Blog

Mansala ’26, the Food and Trade Fair organized by the Association of Food Science and Technology of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was successfully held on 14th January 2026 at the university premises.

The event served as a vibrant platform for undergraduate students of the Department of Food Science and Technology to showcase innovative, industry-oriented food products developed through practical learning. With the participation of all four student batches, the fair highlighted strong collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. A total of 18 stalls were set up, including student ventures, small-scale entrepreneurs, and university clubs, enhancing interaction with the wider community.

Mansala ’26 aimed to strengthen students’ entrepreneurial, managerial, and communication skills while promoting public awareness of advancements in food science and technology. The event encouraged meaningful engagement between visitors and stallholders, providing valuable feedback and exposure to real-world market dynamics.

Overall, Mansala ’26 stood as a successful academic and community-oriented initiative, reinforcing the concept of the “Food Family” through unity, teamwork, and shared responsibility.

Nutra Nest – Instant Fried Rice was proudly awarded Second Runners-Up at the 10th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL 2025), conducted in collaboration with the 6th China–Sri Lanka Communication and Cooperation Forum. Selected from over 100 multidisciplinary innovations, encompassing products, applications, and machinery, this achievement stands as a testament to excellence in innovation, academic rigor, and real-world applicability.

This milestone was achieved through the dedicated efforts and collaborative spirit of a dynamic research and innovation team comprising Savina Sasen Chandrasekara, Thusini Thisara Rathanaweera, Darshie Dissanayake, N. G. Vishva Ravisara Ariyasiri, G. B. Hashini Himasha Perera, and A. M. C. M. B. Attanayake, whose commitment and expertise were instrumental in bringing the Nutra Nest concept to fruition.

 

Congratulations for the commendable achievements of students from the Department of Food Science and Technology at FoodTechno 2025 – International Research Session, 9th Annual Research Session of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), Sri Lanka, held on 5th January 2026 at Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The following students were recognized for their outstanding performances:

• H. Dinithi Saubagya – Best Oral Presentation

Optimization of protein content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) based pasta fortified with soy flour (Glycine max)

Supervised by Prof. W. L. Isuru Wijesekara

• Ramudi Andrahannadi – Best Poster Presentation (Functional Food Category)

Plant-based high-protein formulation for functional food application.

Supervised by Prof. Madhura Jayasinghe

• T.M.P.L.B. Thennakoon – Best Poster Presentation (Food Processing Category)

Development of a mobile application to enhance consumer awareness on food additives and the International Numbering System in Sri Lanka

Supervised by Prof. J.M.J.K. Jayasinghe

• L. Dinithi Sheyera De Silva – Runners-up, Best Poster Presentation (Food Processing Category)

Impact of Incubation Temperature on Volatile Compound Profile and Sensory Attributes of Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris L.) Enriched Probiotic Yoghurt.

Supervised by Dr. G.S.A. Senanayake and Prof. R.A.U.J. Marapana

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.