Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries
Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries (DAF) was established in year 2001 with a mission, to be the leader in tertiary education, research, skill development and outreach in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries production, product processing and allied sectors that would ensure an environmental friendly fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In terms of academic programme, the course modules which are conducting by the DAF are designed to be target oriented and blended for industry demand which is reflect by the very short period of waiting time for jobs, by the graduates upon completion of their degree. Despite the success of the course modules introduced with the time, the DAF has been continuously making amendments to the curricular to promote the relevance of education and enhance the quality.
The Department is aiming to attain the discipline and allied science related skills through the practical, hence all most all of the modules are practical based which some are conducting both the laboratories & field, aquaria, ponds and research hut. Facilities at the department are used in developing students’ soft skills and further opportunities are provided for students to get exposure and work at laboratories at national research stations, industries and other reputed laboratories during their outdoor training. These include in-house trainings at Fish breeding and training center Rambodagalla of National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), NAQDA regional aquaculture development center at Dambulla, National Aquaculture Research and Development Agency (NARA), etc. For Environmental and field based studies, students get the opportunity of visiting all major environments of Sri Lanka (Coastal zones, lagoons, rivers, shrimp/ lobster/ mollusk culture sites and it includes real sea experiences in cruise as well). In-plant training and Research at the final year gives an ample opportunity for the students to horn their subject specific skills as well as soft skills in reputed establishments.
In addition to undergraduate teaching, the department is involved in various outreach activities including consultancies for EIAs, curriculum development for National Institute of Education, teacher, farmer, school children trainings etc. Similarly, the active research conducted by the staff members and students (binding to the reputed local and international academic institutions) have helped in disseminating new approaches to managing environmentally friendly aquaculture and Fisheries sector in Sri Lanka.
Vision of the Department:
The Vision of the Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries is to achieve excellence in tertiary education, research, skill development and outreach in all aspects of aquatic environment, aquaculture and fisheries sciences and allied sectors.
Mission of the Department:
The mission of the department is to be the leader in tertiary education, research, skill development and outreach in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries production, product processing and allied sectors that would ensure an environmental friendly fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Head’s Message
Dr. W.M.H.K Wijenayake
Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries
Faculty of Livestock Fisheries & Nutrition
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Makandura, Gonawila (NWP)
Welcome to the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries. The field of Aquaculture and Fisheries have revolutionized the world over the last century. This is the only academic department in Sri Lankan state university system which facilitated with food fish and ornamental fish culture farms for conducting experimental research. Well trained qualified staff of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries are deserved to train undergraduate and post graduate students. Students specializing in Aquaculture and fisheries has opportunity for an in-plant training in the leading industries during their final year and such exposure provides them the proper hands-on experience to perform well in the industry. They are also trained for product development, invention, innovation as well as proper dissemination of findings both nationally and internationally. The students are actively engaged in various social and outreach activities with the leading support of Aquatic Resources Explores Society (AqRES) and alumni of the department. Course modules conducted by the department of aquaculture are designed to be target-oriented towards the demands of the industry. Our students are known to be communicative, confident and are generally equipped with qualities that employers seek. The department’s strong tie-ups with corporate in the area also give students the edge to secure their dream job upon graduation. Department provides a challenging opportunities for students to get exposed to real world problems of varying complexity, while also provides the necessary conducive environment, academic guidance, and technology support to help devise appropriate solutions by themselves for the benefit of humanity. We also encourage and empower our students, self-motivation, and courage to create their own start-up companies, join private and government sectors based on what they learn and develop within their stay in the department.