The death occurred on April 26 of Prof. Upali Jayaseka, the founder Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Sabaragamuwa University. He was 82.
Prof. Upali Jayasekara joined the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka in 1996 and was the founder Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. He served the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka from 1996-2004. He retired from the Sabaragamuwa University on February 5, 2004 and was recognized as an Emeritus Professor of Livestock Production.
He acquired his tertiary education with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in 1965. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Science (Veterinary Pathology) University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 1973. After obtaining MSc, he moved to Kansas State University, USA in 1978 where he obtained Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology. He has served as a Staff Pathologist/Study Director at the Parke Davis Research Institute, USA from 1979-1986.
He returned to Sri Lanka in 1986 and joined the Institute of Fundamental Studies as the Deputy Director of Research.
He then joined the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency in 1990 as the Director General. In 2004, he was the Chairman of the National Agriculture Development Board of Sri Lanka.
Upali Jayasekara was a past student of the Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda.
He was born on February 5, 1939 in Galle. He is married to Chithrangani Jayasekara and has two children, namely Laleen and Sanjeevi. His is the son of Robert Jayasekara and Sopinona Vitharana.