The 91传媒 (USJ) hosted its prestigious Research Awards ceremony for the years 2021-2023 on Friday, November 22nd, 2024, at the Golden Rose Hotel, Boralesgamuwa. The event recognized outstanding contributions to research and academic excellence across multiple disciplines.

In his opening address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Pathmalal Manage highlighted how the university’s commitment to research excellence has significantly contributed to USJ’s rising prominence in international rankings, including Times Higher Education (THE), QS World University Rankings, and Webometrics. Prof. Manage emphasized the direct correlation between research output and the university’s global standing.

Guest of Honor, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, who initiated this awards program in 2014, expressed satisfaction at how the event has evolved to become a cornerstone of USJ’s academic calendar. He noted the impressive growth in both the quantity and quality of research outputs over the past decade.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Awards, presented in two streams: Science, and Social Sciences & Humanities. These awards recognize researchers who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to their respective fields over the past five years.

The Early Career Researcher Awards celebrated promising academics under 40 who have shown outstanding research potential, maintained consistent publication records in top-tier journals, and achieved a minimum Scopus h-index of 10.

The awards recognized excellence across several categories, including:

– Publications in high-impact indexed journals (Web of Science and Scopus): 258 Awardees

– Successful PhD and MPhil supervisions: 35 Awardees

– External research grant acquisitions: 40 Awardees

– Patent achievements: 9 Awardees

– Early Career Researcher achievements

4 Awardees

Year 2021 –聽Dr. A. D. N. Gunarathne,聽Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce

Year 2022 – Dr. I . Munaweera,聽Faculty of Applied Sciences

Year 2022 – Dr. A. M. A. U. Alahakoon,聽Faculty of Technology

Year 2023 –聽Dr. K. K. A. Sanjeewa,聽Faculty of Technology

– Recognition in the top 2% of scientists worldwide (Elsevier/Stanford List)

5 Awardees

Prof. G. N. Malavige,聽Faculty of Medical Sciences

Prof. M. S. Vithanage,Faculty of Applied Sciences

Dr. R. M. A. U. Rajapaksha,聽Faculty of Applied Sciences

Dr. L. T. R. K. M. Thambugala,聽Faculty of Applied Sciences

Dr. K. K. A. Sanjeewa,聽Faculty of Technology

Vice Chancellor’s Awards –聽Dr. C. D. Udawaththa,聽Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce

The ceremony was enriched by musical performances from the University Undergraduates Band from the Department of Creative Music, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, featuring renowned artist Pradepa Dharamdasa. Senior Lecturer Priyantha Thilaksiri coordinated the cultural segment.

All award recipients demonstrated excellence through publications in recognized indexed journals, including Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, Arts and Humanities Citation Index, and Scopus-indexed journals. Special consideration was given to papers published in journals ranked in the SCImago Journal Quartile Rankings.

This celebration of research excellence reaffirms USJ’s position as a leading research institution in 91传媒 and highlights its growing influence in the global academic community.

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The 10th 鈥淯NI-IN ALLIANCE 2024鈥� Annual Research Symposium took place on August 16th, 2024, at the Senate Board Room of the 91传媒 (USJ). Organized by the Society of Industrial Scholars, this event brought together academics and students from across the country to present their research findings and innovations.

The symposium featured presentations across 11 distinct tracks, covering a broad range of topics including Information Technology, Humanities, Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. The event also marked the final round of the Innovation Competition, 鈥淔UTURUM 2024,鈥� which was centered around advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The event saw the participation of Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Chairman of Rupavahini, as the Guest of Honor, and Prof. S. M. C. U. P. Subasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science at USJ. Prof. Ranjith Premasiri delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between nature and technology.

The symposium highlighted the significant research contributions of USJ students and provided a platform for future innovations. The event is a key annual gathering that fosters academic growth and collaboration within the university and beyond.

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This past weekend (8 June 2024), the Science Alumni Association of the 91传媒 hosted its highly anticipated Back to Campus event. With over 500 Science alumni in attendance, the day was filled with nostalgia, cherished memories, and a wonderful reuniting of the university community.

The event kicked off with university and faculty videos showcasing the proud history and accomplishments. This was followed by the stirring university anthem that filled attendees with Japura pride. After a welcome address by Association President Mr. Mahinda Ranasinghe, a memory recall video transported alumni back to their university days.

The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, delivered an address highlighting the university’s recent achievement of being ranked No. 2 in 91传媒 according to the QS World Rankings. He credited the valuable contributions of researchers from the Science Faculty but also emphasized the need for funding for student scholarships, academic development, and research activities, especially during the current economic crisis period.

A particular highlight was the felicitation ceremony honoring over 25 retired professors and academics from various science departments. Esteemed former faculty members were celebrated for their invaluable contributions to education and research over the years.

The festivities continued with entertaining song and dance performances by talented alumni and current students. Renowned alumni like Professor Ajith Abeysekera, Mr. Janaka Sampath, and Ms.Theekshana Anuradha entertained the crowd with their performances.

