Blog

We are proud to extend our warmest congratulations to Ms. Amaya Haripriya for her outstanding success at the Vietnam–Sri Lanka Friendship Quiz, organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in Colombo. Her remarkable achievements in this prestigious competition are a testament to her dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm.

In April 2025, Amaya was selected as the Monthly Winner of the quiz, and the award was presented to her by H.E. Trịnh Thị Tâm, Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, during the commemoration of the 135th Birth Anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, held in Colombo on 19 May 2025. Demonstrating consistency, she went on to win again in June 2025, this time receiving her award from Mr. Le Văn Hương, Deputy Chief of Mission, at the Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka on 11 July 2025.

Her journey culminated in July 2025 when she secured Second Place Overall in the final round of the quiz, which celebrated the 55th Anniversary of Viet Nam–Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations (1970–2025). The award was presented to her by Mr. Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies on 21 July 2025.

We commend Amaya for her exceptional performance and her role in strengthening cultural and educational ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to her peers, and we wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

The inauguration of the MSc and Master of Science in Industrial Organic Chemistry (IOC) Program at the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was successfully held on 26^th of July 2025. 

Dr. Radika Samarasekara, Former Director General of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Prof Rasika Perera, Dean of Faculty of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Prof. Theshini Perera, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr Laksiri Weerasinghe, Coordinator MSc degree program in industrial organic chemistry along with several staff members from the faculty of graduate studies.

This year, 24. students from both industry and academia have enrolled in the program. Department of Chemistry extends its best wishes to the incoming cohort as they embark on this important academic journey.

CVCD Excellence Awards are made once in two years by the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) to recognize, appreciate, and honour the outstanding contributions, accomplishments and impact through research, creativity, invention, and innovation by academic staff in the Sri Lankan state University system. These prestigious awards are presented following a rigorous evaluation process by an expert panel, with final selections endorsed by the CVCD.

In this esteemed forum, Prof. Imalka Munaweera was honored with the CVCD Excellence Award 2024 as the Most Outstanding Inventor, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to innovation and her dedication to advancing research and development.

We are pleased to announce the remarkable achievements of two postgraduate students from the Department of Chemistry, who were honored with Best Paper Awards at the 29th Annual Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering (TASME) Conference 2025, held on July 5–6, 2025, at the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus, Canada.

Ms. Piumika Yapa (PhD candidate) received the Best Paper Award in the Medical Technology, Biotech, and Pharma session for her outstanding research titled “Enhanced Antifungal Activity of Heterometallic Nanoparticles in Hydrogel Systems for Biomedical Applications.” Her work focuses on the development of hydrogel-based delivery systems embedded with silver, copper, and cobalt-doped silica nanohybrids, offering a promising solution for targeted and sustained antifungal treatment. The study addresses the growing issue of antifungal resistance, especially in immunocompromised patients. This research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Imalka Munaweera and Prof. Manjula Weerasekera.

Ms. Sanduni Dabare (MPhil candidate) was awarded the Best Paper Award in the Physical Sciences session for her insightful oral presentation titled “Mechanochemical Modification of Eppawala Rock Phosphate Using Oxalic Acid: Structural Transformation and Nutrient Release Potential.” Her research proposes an environmentally friendly and innovative method to enhance the solubility and agronomic value of Eppawala Rock Phosphate, a key phosphorus source in Sri Lanka. This important study was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Imalka Munaweera, highlighting the potential for significant advancements in sustainable agricultural practices.

These recognitions not only reflect the academic excellence and dedication of our students and academic members but also underscore the University of Sri Jayewardenepura’s commitment to advancing impactful scientific research on a global platform.

The Department of Chemistry extends its heartfelt congratulations to them for bringing honor to both the University and Sri Lanka on the international stage.