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Three First-Class graduates from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, have earned six Gold Medals in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. Arul Raj Kavinesh Goutham, W. W. Thisarani Bhagya Mendis, and Dinusha Elvitigala have distinguished themselves through their academic performance, complemented by contributions to research, student leadership, and university life.

Arul Raj Kavinesh Goutham: Four Gold Medals for Excellence in Chemistry

Arul Raj Kavinesh Goutham, who graduated with First-Class Honours in Chemistry in May 2026, received four Gold Medals at the University’s Convocation in October 2026. These awards recognise his overall academic performance and achievements across the major disciplines of chemistry:

• Professor Tuly de Silva Gold Medal — for obtaining the highest overall Grade Point Average (GPA) at the B.Sc. Chemistry (Honours) Degree Examination.
• Chemical Industries Colombo Ltd. Gold Medal — for obtaining a First Class Pass with the highest marks at the B.Sc. (Honours) Degree in Chemistry Final Examination held in February and March 2026.
• Professor A. M. Abeysekara Gold Medal — for obtaining a First Class Pass with the highest GPA for Organic Chemistry courses in the third and fourth years of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry Degree Examination held in February and March 2026.
• Professor W. S. Fernando Gold Medal — for obtaining a First Class Pass with the highest GPA for core and compulsory Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry courses in the third and fourth years of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry Degree Examination held in February and March 2026.

Alongside his academic accomplishments, Goutham completed his undergraduate research under the supervision of Professor Laksiri Weerasinghe. His project investigated the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines using a graphene oxide-catalysed one-pot oxidative–Pictet–Spengler cascade.

Goutham also serves as President of the Chemical Society, having previously held the position of Vice President. His contributions include organising industry-oriented programmes, practical workshops, and student initiatives that connect chemistry with industry and society, while encouraging scientific engagement and professional development among undergraduates.

W. W. Thisarani Bhagya Mendis: Recognising Academic Distinction

W. W. Thisarani Bhagya Mendis, a First-Class graduate of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry programme, received the Dr. Siromi Samarasinghe Gold Medal for obtaining the highest GPA at the selection for the B.Sc. (Honours) Degree programme. The award’s eligibility criteria include achieving a GPA of at least 2.00 in both subsidiary subjects and all Chemistry courses at the first attempt.

Bhagya’s academic background brings together Chemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology, reflecting her interest in interdisciplinary science and the molecular basis of biological processes.

Her involvement in university life extends beyond the classroom. She served as Junior Treasurer of the Genetics and Molecular Biology Society and Finance In-Charge of the Adventure Club. Through her involvement in AIESEC, she also contributed to public relations, event organisation, and community initiatives. These experiences provided opportunities to exercise leadership, collaborate with fellow students, and contribute to the wider university community.

Dinusha Elvitigala: Outstanding Achievement in Industrial Chemistry

Dinusha Elvitigala, a First-Class graduate of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Industrial Chemistry programme, received the Dr. Chris H. Senanayake Gold Medal for obtaining the highest GPA at the B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry (Honours) Degree Examination.

Her achievement reflects sustained academic excellence throughout her undergraduate studies. With an educational background spanning Industrial Chemistry and Psychology, Dinusha has also pursued interests across distinct fields of knowledge.

An active contributor to student organisations, Dinusha serves as Secretary of the Chemical Society. She has also contributed as Education Director of the Gavel Club and as a member of the Rotaract Club’s Editorial Crew. Her involvement encompasses student leadership, communication, professional development, and community engagement.

The Department of Chemistry congratulates Goutham, Bhagya, and Dinusha on their well-deserved achievements and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours. Their accomplishments celebrate both academic excellence and meaningful participation in university life, offering inspiration to future generations of chemistry students.

The Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, is pleased to announce that Mr. Lashan Edirisinghe has been awarded the MPhil Gold Medal for Research Excellence at the 52^nd General Convocation of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, held on 16 October 2026. This prestigious distinction recognizes research excellence, with the award conferred for achieving the highest number of international and national research publications, patents, and research awards within the stipulated time under the Board of Study in Physical Sciences of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Mr. Edirisinghe completed his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Chemistry, research titled “Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Pt(II) and Zn(II) Complexes towards Potential Anticancer Agents” under the supervision of Prof. Theshini Perera of the Department of Chemistry. His research focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel sulfonamide-functionalized ligands and their metal complexes, particularly those of platinum(II) and zinc(II), to explore their potential applications in anticancer research.

The research integrated synthetic inorganic and coordination chemistry with computational studies and biological investigations to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the newly developed compounds. The work involved the synthesis and characterization of novel ligands and metal complexes using spectroscopic and analytical techniques, alongside molecular docking studies and biological evaluations. In addition to investigating anticancer activity, the research explored the fluorescent cellular imaging properties of the synthesized compounds, highlighting their potential for applications that combine therapeutic and diagnostic functions. This multidisciplinary approach contributes to the development of novel metal-based compounds with potential applications in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.

Mr. Edirisinghe’s research has contributed to scientific knowledge through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international scientific conferences. His research communication and scientific achievements have also received notable recognition. In 2024, he was awarded Second Runner-Up at the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition organized by the Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. In the same year, he received the Best Presenter Award at the International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS)-2024.

This distinguished achievement reflects Mr. Edirisinghe’s dedication to scientific research, commitment to academic excellence, and perseverance in advancing synthetic and bioinorganic chemistry. His success is a source of pride for the Department of Chemistry and highlights the department’s commitment to fostering research excellence and supporting postgraduate researchers in their scientific pursuits.

The Department of Chemistry extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Lashan Gayantha Edirisinghe and his supervisor, Prof. Theshini Perera, on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success in his future research and academic career.

Prof. Laksiri Weerasinghe, Professor of Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, has been selected as a member of the Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC) of the 4th Commonwealth Chemistry Congress, scheduled to take place in Agra, India, from 12–16 September 2027.

Organized under the theme “Partnerships for the Goals,” the congress aims to strengthen international scientific collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster partnerships among chemists and chemical science organizations across the Commonwealth.

Prof. Weerasinghe’s appointment recognizes his expertise and contributions to chemistry, particularly in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and research addressing challenges in health and well-being. In his role as a member of the Scientific Organizing Committee, he will contribute to the scientific planning and development of the congress, helping shape its scientific programme and advance its objectives of promoting excellence in chemical sciences through international collaboration.

This appointment provides a valuable opportunity to enhance the international visibility of Sri Lankan chemistry, strengthen engagement with the global scientific community, and foster collaborative research initiatives among chemists and institutions across the Commonwealth.

We are delighted to congratulate Ms. Pulmini Alwis, an MPhil student in Chemistry, on achieving the First Runner-Up position at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition organized as part of the CINEC International Research Symposium (CIRS 2026). 

Ms. Alwis achieved this outstanding recognition for her effective presentation of her MPhil research project entitled “Synthesis and evaluation of novel metal complexes towards potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications,” which she is conducting under the supervision of Prof. Theshini Perera. Her research focuses on the development and evaluation of novel metal complexes with potential applications in therapeutics and diagnostics, contributing to the growing area of medicinal inorganic chemistry.

The achievement reflects Ms. Alwis’s dedication to research, as well as her ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience. Her success at the CIRS 2026 3MT Competition is a notable accomplishment for both her and the Department of Chemistry.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Ms. Pulmini Alwis and her supervisor, Prof. Theshini Perera, on this remarkable achievement and wish Ms. Alwis continued success in her MPhil research and future academic endeavors.