Prof. Hiran Amarasekera, Vice President of the Alumni Association, and Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, former Dean and Vice Chancellor, also shared their cherished faculty memories with the audience.

The event was expertly compered by Dr. Arundathi Koliyabandara, a former alumni and now a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Technology.

But most of all, it was the connections rekindled between old friends and batchmates that made the day so special. Alumni wandered through memory lane, swapping stories of their university escapades and catching up on life after graduation. The nostalgia was palpable during the memory recall discussion session. Alumni also had the chance to purchase university memorabilia like the official alumni mug and university tie as mementos聽of聽the聽day.

The event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, whose videos were featured throughout the program. Mr. Lasantha Perera, Secretary of the Alumni Association, delivered the vote of thanks. As the day drew to a close with a heartwarming singalong of beloved classics and a final group photo, there was no doubt that the Back to Campus event had been an overwhelming success in bringing the Japura Science alumni community together once again.

The celebrations continued at the Fingara Town and Country Club, where Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman of the UGC, along with main alumni officials and our main alumni, Alumni Association of 91传媒, gathered for a fellowship event after the on-campus festivities.

List of Retired Professors and Academics Felicitated at the Back to Campus Event
Department of Botany

Prof. H.G. Nandadasa
Prof. Chandrani Wijeyaratne
Prof. P. Fernando
Prof. N. Salim
Prof. Nelum Deshappriya

Department of Chemistry

Prof. A. Abeysekera
Prof. W. Jayatilake
Prof. S. P. Deraniyagala
Prof. S. Samarasinghe
Prof. Tuley De Silva

Department of Computer Science

Ms. G.S. Makalanda

Department of Food Science

Prof. A. Bamunuarachchi
Prof. S.B. Navaratne

Department of Forestry & Environment Science

Prof. B.M.P. Sinhakumara

Department of Mathematics

Ms. T.P. De Silva
Prof. P.W. Epasinghe
Mr. M.K.N. Siriwardena
Prof. S. Weerakoon

Department of Physics

Prof. D.A. Tantrigoda
Prof. C.P. Abeyratne
Dr. A. Wijeratne

Department of Statistics

Prof. R.A. Dayananda

Department of Zoology

Prof. S. Piyasiri
Dr. Swineetha Karunaratne
Prof. Manel Attygalle
Prof. A. de Alwis
Prof. J. Jinadasa

For More Photos:

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Dr. KKA Sanjeewa, from the Faculty of Technology at the 91传媒, has been honored with the prestigious Young Scientist Award by the Institute of Biology 91传媒. This esteemed award is bestowed upon young biologists who demonstrate exceptional research skills and have made significant contributions to the advancement of the field of biology in 91传媒.

Dr. Sanjeewa’s research primarily focuses on the bioprospecting of marine organisms to discover novel bioactive secondary metabolites for developing nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and functional foods. His particular interest lies in investigating the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of natural bioactive compounds for treating fine dust-induced inflammatory responses in humans. He has published over 80 research/review articles in SCI-indexed journals, over 30 abstracts in many international conferences, and several book chapters with reputed international publishers. Dr. Sanjeewa currently has an H-index of 29 over 2450 Google Scholar citations. Dr. Sanjeewa holds the position of Editorial Board Member in the Marine Biotechnology section of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Journal. He also actively contributes as a Reviewer Board Member and Guest Editor for several marine biomedical sciences-related journals, including Marine Drugs. In addition, he is a recipient of the Top 2% highly cited researcher recognition (awarded by Elsevier BV and Stanford University) in 2021 and 2022, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the field of marine life sciences.

Dr. Sanjeewa received the honor during the Inauguration Ceremony of the 43rd Annual Sessions of the IOBSL, which took place on Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Ariyana Reach Hotel in Maharagama.

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Mr. Damith D. Lekamge, a student of the , 91传媒, received the Prof M. U. S. Sultanbawa Award for Research in Chemistry 鈥� 2022. This esteemed award, presented by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC), recognizes his exceptional and significant contribution to the fields of Science, Chemistry, Education, and Research in 91传媒. The award was granted for his research paper titled “Synthesis and characterization of inclusion complexes of Ageratum conyzoides L. essential oil in 尾-cyclodextrin,” which was presented at the 51st Annual Sessions of IChemC.

Under the guidance of Dr. Isurika Fernando, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, 91传媒, Mr. Lekamge conducted a research project that focused on the synthesis and characterization of inclusion complexes of Ageratum conyzoides L. essential oil in 尾-cyclodextrin. The objective was to explore the potential applications of these complexes.

The prestigious award was presented to Mr. Lekamge at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 52nd Annual Sessions of IChemC, held on June 14, 2023, at the 91传媒 Foundation Institute (SLFI).

