The Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, is pleased to announce that
Mr. Ranan Hewawasam, a final-year undergraduate of the Department, has secured First Place
at the Inter-University Undergraduate Research Competition 2026, organized by Section E2
(Chemical Sciences) of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), held
on 19 th September, 2026.
Mr. Hewawasam received this prestigious recognition for his research project, titled “Sorption
Studies of Inorganic Carbon in Carbonated Aqueous Solutions by Alpha-Titanium Phosphate.”
The study investigated the potential of alpha-titanium phosphate (α-TiP) for the sorption of
inorganic carbon, with particular relevance to the capture of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from
aqueous systems and its potential application in addressing the challenges associated with
global warming.
Special appreciation is extended to his supervisor, Snr. Prof. Pradeep M. Jayaweera, for his
invaluable guidance and dedicated mentorship throughout the research project. The
Department also gratefully acknowledges the continued support and guidance provided by all
academic staff members, especially the Head of the Department, Prof. Theshini Perera, whose
commitment to fostering academic excellence and research continues to contribute to the
success of the Department’s undergraduates.
