Category Archives: News & Activities

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.

Join us as we reconnect and reminisce at the launch of the Chemistry Department Alumni Association of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura!

 : 12th September 2024 

 : 4:30 pm 

 : C1 Lecture Theatre

 Mode: Physical and Online 

 Let’s relive the moments that shaped our journeys. See you there!

 RSVP in advance whether you are attending the AGM physically or online by filling out the Google form below:  

https://forms.gle/qpX3zb7kELoyzgw17

Zoom Details

Topic: Chemistry Alumni AGM 

Time: Sep 12, 2024 04:30 PM Colombo 

Join Zoom Meeting https://learn.zoom.us/j/98135623960?pwd=1AAOC8ZPZMNHaUgJoRxJbzxbr1pfab.1 Meeting ID: 981 3562 3960 

Passcode: @1KhaJ!P  

Chemistry students from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura have achieved the First Runner-Up position at the Inter-University Undergraduate Chemistry Quiz 2024. The prestigious event, organized by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), took place on 17/08/2024 and featured teams from various universities across Sri Lanka.

The competition tested participants on their knowledge of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and their problem-solving skills. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura team demonstrated exceptional knowledge and teamwork, narrowly missing the top spot but earning recognition for their outstanding performance.

The team consisted of five students from the Department of Chemistry: A.H.M. Amarakoon, D.M.B.G.D.T.H.B. Dissanayake, M.D.S. Fernando, M.S.N. Aaysha, and M.M.A.P.K. Wijerathne. Dr. Tharindu Senapathi mentored the team.