Dr. Thiyanga Talagala, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), has been ranked first in the prestigious Short Talks, Big Impacts Women in Science Spotlight Competition. This competition, organized by UNESCO – Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), included participants from the Asia-Pacific and Arab region, Latin America and the Caribbean region, and Africa region.
Her talk, Exploring Artistic Legacy: Analyzing Artifact Differences Across Kingdoms Using Machine Learning, showcased how machine learning can uncover hidden mathematical structures in historical paintings and artefacts. Drawing inspiration from Sri Lanka’s rich artistic heritage—such as the moonstone, the intricate wooden carvings at Ambekke, and the vibrant wall paintings of ancient kingdoms—her research explores the deep connections between geometry, symmetry, and artistic expression. By analyzing visual elements like colour, pattern, and composition, she aims to identify unique artistic signatures across different civilizations, offering a new perspective on Sri Lanka’s cultural history through data-driven insights.
Dr. Talagala emphasized the intrinsic link between art and mathematics, stating that “behind every artist, there is a mathematician, and behind every mathematician, there is an artist,” with nature serving as the ultimate example of this harmony. This perspective drives her research at the intersection of data science and cultural heritage.
Her work resonates strongly with USJ’s mission: “To create and disseminate knowledge for the prosperity of the nation, drawing inspiration from our cultural heritage.” The Faculty of Applied Sciences congratulates Dr. Talagala for this outstanding international recognition and her contributions to advancing interdisciplinary research.