An essential part of the database is a security system which provides access only to authorized personnel. The software development has been completed, and the Department is in the process of implementing the Student Information System. This database is expected to be of immense value in the process of providing recommendations, referee's reports, and issuing certificates to students. Sarath Siyambalapitiya A software package is being developed to be used as an inventory for the administration of the Department. Separate segments are provided for furniture, electrical appliances, computer equipment, etc.
Provision is made to update records, and to include specifications if required.
This package is also expected to help in preparing annual inventory reports after stock-taking. In some instances, the currently available software packages have proven inadequate for certain academic research work of our staff. In these cases, it has been necessary for the Department to develop the requisite software. Moreover, with the establishment of the Engineering Design Centre at the University of Peradeniya in 1997, software targeted towards specific engineering design problems has become a necessity. This package supports a high level command language which facilitates easy formatting of plots, and inputting of data.