Renowned Microbiologist Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Illinois Visits DFST/USJ

The Department of Food Science and Technology of University of Sri Jayewardenepura had the honour of hosting Dr. Michael Miller, a renowned expert in the field of Food Microbiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.
While visiting USJ, Dr. Miller delivered an insightful guest lecture about his research work on Fermentation. This session was attended by academic staff, graduate and undergraduate students of the DFST/USJ
In addition to the lecture, Dr. Miller engaged in a productive discussion with the department’s academic staff regarding potential research collaborations opening new potential avenues for joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and academic partnerships between the two institutions.
The Department of Food Science and Technology is delighted to explore future collaborations with Dr. Miller and his team, sharing a common vision of advancing food microbiology research, and driving innovation in the food sector.

The Association of Food Science and Technology Advances Social Responsibility through “Athwel Pawura – 2024”

The Association of Food Science and Technology reaffirmed its commitment to social responsibility through the “Athwel Pawura – 2024” initiative. This year, the project focused on enhancing science education at Welimada Central College by repairing and restoring microscopes in the school’s advanced-level physics and biology laboratories. Additionally, whiteboards and books were donated to enrich classroom learning environments and expand library resources.
Members of the Association of Food Science and Technology, along with the Department of Food Science and Technology, actively participated by donating school textbooks, storybooks, past examination papers, and writing materials. To support the initiative financially, members organized creative fundraising activities, including the sale of bookmarks in various locations and soliciting contributions from alumni, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. These collective efforts ensured the successful execution of the project without financial constraints.
Beyond its immediate educational benefits, Athwel Pawura – 2024 provided an invaluable learning experience for the organizing members, equipping them with essential skills in project management, teamwork, and leadership. This initiative underscores the Association’s ongoing dedication to fostering educational development and empowering future generations through improved learning opportunities.

2025 Publications – Professor R.A.U.J. Marapana

S.C. Rangani, R.A.U.J. Marapana, G.S.A. Senanayake, P.R.D. Perera, M.M. Pathmalal and H.K. Amarasinghe (2025) Alkaloids and Nitrosamines in Betel Quid: A Biochemical Exploration of Carcinogenicity. Chemico-Biological Interactions 407 (2025) 111383
Available online 11 January 2025, 111383
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2025.111383

D S Shanuke, E M R K B Edirisinghe, R A U J Marapana, S Hettiarachi (2025) Development of omega-3 fortified stirred yoghurt with enhanced sensory and oxidative qualities through the addition of fish oil nanoemulsion and fruits. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 60(1) January 2025 vvae034
https://doi.org/10.1093/ijfood/vvae034