About Us

Society of Food science and technology and Technology (SFST) was first initiated in 2004, as the first Food science and Technology society of Food science undergraduates with the proud of being the first Food Science Technology department in the Sri Lankan university history, At the present the society comprise of about 400 members. The SFST is a professional, educational and non-commercial organization. 

The main objectives of the SFST are,

• To provide opportunities for dissemination and exchange of knowledge and experience primarily among students, lecturers, professionals of Food Science and Technology, and also, food industrialists, the public and society in large. 

• To develop the knowledge of food science and technology in the members, not only the theoretical values, as well as the industrial skills with the point of mould up a perfect food science and technology undergraduate. 

• To encourage research, development and training in the science and technology of food. 

• To build up awareness about food science and technology field among the community and rectify difficulties and obstacles arise in the food industry which is a more formidable industry in the world, as a food science  and technology undergraduate and pioneers in the food science and technology field. 

• To collaborate with other organizations, national or international, in activities relating to furtherance of the SFST objective. 

The activities that have been done to achieve objectives are, 

• Organize and participate in meetings, seminars, interactive sessions, workshops and exhibitions directed towards  students, professionals, food industrialists and the public. 

• Publish articles, booklets, brochures and videos related to Food Science and Technology. 

• Promote activities and events of  SFST.  

• Elevate the educational level of entire community of students through organizing webinar sessions, as the first food science and technology undergraduate society in Sri Lanka 

• Association with other organizations in general or specific activities such as  organizing webinar sessions and competitions. 

Food Science and Technology is one of the fast-moving sectors in the world. It plays a major role in the current industrial sector of Sri Lanka. When considering the local food industry, number of large scale, medium scale and small scale industries are involved in food processing while the number of research institutes are involved in research and development. They provide thousands of employment opportunities directly and indirectly and thereby contribute to the GDP by of the country by nearly 24%. 

Food Science and Technology graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities in both local and international food industries. Therefore, a number of academic institutions in the country cater to these employment needs. University of Peradeniya, University of Sri Jayawardenapura and University of Sabaragamuwa are the dominant state sector institutions offering degree programs in Food Science and Technology. 

The uniqueness of Food Science and Technology degree offered by University of Peradeniya is having a strong foundation of Agriculture. The objective of the Food Science and Technology Degree Course offered by University of Peradeniya is to contribute to the world of pioneering graduates in the national and international food technology employment fields, with knowledge and understanding of the concept of scientific food processing, understanding of the nutritional role of food, legal knowledge related to the food industry, with professional attitudes, technical and research skills and abilities, and personal, management and leadership qualities.

During the four-year course of this degree program, students are mastered in all three disciplines, mainly Chemistry, Physics and Biology, without giving priority to only one subject. Through knowledge and the connections between each of those sciences, successful undergraduates are created who can solve problems that arise in the food industry.

In this course, undergraduates have the opportunity to get industrial training from the first year, the first semester. This is a very valuable opportunity for a undergraduate. This course provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations related to food science and technology from outside the community to be exposed to their ideas and problems at different times in different contexts.

After this degree, food science and technology undergraduates will be able to be successful entrepreneurs in the food industry as well as Quality assurance managers, Quality assurance executives, Research and development executives and managers in the food industry in Sri Lanka and other parts of the world (Research and development executives and managers) ), Food Microbiologists, Food Analysts, Food Packaging Specialists, etc., and many other professions, as well as public sector service providers, as well as university studies. Depending on the attentiveness  of undergraduates, they will be able to pursue their studies from a University Research Assistant to a University Lecturer, Professor, both locally and internationally.

In addition to Food Science and Technology degree program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya offers Agricultural Technology & Management and Animal Science & Fisheries degree programs which also contribute immensely towards the Food Science and Technology stream. All these graduates, play an integral role in uplifting diverse areas of the food industry. They are expected to play a leading role in promoting value addition to agricultural produce while maintaining the quality, safety and nutritional value of food. They contribute to the development of the food industry while paving the path way to a sustainable socio-economic environment in the country.