The Department of Social Statistics at University of Sri Jayewardenepura has a rich tradition of developing graduates with depth knowledge and applied skills in fields of Social Statistics. The first step in the growth of Social Statistics as an academic discipline in Sri Lanka came when the Department of Economics introduced Social Statistics as a main field of study in 1971. At the beginning Social Statistics subject was covered statistical techniques in studying Social Sciences such as Economics, Sociology, Geography, Archelogy and Political Science under the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Arts. Due to the substantial development of the faculty and expansion of computer facilities, the attention and demand towards Social Statistics subject was raised up. Therefore, during the earlier period of time, two-degree programs as Social Statistics Special and General had been conducted under the Department of Economics.
In 1991/1992 academic year, Social Statistics subject unit was introduced to first year students. At the beginning, there were 150 students had studied Social Statistics subject and 50 students had followed Social Statistics Special degree for their studies. As a result of this students’ devotion towards Social Statistics subject stream and considering the timely necessities, it was requested to University Grant Commission in 18.08.1993 for establishing the Department of Social Statistics as an independent department. Consequently, the University Grant Commission was given endorsement for establishing Department of Social Statistics in 05.06.1995. At the beginning, seven academic staff members who were attached to the Department of Economics were appointed for the newly established Department of Social Statistics. They are,
- (Mr.) W. A. Jayathissa, Professor in Social Statistics
- S. A. C. S. Silva, Senior Lecturer
- A. M. M. J. Wijesiriwardhana, Senior Lecturer
- S. K. R. Silva, Senior Lecturer
- H. M. T. N. R. Herath, Senior Lecturer
- K. Dharmasena, Lecturer (Probationary)
- L. N. Beilin (Senior Instructor)
Establishment of this novel department was a collective effort of Professor W.A. Jayathissa and above-mentioned academic staff members. It is treated as the pioneer department of the academic field of Social Statistics in Sri Lanka. Professor W.A. Jayathissa was appointed as the first Head of the department though, he contributed tremendously not only for establishing the department but also for developing Social Statistics as one of important academic fields in Sri Lanka. The initial primary emphasis of the department has been on the production of graduates to analyses data quantitatively in Social Sciences such as Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Geography etc. While it has been continued the honors degree program in Social Statistics, the Department introduced a new honors degree program in Business Statistics concerning upcoming demand for Statistics in business field. For the first batch of the special degree program, 25 students enrolled in spite of the fact that the department was established with limited resources.
Academic staff members who served as Head of the Department up to now can be listed down as follows:
Mr. H. P. Diunugala (2013 – 2018)