Success Stories

“BSc. (Hons) in Polymer Chemistry degree program offered by the Department of Polymer Science, USJ, allows you to learn about polymers in-depth, from their synthesis to application, while giving you a chance to learn Physics and Chemistry. The adaptable chemical nature and vast applicability of polymers have made them one of the most research areas. The academic background laid by this program allows you the freedom to seek higher education in any science related area, including Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology. This program challenges you to be the better version of yourself while exposing you to a world of innovation and technology and shaping you to achieve higher education. Being a Polymer Chemistry graduate in the department has paved the way for me to get selected for the Ph.D. Polymer Science program offered by the University of Akron, USA. Therefore, I am and always would be in debt to the Department of Polymer Science for being the catalyst of my success.”

“Hi, I am Chamika. I am working as the Assistant Manager – Research & Development in Causeway Paints Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Polymer chemistry plays a major role in the paint industry as in many other industries in Sri Lanka. Being an Honorary Graduate in Polymer Chemistry has helped me to rise to the level of a manager within 2-3 years of my career. My sincere thanks to the Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura for laying the foundation for me to be where I am today.”

“Hi, I am Kanishka. I followed Polymer Chemistry (Hons.) degree under the department of Polymer Science. The course content of the degree program is superb which utterly helped me to go on a journey I always dreamed of. Industry does not hesitate to absorb a polymer chemistry/Polymer science and technology degree holder since such a candidate consists of both basic chemistry and industry seeking polymer technology knowledge. In my experience, regarding the Apparel industry a whole lot of research and development opportunities are waiting for personnel with polymer chemistry knowledge. With the risen keen interest in the textiles industry due to the course I took in university mingled with the practice in basic sciences, I had the chance to do a lot of remarkable innovations for the industry and hope to do more towards the world; catering inspired solutions with the courage to change.”

“In the first two years, the Polymer subject combination showed me pathways towards my future goals – yes, not just one, but many pathways. The course content focused on both practical and theoretical aspects exposing students in my time to a wide variety of polymer technologies. The factory visits showed us the opportunities anyone can pursue through polymer chemistry, even if in a 3/4-year degree. The first two years in polymer chemistry encouraged my passion in polymers and it led me where I am now as an international PhD candidate with research combining both polymer and material chemistry. I was grateful for the Department’s focus on shaping each and every student’s future, even if it is academic or industrial. I pay my sincere gratitude to the Department of Polymer, University of Sri Jayewardenepura for the immense and continuous support you have given me since my first year. I wish you all the best to produce more and more polymer chemists to win the world”

“I’m currently a second year Chemistry graduate student at University of Iowa, USA. Getting selected and choosing to attend University of Sri Jayewardenepura for my undergraduate career without a doubt was one of the wisest choices that I’ve made in my life. Though I did not have a strong feeling about majoring in Chemistry at the beginning, the USJ environment changed it all. I took Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology, and Physics for 1^st two years which allowed me to broaden my scope and build up my career goal. Then I followed the Chemistry honors degree program where I was able to be taught by an excellent faculty. The classes were challenging, interesting, and diverse. USJ made me work harder, think rationally, and dream big and it molded this ambitious researcher. USJ lecturers gave me the right advice and guided me to make the best choices. USJ allowed me to collaborate with another university for my research studies which exposed me to an advanced research environment with skilled professional researchers. The exposure I had there definitely helped me to receive a few graduate school offers including University of Iowa. I used my USJ notes when I was taking my graduate courses and the foundation I had there helped me excel in my grad life. I’m always grateful for the multidisciplinary training that I received and for the strong network of colleagues (students, friends, and lecturers) I was able to build up that have served me well at various points in my life.”

“Hi! I am Madara Karunarathana from the second Polymer Chemistry Honours batch of the Department of Polymer Science. Currently I am working as a Temporary Demonstrator in the same department. I would say the experience and the exposure I have obtained through engaging in the BSc. Honours Degree program in Polymer Chemistry shapes me to be who I am today. I love how this program make us go after what we really want, while encouraging us to seek opportunities outside the department. Under this honours program, having a chance to engage with a research project related to current world trend gave us the mini experience of Ph. D. programs. Moreover the support and the guidance provided by the department in pursuing higher studies, industrial and academic job opportunities is remarkable. Recently, with the guidance of the department, I, myself, had the chance to get selected for the Ph. D. program in Chemical Engineering under the Chemical Engineering Department of the University of Mississippi, USA. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Department of Polymer Science for being the anchor of my success.”

“Hi! I am Yashmitha Jayawardane. I am happy to say that pursuing a B.Sc Hons in Polymer Chemistry was one of the best decisions in my life. In short, my undergraduate life at the Department of Polymer Science has been nothing but remarkable. The interesting and up to date course contents offered by the department aided me to develop outside the box thinking. Moreover, my final year undergraduate research helped me discover my true passion and enabled me to set the stepping stone to my academic career. It is without hesitation that I say that our competent degree program got me the privilege of getting selected to the University of Cincinnati, USA for the PhD in Chemical Engineering.  It is with great joy and honor that I acknowledge the Department of Polymer Science for its wonderful degree program which has always catered to produce globally competent citizens in line with the mission of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.”

“Polymer science is closely related to chemistry, so I chose it based on my interest in chemistry. The subject can also provide multiple career options, which is true given that it opens up multiple job opportunities, including those in academia and industry. Currently, I work as the Assistant Manager – Quality Control and Quality Assurance at a leading multinational paint company.

Completing the B.Sc. (Hons) degree in applied sciences in Polymer Science and Technology helped me to secure this position in many ways. Being familiar with resin and emulsion systems, paints, and coatings, when I entered the field, was definitely advantageous to me since the company required people with a polymer science background. I also found the Industrial Training program useful in adapting myself to the industrial sector which could be a bit more challenging. It is important to note that regardless of the degree program, be it B.Sc. (General), B.Sc. (Hons), or B.Sc. (Special), polymer scientists are in high demand because of their specialization. Especially since the subject is not offered by many degree programs. Moreover, the polymer science community still has much to discover and contribute to science and technology. So it requires more young people who are passionate to learn the beauty of this subject.”

“Hi, I am Baggya, Sr lecturer in Chemistry at Eastern University Sri Lanka. I graduated as a polymer chemist with the Polymer Science honors degree from the Department of Polymer Science, USJ. The honors degree in polymer science and the quality research project opened the way to pursue a Ph.D. in computational material chemistry at USJ. After earning a Ph.D. and an honors degree in polymer science, I was selected to join the academic staff of EUSL as a senior Sr lecturer in Chemistry.”