A team representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura participated in the Annual Inter-
University Debate Competition, organised by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChem) on
21st May 2026 at the IChem premises in Malabe, and emerged as runners-up.
The team comprised students spanning all four academic years from the Faculty of Applied
Sciences: Tharindu Mahendra, Wehara Gunawardena, Sathmi Jayawardena, Hrithika
Sarvodayan, Aqeela Ahzim, Sasindu Palihawadane, Hajara Mufeeq, and Bhanuka
Samansooriya. They competed against four teams representing the University of Rajarata, the
College of Chemical Sciences, the University of Kelaniya, and the University of Jaffna.
The competition was conducted using the league method, where each team debated against
all other teams. USJP secured victories in three of their four debates and tied with the College
of Chemical Sciences; however, the College of Chemical Sciences won the tiebreaker by
acquiring the leading marks on the scoreboard. Consequently, the College of Chemical
Sciences was crowned champions of the tournament, while the University of Kelaniya came
in as second runners-up.
The team expressed their gratitude to their Lecturer-in-Charge, Dr. Samindi M. Jayawickrama,
the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Prof. Theshini Perera, and the Lecturer of the
Chemistry Department, Dr. Dumindu P. Siriwardena, for their unwavering guidance and
support throughout the practice sessions and on the day of the competition. They also
thanked their past debating captain, Avishka Thathsara, for his coordination and invaluable
mentorship throughout the process. Special thanks were extended to Maneesha Fernando
for her valuable contributions during Zoom practice sessions, and appreciation was expressed
to all lecturers in the Department of Chemistry for their encouragement and support.
The team further appreciated the Chairperson of the Inter-University Debating Committee
and the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon for providing them with the opportunity to showcase
their skills and engage in intellectual discussions as young scientists.
