vice Chancellor added that inspections are underway to evaluate the condition of flooded buildings and electronic equipment. A comprehensive report of the damages will be submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education once assessments are complete.
