Chemical and Process Engineering is concerned with industrial processes that convert raw material into products in an efficient, safe and sustainable manner. Chemical and Process Engineers are essential in key industrial sectors such as petrochemical, food and drink, pharmaceutical, polymer, oil and gas, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.

The formation of the Department of Chemical Engineering dates back to 1972. The degree level course in Chemical Engineering, originally termed Chemical Engineering and Fuel Science, was inaugurated in 1972 with 8 students per batch. In 1998 the title of the Department of Chemical Engineering was changed to Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. Currently the Department enrolls 80 undergraduate students per intake.

The Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (DCPE) offers the Bachelor of the Science of Engineering Honours degree, and our course is accredited in accordance with the Washington Accord by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka. The course offered provides a thorough knowledge in the fundamentals of Chemical and Process Engineering and allows the students to focus on areas of Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering, Food and Bioengineering, Polymer Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.

Currently our course modules are taught by a well-qualified expert academic staff, consisting of Senior Professors, Professors, Senior Lecturers, and Lecturers. The contract and temporary academic staff, academic support and technical staff also play a vital and dedicated role in the Department. The Department is well equipped with laboratories that include bench and pilot-scale experiments and modern computing facilities. We have close links with industry, and an established placement scheme that provides opportunities to gain industrial training for undergraduate students.

At present the Department conducts postgraduate research leading to degrees of MSc, MPhil and PhD as well. Apart from research degrees, there are three Masters in Engineering postgraduate taught programs offered by the Department.

The Chemical and Process Engineering students not only excel in their studies, but they also get the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, such as sports, participating in competitions and many more. The Chemical and Process Engineering Student Society (CHESS) brings together students in social events that build friendships and enrich their university life.

I wish the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering of University of Moratuwa success in all its future activities.

Prof. (Ms.) M. Y. Gunasekera
Head of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering