Higher Degrees Briefing Session for Candidates and Potential Candidates - 2026
A workshop to brief Higher Degrees candidates on the Rules, Regulations, and Expectations of the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, was held on 20th March 2026 from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, with the participation of 36 candidates at the Auditorium of the Department of Forensic Medicine.
The session commenced with an introduction and goal setting by Prof. Saman Nanayakkara, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairperson of the HDC. This was followed by a series of focused briefings covering key aspects of higher degree training. Prof. Susiji Wickramasinghe outlined the rules and regulations governing higher degrees, while Prof. Neil Alles discussed the responsibilities and expectations of students. Prof. Kosala Marambe provided an overview of the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF), emphasizing the competencies required at Levels 11 (MPhil) and 12 (PhD).
The latter part of the workshop consisted of an interactive, case-based discussion session moderated by Prof. Veranja Liyanapathirana (Secretary, HDC) and facilitated by all resource persons together with Prof. Keerthi Dissanayake (Department of Anatomy). This segment formed the core of the session, enabling candidates to engage actively with real-world challenges encountered during higher degree training.
Six structured case scenarios were discussed, addressing critical domains including: Alignment with SLQF Level 11 and 12 expectations, beyond experimental work, Managing supervisory challenges and delays in academic guidance, Identifying funding opportunities for conference participation, Responding effectively to major reviewer comments and proposal revisions, Handling personal crises, lapses in registration, and administrative compliance, and Maintaining research continuity during global disruptions affecting study feasibility. The discussions were highly interactive, with candidates reflecting on regulatory requirements, ethical considerations, academic planning, and problem-solving strategies within the framework of HDC guidelines.
The session was coordinated by the Higher Degrees committee with the support of Ms. Shanika Mahaliyadda, and other staff.
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