Category Archives: News & Events

Machine Learning Applications in Physics – A Focus on Material Science

The five-day workshop conducted from 16th to 20th March 2026, under the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) – Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) Sri Lanka program was successfully concluded in collaboration with the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The program addressed existing gaps in machine learning (ML) training within the fields of physics and materials science in Sri Lanka. It provided participants with practical ML expertise through a combination of lectures and hands-on sessions, while also fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Organizing Team

Project Coordinator: Dr. W. Wasanthi. P. De Silva, Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Regular Associate ICTP, SLAAS Section E1 President-2022).

Local Coordinators:

Dr. Monika Madhavi, Department of Physics, University of Colombo (Regular Associate ICTP, Section E1 President-2026).

Resource Persons

International Speakers:

Dr. Sasani Jayawardhana, Lecturer, Material Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore.

Dr. Anita Halder, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, SRM University AP, India.

Local Speakers:

Dr. Dilanga Siriwardane, Department of Physics, University of Colombo (Secretary – GRC SLAAS, Section E1 Member).

Dr. P. A. Palamure, Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Venue

Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Sponsorships

The International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) sponsored the travel expenses of international speakers up to EUR 2400. All other local expenses were covered by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) and the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL), together with sponsorship partners, in accordance with their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, organized a field visit to Apeksha Hospital for third-year undergraduates following the Medical Physics course. The visit was arranged by the Lecturer-in-Charge, Dr. S. Kandeepan, on 18 January 2026.

Nearly 100 students participated in the visit. During the program, students gained valuable knowledge and practical exposure, particularly in medical imaging techniques, scanning methods, and the treatment planning process in radiotherapy and related applications.

The Department of Physics sincerely appreciates Apeksha Hospital for providing this valuable learning opportunity and for their support in facilitating the visit.

The Department of Physics organized an industrial field visit for Physics Special Degree students to the Gamma Center, Biyagama, and MAS Innovation (Discovery) Labs, Biyagama, on 14 January 2026.

This visit provided students with valuable exposure to result-oriented research and real-world industrial applications beyond classroom theory. The experience enabled them to gain practical insights into advanced technologies, research methodologies, and innovation-driven industrial processes, thereby broadening their academic and professional perspectives.

The Department of Physics sincerely appreciates the Gamma Center and MAS Innovation Labs for providing this valuable opportunity and for their support in facilitating this educational visit.