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It is with great pride we announce that Mr. Lashan Edirisinghe, a postgraduate (MPhil) student at the Department of Chemistry, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has earned two notable accolades. Lashan secured the Second Runner-Up position at the prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition after two extremely competitive rounds where 80+ postgraduate researchers of leading universities and institutions competed. This was organized by the Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists and was held on 10^th October 2024 at the Trace City – Colombo. His presentation on “Sigma Receptor Targeting Molecules to BeatCancer” impressed judges for its clarity, impact, and the skill with which he distilled and concentrated his intricate research into just three minutes, showcasing his ability to engage both specialists and a broader audience. The 3MT competition presented an entirely different challenge, communicating the essence of his research in just three minutes. This format required to extract years of research into a concise and compelling narrative, highlighting the broader societal impact of the research work. Achieving Second Runner-Up was an invaluable recognition of Lashan’s ability to communicate research succinctly while maintaining clarity and engagement.

He received the “Best Presenter Award” at the International Conference of Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS-2024) organized by the University of Kelaniya, held on the 11^th October, 2024 at the Faculty of Science – University of Kelaniya, where he presented his research on “Naphthalene appended diethylenetriamine based ligands and their platinum complexes as cancer theranostic agents”. This recognition highlights his exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to an international audience.

Lashan extends his heartfelt gratitude to Professor Theshini Perera; his research supervisor, for her utmost guidance and invaluable advice in achieving glorious achievements like these. Lashan’s achievements reflect the high standards of research excellence fostered within the Department of Chemistry. 

We congratulate Lashan on his remarkable achievements and eagerly anticipate his continued contributions to the scientific community. His success is a source of pride for the Department of Chemistry and an inspiring example of excellence in research and communication.

The Chemical Society of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, in collaboration with Section E2 of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), hosted an insightful guest lecture on August 29, 2024. The lecture, titled “Lanthanide Chemistry in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Separations,” was delivered by the esteemed Prof. Matthew J. Allen from Wayne State University, USA.  

Beyond the technical content, Prof. Allen shared valuable tips on applying for scholarships for higher studies, offering guidance on crafting strong applications and identifying opportunities. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of lanthanide chemistry and inspiration to pursue further research in this dynamic field. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Matthew J. Allen for sharing his expertise and knowledge with us.

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura celebrated a momentous occasion with the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its newly formed Alumni Association. This historic event, which took place on 12^th September 2024, marked a significant milestone in the department’s long and distinguished history. The gathering united generations of chemistry graduates who shared a collective sense of pride in the academic excellence and rich heritage of the department. It is a privilege and an honor to acknowledge the participation of Prof. Tuley de Silva, former Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences who was a member of the Department of Chemistry, and former HoD, Prof. A. Bamunuarachchi, who joined via Zoom.

The creation of the Alumni Association was a vision brought to life through the dedication and leadership of Professor Champa D. Jayaweera, the current Head of the Department. Her unwavering commitment to the department and its alumni community was pivotal in transforming this long-anticipated idea into reality. Through her efforts, she has fostered a strong sense of community and pride among chemistry graduates, ensuring that their shared experiences and contributions continue to benefit the department and its students.

Professor Jayaweera was ably supported in this endeavor by Dr. Chandima J. Narangoda, whose steady involvement and invaluable contributions played a critical role in the success of the initiative. The collective efforts of the faculty were further supported by the enthusiastic participation of the 3^rdand 4^th year students of the department, as well as the graduated Hons. Degree alumni, who provided vital assistance and coordination throughout the planning and execution of this landmark event.

A key highlight of the event was the formal appointment of the first-ever board of officials of the association. This significant step solidified the foundation of the association, ensuring its long-term sustainability and success. The newly elected officials include Mr. Lasantha Perera as the President, Dr. Samindi Jayawickrama as the Secretary, and Dr. Chandima J. Narangoda as the Treasurer. Notably, Mr. Lasantha holds the distinction of being both the first elected president of ChemSoc and the inaugural president of the newly established chemistry alumni association. In addition to these roles, eight executive committee members were also appointed to further strengthen the leadership of the association.

With the establishment of the Alumni Association, the Department of Chemistry now has a dedicated platform to engage its graduates in meaningful ways. The association aims to promote academic and professional development, facilitate networking opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of chemical sciences in Sri Lanka. This inaugural AGM represents the first step in what promises to be a vibrant and impactful future for the department’s alumni and the broader scientific community.

The Department of Chemistry looks forward to a bright future with the support of its alumni as it continues to uphold its legacy of academic excellence and innovation.

We are thrilled to announce that Miss Dharani Jayasinghe, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has won Joint First Place at the prestigious Inter-University Undergraduate Research Competition in Chemical Sciences 2024, organized by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). This national competition saw participation from all leading universities in Sri Lanka.

Dharani’s winning research project, “Investigation of the Plausible Mechanism for the Tetrahydroindole Synthesis Using Computational Methods by Revisiting the Baldwin Rule,” demonstrated her exceptional research capabilities and innovative approach to computational chemistry. Under the expert guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Tharindu Senapathi, and co-supervisor, Dr. Chandima Narangoda, Dharani explored the intricate mechanisms of tetrahydroindole synthesis, offering new insights by revisiting the Baldwin Rule—a foundational principle in organic chemistry.

This achievement highlights Dharani’s hard work and dedication and reflects the Department of Chemistry’s commitment to fostering research excellence and nurturing young scientists. Her success serves as an inspiration to her peers and underscores the significance of interdisciplinary research in advancing the frontiers of chemical sciences.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dharani on this remarkable achievement and wish her continued success in her academic and research endeavors. We are confident that she will continue to excel in her future scientific pursuits and make significant contributions to the field of chemistry.