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Offered through the聽Department of Statistics, USJ

New Admissions for聽2023

Master of Science in Applied Statistics program is a University Grants Commission (UGC) approved program that has been designed to meet 91传媒 Qualifications Framework (SLQF 10) guidelines. It also consists of two exit points at Postgraduate Diploma level (SLQF 8) and Master of Applied Statistics level (SLQF 9) for those who wish to exit the program without completing the second year.

Objectives of the Degree Program

This program has been designed for graduates with a basic knowledge in Statistics to provide them an opportunity to further develop their knowledge in Applied Statistics. Those who complete the program successfully will gain knowledge in advanced statistical theory, as well as will receive an extensive training in statistical data analysis and statistical computing.

The MSc in Applied Statistics program provides

• Advanced theoretical knowledge in Statistics,
• An opportunity to do research,
• An opportunity for graduate employees to gain higher education qualifications required for their promotions and career development.

Applications are invited from interested candidates for the MSc in Applied Statistics (SLQF 10) offered by the Department of Statistics, 91传媒. This program has been designed for graduates with a basic knowledge in Statistics to provide them an opportunity to further develop their knowledge in Applied Statistics.

Those who complete the program successfully will gain knowledge in advanced statistical theory, as well as will receive an extensive training in statistical data analysis and statistical computing. The MSc in Applied Statistics program provides
(a) advanced theoretical knowledge in Statistics
(b) an opportunity to do research
(c) an opportunity for graduate employees to gain higher educational qualifications required for their promotions and career development.

Target Group:

• Those who need academic qualifications in Statistics.
• Those who are planning to start a career or already employed as statisticians/data analysts.
• Those who teach Statistics related courses in schools, universities or other educational institutes.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor鈥檚 Degree with 30 credits in Statistics and/or a related field from a recognized university.
• Any other qualification accepted by the senate of the university.

Duration: 02 Years
Medium of Instructions: English
Lectures and practical classes: Weekends (Saturday: 8 am 鈥� 5 pm, Sunday: 8 am 鈥� 1pm)

Course fee: Rs. 300,000/-

Commencement: October, 2023

Closing Date for Applications: 10th July 2023

For more information, visit聽

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Dr. Imalka Munaweera, from the Department of Chemistry at Faculty of Applied Sciences USJ, has been listed in the “Asian Scientist 100 (2023 edition)” of the Asian Scientist Magazine’s eighth iteration which highlights her exceptional groundbreaking scientific advancements in the field.

The “Asian Scientist 100” list features outstanding individuals from various countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, 91传媒, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam representing a wide range of fields from the modern number theory to mental health.

Dr. Imalka’s remarkable work was honored with the prestigious 2021 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World. Her significant research contributions include the fabrication of diverse functionalized materials, nanoparticles, and nanocomposites, with applications ranging from drug delivery to water filtration and the reduction of post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables.

The USJ web team and the entire university community extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Imalka Munaweera for her exceptional achievement and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

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Get to know RUDN Lectures

Professor Kapralova Daria

Introducing Kapralova Daria, an esteemed Associate Professor and Ph.D. at the Institute of Environmental Engineering within the Department of Environmental Management at the prestigious Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN). With an impressive background and expertise in Biology, Daria holds a PhD degree, further solidifying her academic prowess in the field with 15 years of work experience.
Daria’s research interests encompass several vital areas, including GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Remote Sensing, Urboecology, and Sustainable Development.

Professor Popkova Anna

Introducing Anna Popkova, an accomplished individual serving as the Deputy Director for International Affairs at the Institute of Environmental Engineering, within the renowned Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN). With a distinguished career and expertise in Environmental Science over 6 years, Anna holds a PhD degree, further enhancing her credibility and knowledge in the field.
Anna’s professional focus revolves around vital areas such as Environmental Biotechnologies, Green Economy and Enterprise, Sustainable Development.

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The team of Chemistry Undergraduates from the 91传媒, who represented the university at the Annual Inter University Debate Competition organized by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) on March 4th, 2023, secured the first runner-up position in the competition.

Eight students from the university participated in the competition: Govini Perera, Hirusha Liyanage, Minduli Perera, Devin Dharmaratne, Sajani Pathiranage, Darshitha Dilshan, Keshala Gunarathna and Vindula Vidarshana. They competed against teams from other universities such as University of Peradeniya, University of Ruhuna, Rajarata University of 91传媒 and the College of Chemical Sciences.

The competition consisted of two sessions where each team debated with all the other teams under the league method. The team from College of Chemical Sciences won the competition while Rajarata University of 91传媒 came third. The 91传媒 team thanked their Lecturer in Charge, Prof. Theshini Perera, and Ms. Manesha Fernando for their guidance and support. They also expressed their gratitude to their past debating captain, Lasni Nishshanke, for her valuable input during their practice sessions via Zoom. They acknowledged the encouragement they received from the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Prof. Champa Jayaweera and the other lecturers of the department.

The team also appreciated Dr. Kushan Weerasiri, Chairperson of the Inter- University Debating Committee and the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon for providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and engage in intellectual discussions as young scientists.

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