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A young astronomer from Sri Lanka, Methmini Munasinghe, has returned from a life-changing experience at the International School for Young Regional Astronomers (ISRYA) held in Kunming, China. The program, organized by the prestigious Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan University, took place from December 5th to 20th, 2023, and brought together aspiring astronomers from across South and Southeast Asia.

ISRYA provided a unique platform for young minds like Methmini to deepen their knowledge in various astronomical fields, ranging from the intricacies of binary stars and exoplanets to the pulsating rhythms of stars and the explosive drama of cataclysmic variables. Hands-on sessions on photometry and spectroscopy further equipped participants with practical skills crucial for astronomical research.

Returning to Sri Lanka, Methmini carries with her not just a certificate of participation but a treasure trove of knowledge, newfound confidence, and the unwavering spirit of collaboration fostered by ISRYA. Her experience serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring astronomers in the region, demonstrating the transformative power of international exchange and the boundless potential of young minds reaching for the stars.

Methmini’s gratitude extends to the organizers of ISRYA for crafting such an exceptional program. She expresses heartfelt appreciation to her department head, Prof. N.G.S. Shantha Gamage, her supervisor, Prof. (Mrs.) M. L. C. Attygalle, her external supervisor, Dr. Janaka Adassuriya, and all the lecturers who provided guidance and encouragement throughout the journey.

The Physics Department of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has received a generous donation of a smartboard from its alumni members.

The smartboard was installed in the Activity Room and will be used for teaching physics courses and conducting workshops and seminars. The smartboard will enhance the quality of education and facilitate smart learning among the students and staff.

The Physics Department expresses its gratitude to the alumni members for their support and contribution.

Panchanie Karunaratne, a 4th-Year multi-talented undergraduate pursuing a special degree in Physics, received the prestigious BESA award of the Faculty of Applied Sciences for the year 2023. Amid the fierce competition, our young star’s talents rose above the other contestants, capturing the judges’ attention and ultimately securing the award.

The BESA award is dedicated to the most optimistic and brilliant all-rounder excelling in academics, sports, extracurricular, and co-curricular activities from each faculty. It is part of the J’pura Employability Skills Awards (JESA), the ultimate platform for honoring the accomplishments of young, talented undergraduates, organized by the Career Skills Development Society (CSDS). This year’s award ceremony was held on December 15, 2023, at the Golden Rose Hotel Boralesgamuwa, where a tapestry of exceptional talents was unveiled and celebrated.

The Department of Physics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, in partnership with the North Central Province Education Department, hosted a two-day A/L teacher training workshop in electronics on the 9th and 10th of December 2023. The workshop, which took place at the Department of Physics, gathered Physics teachers from different schools in the North Central Province.

The workshop began with a prestigious inauguration ceremony attended by Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. N.G.S. Shantha Gamage, Head of the Department of Physics and Ms. H.M.T.S. Herath, Deputy Director of Education, Provincial Department of Education, North Central Province. Many other faculty members from the Department of Physics were also there to celebrate the event.

The main objective of the workshop was to offer practical knowledge in electronics – an area that is often neglected by many teachers in Sri Lanka due to a lack of familiarity. During the two days, the teachers participated in practical sessions, acquiring hands-on experience that is essential for their teaching methods.

The 30 physics teachers showed great enthusiasm throughout the practical sessions. Their active participation and willingness to learn highlighted the significance of such efforts in addressing knowledge gaps within the education system. A remarkable result of the workshop was the teachers’ commitment to update their knowledge, aiming to share this new expertise with their students in the North Central Province.

The workshop arranged by the Department of Physics comes out as a very effective initiative to spread vital knowledge within the Sri Lankan education system. Filling the gap in electronics education, this session is expected to have a positive and lasting effect on both teachers and students in the North Central Province.

Two-Day A/L Teacher Training Workshop in Electronics, Organized by the Department of Physics, USJ – USJ – University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (sjp.ac.lk)