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The Department of Polymer Science at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has proudly secured the gold medal for the second consecutive year at the Inter-university Undergraduate Research Competition in Chemical Sciences 2025. Mr. W.T.D. Kavindu Lochana Prabashwara claimed top honors at the competition organized by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) Section E2, competing against representatives from universities across the nation.
SLAAS, the country’s premier scientific organization covering nearly all disciplines, provides an important platform to recognize and promote undergraduate research excellence. The award was presented during the ceremonial inauguration of the 81st Annual Sessions of SLAAS on December 7, 2025, at the BMICH, with the event graced by chief guest Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Ministry of Science and Technology, and guest of honour Prof. Raheel Nawaz, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education & Research) at the University of Staffordshire, UK.
Lochana’s award-winning research focuses on developing a cost-effective nanocomposite array using natural rubber and carbon materials for mapping elevated pressure distribution. Conducted under the supervision of Prof. Thusitha Etampawala, Head of the Department of Polymer Science and Director of the Center for Nanocomposite Research, the study has important industrial and automotive applications, where precise pressure mapping enhances quality control, safety, and performance.
This pioneering work represents an interdisciplinary approach, merging materials science with informatics to deliver data-driven solutions for sustainable development. The research also highlights how locally available materials can be transformed into sophisticated technologies that reduce costs and environmental impact.
The department’s consecutive victories reinforce its position as a leading center for polymer science innovation and underscore the potential of Sri Lankan researchers to produce globally competitive scientific solutions.

Pasan Katugampala, an undergraduate of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, doing the Polymer Science and Technology, Chemistry, and Physics subject combination, has achieved remarkable recognition at the J’pura Employability Skills Awards (JESA) 2025. Organized by the Career Skills Development Society of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, JESA celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional employability skills across multiple domains.
Pasan was honored as the 2nd Runner Up of the Best Employability Skills Award (BESA) for the Faculty of Applied Sciences, a category sponsored by CIC Holdings PLC. This achievement reflects his strong academic performance, leadership abilities, global exposure, research and innovation aptitude, communication skills, industry readiness, and active participation in sports.
Further highlighting his excellence, Pasan was also selected among the Final 10 in the BESA Inter-University Sri Lanka category, competing against top undergraduates nationwide. Coming from a humble background, this recognition holds profound personal significance for him, reaffirming the value of dedication and perseverance throughout his undergraduate journey.
Pasan extends heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Polymer Science lecturers and mentors for their guidance, support, and encouragement, which have been instrumental in his success.
Award: 2nd Runner Up – Best Employability Skills Award (Faculty of Applied Sciences)
Event: J’pura Employability Skills Awards (JESA) 2025

The 2025/2027 intake of the MSc in Polymer Science and Technology Program of the Faculty of Graduate Studies offered by the Department of Polymer Science commenced on 11^th of Saturday 2025. MSc in Polymer Science and Technology Program is an SLQF 10 program with one-year theoretical course work and one year of a research component. This MSc program is one of the oldest MSc programs in the island with a big reputation and vast alumni community both in industry and academia.

Lectures of this program will be conducted at weekends from 8.00 am to 04.00 pm. For the 2025/2027 intake around 30 students have been enrolled comprising of both fresh graduates and veteran industrial employees. MSc in Polymer Science and Technology Program is equally popular among fresh graduates and polymer related industrial working community as the best academic program to obtain a thorough theoretical knowledge about polymer related industry coupled with management, statistical, environmental and legislative components.

The most unique feature of the lecturer panel of this MSc program is that 19 out of 21 are PhD holders with almost all of them having an industrial exposure or at the moment working in a polymer related industry.

Calling Applications for “MSc in Polymer Science and Technology 2025/2027 Intake”. Apply period 15th of June to 15th of August 2025. Visit the link below for more information.

Apply Now for MSc in Polymer Science and Technology 2025/2027