The Department of Polymer Science recently hosted a distinguished guest lecture by Dr. Jayantha Amarasekara, a leading consultant to the US chemical industry, titled “Mastering the Polymer Challenge.” The session served as a critical platform for students and researchers to re-examine the role of polymers in a sustainable future, moving beyond the “plastic guilt” often found in popular media toward a more nuanced, empirical understanding of material science. By framing the discussion around the complexities of global sustainability, Dr. Amarasekara inspired a refreshed perspective on the responsibility of future material scientists to balance high-performance material utility with environmental stewardship.

Key Themes in Material Sustainability

The lecture centered on the critical intersection of material science and environmental health, emphasizing the need to replace emotional narratives with rigorous, data-driven Lifecycle Assessments (LCA). A primary theme was the “carbon invisibility” of non-polymer alternatives, highlighting how the lightweight nature and low processing temperatures of plastics often result in a significantly smaller total carbon footprint compared to energy-intensive materials like glass or metal. Furthermore, the discussion explored the concept of material efficiency, illustrating how the high-performance capabilities of polymers allow for maximum protection with minimal mass—a vital factor in reducing global resource waste. Ultimately, the session advocated for a shift toward a Circular Economy, framing the “Polymer Challenge” not as a mandate for eradication, but as a call for innovation in chemical recycling and design to ensure these essential materials are managed responsibly throughout their entire lifespan.

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On February 20th, 2025, the (DPS) hosted its very first Career Fair, marking a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academia and industry. This highly anticipated event not only provided a platform for students to connect with top-tier companies but also introduced several pre-event workshops designed to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the competitive job market.
For the first time ever, the DPS Career Fair brought together 16 leading industries from the polymer science sector. These companies, ranging from innovative start-ups to established industry leaders, were eager to meet the bright, motivated final-year students of DPS, looking to fill key positions in their organizations. Students had the opportunity to explore career opportunities, internships, and full-time positions across various domains within the polymer industry.
The Career Fair was a remarkable success, not just for the chance to meet potential employers but also as a stepping stone for students looking to launch their careers in an industry that is continually evolving and growing.
In the lead-up to the Career Fair, DPS organized a series of pre-event workshops regarding CV Writing, Interview Preparation and Professional Networking on social media. These workshops aimed at preparing students for the competitive landscape of job hunting and professional networking. These workshops covered key aspects of career development, providing students with the tools and knowledge they needed to make the most out of the Career Fair experience.
The Career Fair itself was buzzing with activity as students met with recruiters, presented their CVs, and participated in interviews. Industry representatives were impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm displayed by the students, which made for an exciting atmosphere. The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience with potential employers, receive valuable feedback, and take their first steps toward their careers in the polymer science industry.
The success of the DPS Career Fair 2025 marks a new chapter for the Department of Polymer Science, setting the stage for even more career-focused initiatives in the years to come.
For the participants, this event was not just a fair—it was an exciting beginning to a promising professional journey.

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The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) extended an invitation to Dr. Sampath Gunathilake and four students from the , 91´«Ă˝, 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 91´«Ă˝ 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.

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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has initiated a significant step towards addressing plastic waste management challenges in 91´«Ă˝. Through its ‘Project for Strengthening Plastic Management Capacity’, launched in September 2023, JICA conducted a comprehensive survey shedding light on the current state of plastic waste management in the country, previously unexplored.

Key findings from the survey highlight that plastic waste constitutes approximately 10 percent of the waste collected by local authorities, with packaging plastics like Single-Use Plastics (SUP) comprising a significant portion. Despite the presence of 49 recycling facilities nationwide with a combined capacity to recycle 152 tons of plastic per day, the actual recycling rate stands at around 100 tons daily.

In response to these findings, JICA recently engaged with the Faculty of Applied Sciences of 91´«Ă˝, the sole institution in 91´«Ă˝ housing a . During lectures delivered by JICA officers and experts, both faculty members and students exhibited remarkable interest in the insights on plastics management, signaling unprecedented enthusiasm for collaborative efforts.

Recognizing the necessity for a multi-stakeholder approach involving industry, government, and academia, JICA emphasizes continued proactive dialogues to devise effective solutions to the plastic waste predicament in 91´«Ă˝.

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The newly opened Dry Rubber Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for rubber compounding (internal mixer, two roll mill, and molding press), testing rheological properties (moving die rheometer), and testing mechanical properties (universal tensile tester). This facility can be used to support student learning and caters to academic, research, and industrial needs.

The vice chancellor, Senior Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, the Director of the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion & Development (AHEAD) programme, 91´«Ă˝, Prof. A. Harendra N. Kariyawasam, the staff members of the Department of Polymer Science accompanied by the Heads of the departments, the academic and non-academic staff members of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, and the students of the Department of Polymer Science graced this occasion.

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