The Association of Food Science and Technology successfully conducted Surmount 2026, a career guidance and industry exposure program aimed at supporting food science and technology undergraduates in identifying career pathways and opportunities in the food industry. The program was held on 23rd January 2026 at the Sri Sumangala Auditorium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The session featured distinguished industry professionals Ms. Dilka Perera, Senior Manager – Compliance, Health & Safety at SPAR Sri Lanka; Ms. Dilani Hettiarachchi, Consultant – Product Development, Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs and former Nutrition and Health Lead and R&D Manager for Functional Food Products at Unilever Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd; and Mr. Chinthaka Gamage, Entrepreneur and Independent Quality and Industry Consultant, formerly Quality Assurance Manager – Milk Quality & Quality Management Systems and Head of IWS Q Pillar at Fonterra Brands Lanka.
Through insightful discussions and interactive engagement, Surmount 2026 effectively bridged academic learning with industry expectations, empowering students with practical knowledge, professional awareness, and confidence to navigate their future careers.
This year’s project focused on supporting communities affected by floods and landslides of the Ditwa cyclone, through a structured, approach. Fundraising activities, including the sale of bookmarks and generous donations, enabled the collection of essential goods and financial resources, which were distributed in collaboration with Sirasa Shakthi Sahana Yathra. In addition, four undergraduates from the department who were severely affected by floods received financial assistance to support their academic continuity.
As part of the educational outreach, Kg/Mw Rahala Batahira Kanishta Vidyalaya, a landslide-affected school, was selected for support. School bags, books, stationery items, and direct financial assistance were provided to students, creating a positive impact on their learning environment. The main event was held at the school premises, featuring refreshments, performances by university students, and cultural items presented by schoolchildren.
Athwel Pawura – 2026 not only delivered meaningful social impact but also provided organizing members with valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and project coordination, further strengthening the department’s bond with the wider community.
The Association of Food Science and Technology successfully conducted its Annual Community Outreach program, “Athwel Pawura – 2026,” on 9th January 2026, reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility and educational empowerment.
This year’s project focused on supporting communities affected by floods and landslides of the Ditwa cyclone, through a structured, approach. Fundraising activities, including the sale of bookmarks and generous donations, enabled the collection of essential goods and financial resources, which were distributed in collaboration with Sirasa Shakthi Sahana Yathra. In addition, four undergraduates from the department who were severely affected by floods received financial assistance to support their academic continuity.
As part of the educational outreach, Kg/Mw Rahala Batahira Kanishta Vidyalaya, a landslide-affected school, was selected for support. School bags, books, stationery items, and direct financial assistance were provided to students, creating a positive impact on their learning environment. The main event was held at the school premises, featuring refreshments, performances by university students, and cultural items presented by schoolchildren.
Athwel Pawura – 2026 not only delivered meaningful social impact but also provided organizing members with valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and project coordination, further strengthening the department’s bond with the wider community.
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.
