First Runners-Up at the SLAAS Inter-University Undergraduate Chemistry Quiz 2025
The Chemistry team of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly secured the First Runners-Up position at the Inter-University Undergraduate Chemistry Quiz 2024, organized by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). This prestigious competition assessed students on their knowledge of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, along with their analytical and problem-solving abilities. Our team demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and scientific expertise, earning recognition for their outstanding performance.
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura team consisted of five talented chemistry undergraduates: Mifraha Fairous, Vishmi Disithani, Kavinesh Goutham, Thushany Ramesh, and Ganeshan Vinodini. Their preparation and success were guided by the mentorship of Dr. Tharindu Senapathi, whose continuous support and encouragement played a vital role in the team’s achievement.
We express our sincere gratitude to our mentor, the Department of Chemistry, and everyone who contributed to the team’s journey. Their guidance, motivation, and belief in the students made this accomplishment possible. This achievement celebrates not only the team’s academic excellence but also their passion, perseverance, and commitment to pushing boundaries in the field of chemistry.
Winners of the Best Green Chemistry Poster Award 2025
Undergraduates from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly received the Best Green Chemistry Poster Award at the SLAAS Inter-University Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025, organized by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science: Section E2 in collaboration with the SLAAS Environment Committee. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to environmentally responsible and sustainable scientific innovation. The winning team consisted of Arul Raj Kavinesh Goutham, D.O. Akmeemana, N.G.S.N. Karunathilake, H.D.P. Dinushika, and H.G.Y. Dewmini, whose collective dedication and creative scientific approach earned them this distinguished recognition.
Their work was supported through the expert guidance of Dr. Chandima Narangoda, Lecturer-in-Charge, and the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Asitha Cooray, whose insights and encouragement greatly strengthened the project. The team also extends heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Achini B.A.T. Wijekumara and Seka Seneviratne (Alumni) for their generous support and contributions throughout the research process.
First Runners-Up in Theme 1 at the SLAAS Inter-University Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025
Undergraduates from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura achieved the First Runners-Up position in Theme 1: Nanotechnology – A Breakthrough in the Textile Industry at the SLAAS Inter-University Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025. This theme highlighted creative and impactful applications of nanotechnology within the textile sector, and the team’s poster stood out for its clarity, scientific insight, and thoughtful presentation. The First Runners-Up team consisted of V.S. Liyanaarachchi, D.S. Gamage, B.M.I. Poornima, S.P.E. Jayaweera, and P.T.H. Fernando, whose dedication and teamwork resulted in a compelling and well-articulated poster. Their achievement was supported by the expert mentorship of Dr. Chandima Narangoda, Lecturer-in-Charge, whose guidance strengthened the structure and delivery of the presentation. The team also extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Asitha Cooray, whose invaluable assistance enhanced the scientific depth of the poster, and Prof. P. Ravindra S. De Silva, whose insights and encouragement contributed significantly to their success. The team also extends heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Haritha Nayanajith and previous undergraduate poster winners for their generous support and contributions throughout the process
Sustainable Innovation Leads to Gold
Eco-friendly Banana Pseudostem Particleboards Showcase Transformative Potential for Sri Lanka’s Wood-based Industries
The Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, is pleased to announce that Mr. Lakshan Dharmawansha, a final-year undergraduate of the Department, has been awarded the Gold Medal (Impact & Quality Award) at the Inter-University Undergraduate Research Competition 2025, organized by Section E2 (Chemical Sciences) of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS).
Mr. Dharmawansha received this prestigious recognition for his research project titled: “Banana (Musa spp.) Pseudostem Particleboards as an Eco-friendly Alternative to Traditional Wood-based Boards.”
The project was commended for its scientific rigour, sustainability-focused innovation, and significant potential to address material shortages and environmental challenges in Sri Lanka’s wood-based manufacturing sector. The research highlights how agro-waste can be transformed into high-value industrial materials—demonstrating the role of chemistry in driving green technological solutions.
The Department warmly congratulates Mr. Dharmawansha on this outstanding achievement. We extend our sincere appreciation to his supervisor, Dr. Mahesh Karunarathna, for his dedicated mentorship, and to all academic staff members of the Department of Chemistry, whose continuous guidance supports the success of our undergraduates.
Mr. Dharmawansha also conveys his heartfelt gratitude to his family members and friends, whose unwavering encouragement contributed greatly to this accomplishment.
This achievement reflects the Department’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, promoting sustainable innovation, and preparing undergraduates to contribute meaningfully to national and global scientific advancement.
2nd place in the Life and Earth Sciences Award – SLAAS Section D
“Bridging Earth’s Chemistry and Life’s Biology: Innovative Zinc Complexes for Potent Biological Targets.”
Japura Chemistry Researcher Wins Prestigious SLAAS Award for Innovative Zinc Complex Study
Mr. W. P. A. Avishka Thathsara, a final year undergraduate researcher from the Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has been awarded 2nd place in the Life and Earth Sciences Award – SLAAS Section D at the 81stAnnual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). The award ceremony was held on 7th December, 2025 at the Lotus Hall of the BMICH, Colombo.
Avishka’s research, titled “Synthesis and characterization of diethylenetriamine derivatized zinc complexes; target prediction, molecular docking studies and fluorescence imaging studies towards potent biological applications,” received high praise from the review panel for its scientific rigor, innovation, and strong potential for real-world biomedical applications. The study explores the design and analysis of zinc-based metal complexes and predicts their biological targets, opening possibilities for future therapeutic development.
This achievement stands as a testament to the exceptional mentorship provided by Prof. Theshini Perera, whose continuous guidance, and unwavering support were instrumental in shaping the project. The recognition was further attributed to the strong academic environment fostered by the Head of the Department of Chemistry, the lecturer panel, and the non-academic staff, whose dedication ensures that young scientists receive the resources and encouragement needed to excel. Avishka also extended gratitude to the research group members, colleagues and his family, whose encouragement and collaboration enriched every step of the research journey.
This award marks a remarkable milestone not only for Avishka but also for the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for impactful scientific research in Sri Lanka.
