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The Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its students at prestigious national and international events. These accolades highlight the department’s commitment to fostering research excellence and innovation among its students.

Bawantha Jayashanka

• Award: Gold Medal for the Best Undergraduate Research Project
• Event: Inter-University Undergraduate Research Competition organized by the Sri Lankan Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) – E2 Division for Chemical Sciences
• Research Title: Investigation of Using Diatomaceous Earth Variants as Fillers in Rubber Composites as a Potential Sustainable Replacement for Silica
• Supervisors:
  • Dr. M. A. M. Maddumaarachchi (Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura)
  • Prof. Shantha Egodage (Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa)

This groundbreaking research explores sustainable alternatives to conventional silica fillers, demonstrating potential applications in rubber composites that align with global efforts toward environmental sustainability.

Nilupul Jayasooriya

• Award: Best Presenter Award
• Event: Technical Session on “Waste Management, Value Addition, and Circular Economy” at the 2nd International Conference of Frontiers in Chemical Technology (FCT-2), organized by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, held at Hotel Marino Beach, Colombo
• Research Title: Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Corypha umbraculifera Petiole Fibers for Potential Use as a Novel Textile Fiber
• Supervisor:
  • Dr. S.A.S.C. Samarasinghe (Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura)

This research highlights the mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers derived from Corypha umbraculifera petioles, emphasizing their potential as a sustainable and innovative textile material.

The Department of Polymer Science congratulates Bawantha and Nilupul for their exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge and showcasing the department’s research capabilities. Their achievements inspire the next generation of students to excel in polymer science and beyond.

The Department of Polymer Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Jayantha Amarasekara as an Honorary Fellow. Dr. Amarasekara brings extensive global experience and expertise in polymers, materials, and chemical innovation, having held leadership positions in prominent organizations such as SABIC, BASF Corporation, and General Electric. His illustrious career spans over three decades, including consultancy roles and driving sustainability initiatives in green chemicals and advanced manufacturing.

Dr. Amarasekara will contribute to the department in the following capacities:

• Collaborating with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.
• Delivering specialized lectures in advanced topics within the field.
• Mentoring students and staff to enhance their academic and professional growth.
• Participating in departmental seminars, workshops, and public events.
• Assisting in developing new programs and initiatives to elevate the department’s academic and research stature.

We are honored to have Dr. Amarasekara join us and look forward to his invaluable contributions to the department and the university.

Stay tuned for updates on his lectures and collaborative projects!

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) extended an invitation to Dr. Sampath Gunathilake and four students from the Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, to visit Professor Hemanth Noothalapathi’s lab at Shimane University, Japan, as part of the esteemed SAKURA Science Exchange Program. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration in science and technology by inviting exceptional young academics from around the world to engage in enriching research experiences.

This invitation program, organized by the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at Shimane University under the SAKURA Science Exchange Program, focuses on the theme “Development and Characterization of Novel Drug Systems Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques: Advancing Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Methods”. Professor Noothalapathi actively engaged in a collaborative initiative with our students, fostering an enriching academic exchange. The program focused on enhancing students’ knowledge in the characterization of biomaterials using Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Professor Noothalapathi, along with faculty members and university staff, provided continuous support and created a highly collaborative environment.

Our team paid a courtesy visit to Professor Otani Hiroki, President of Shimane University. Professor Otani warmly welcomed the team and appreciated the ongoing research collaborations between the two institutions. He expressed his hope that this visit, facilitated by the SAKURA Science Exchange Program, would further strengthen relations and pave the way for enhanced student and faculty exchanges in the future.

In addition to their academic pursuits, the visitors had the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. They explored several iconic locations that showcase Japan’s rich history and scenic beauty, including Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Izumo Grand Shrine, and Mount Daisen. These outings provided the group with a profound understanding of Japanese traditions and customs while allowing them to create lifelong memories and experiences.

The programme concluded successfully, resulting in several key outcomes, including an agreement to sign an MOU between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Shimane University, Japan, for a credit exchange programme for final-year undergraduate students. Participants gained hands-on experience in testing samples using Raman spectroscopy, explored cutting-edge research at Shimane University, and immersed themselves in Japan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. They also had the opportunity to participate in an insightful lecture series on research ethics conducted by Shimane University. The event also fostered future research collaborations and facilitated research-based connections between undergraduate and postgraduate students, between our students and University of Shimane students.

More than just an intellectual endeavor, the SAKURA Science Exchange Program serves as a vital platform for strengthening ties between nations. It lays the groundwork for future research by facilitating interactions between students and faculty from different countries. Through knowledge exchange and cultural interaction, the SAKURA Science Exchange Program continues to play a crucial role in promoting international goodwill and collaboration.

An outstanding number of 22 students including 11 MSc and 11 Postgraduate Diploma holders were graduated from the MSc in Polymer Science and Technology Program at the 50th Convocation of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura held on 30th October 2024 at the BMICH. The MSc in Polymer Science and Technology Program offered by the Department of Polymer Science at the Faculty of Applied Sciences is one of the oldest MSc awarding programs in the island with more than 50 years of history.
This MSc program comprises with seven modules comprising with Polymer Science, Polymer Technology, Polymer Physics, Polymer Engineering, Modern Advances in Polymer Science and Technology, Management, Polymer Practical and Polymer Research modules. Candidates who successfully complete all the seven modules are awarded with the Master of Science in Polymer Science and Technology Degree and candidates could obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Polymer Science and Technology without completing the research component.
The lecturer panel of this MSc program is highly qualified with PhDs with industrial experiences. A considerable amount of the lectures is conducted by visiting lecturers who are working in leading polymer related industries in the island. The alumni of this MSc program with its very long history are greatly scattered among the vast polymer related industries around the country as well as abroad. These newly graduated students are joining the prestigious alumni network of Polymer Science graduates from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Recently, a small celebration was held at the Department of Polymer Science to commemorate this happy occasion, with participation from all the department staff and a few graduates.