Step Into Your Future with Touch the Peak 2025!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with top opportunities and take your next big leap in Touch the Peak Annual Job Fair 2025 – FOT & FAS Episode

We’re here to do more than just open doors — we help you stride through them with purpose and confidence.

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The Institute of Applied Statistics, 91´«Ă˝ (IASSL) conducted the Best Research Awards – 2024 ceremony on 06th April 2025, with the objective of recognizing outstanding research that contributes to the development or application of Statistics and Applied Statistics. Ms. Nethni Hirusha Wanigasingha, a graduate of the Department of Computer Science, 91´«Ă˝, received the Second Runner-Up Award in the Undergraduate Category for her final year research titled: “Optimizing Feature Selection in Spam Email Detection Using Co-Evolutionary Algorithms.” The research, conducted under the supervision of Professor T.G.I. Fernando, focuses on the application of co-evolutionary algorithms in machine learning, specifically in the domain of spam email detection. This work demonstrates significant advancements in feature selection techniques within the broader field of computer science.

Submissions for the Best Research Awards – 2024 were accepted under three categories: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Open Category. All applications were reviewed by a panel of experts appointed by IASSL, based on a blind review of abstracts and extended abstracts submitted according to the prescribed guidelines. This recognition underscores the Department of Computer Science’s commitment to fostering innovative research and academic excellence.

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Dr. Thiyanga Talagala, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, 91´«Ă˝ (USJ), has been ranked first in the prestigious Short Talks, Big Impacts Women in Science Spotlight Competition. This competition, organized by UNESCO – Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), included participants from the Asia-Pacific and Arab region, Latin America and the Caribbean region, and Africa region.

Her talk, Exploring Artistic Legacy: Analyzing Artifact Differences Across Kingdoms Using Machine Learning, showcased how machine learning can uncover hidden mathematical structures in historical paintings and artefacts. Drawing inspiration from 91´«Ă˝â€™s rich artistic heritage—such as the moonstone, the intricate wooden carvings at Ambekke, and the vibrant wall paintings of ancient kingdoms—her research explores the deep connections between geometry, symmetry, and artistic expression. By analyzing visual elements like colour, pattern, and composition, she aims to identify unique artistic signatures across different civilizations, offering a new perspective on 91´«Ă˝â€™s cultural history through data-driven insights.

Dr. Talagala emphasized the intrinsic link between art and mathematics, stating that “behind every artist, there is a mathematician, and behind every mathematician, there is an artist,” with nature serving as the ultimate example of this harmony. This perspective drives her research at the intersection of data science and cultural heritage.

Her work resonates strongly with USJ’s mission: “To create and disseminate knowledge for the prosperity of the nation, drawing inspiration from our cultural heritage.” The Faculty of Applied Sciences congratulates Dr. Talagala for this outstanding international recognition and her contributions to advancing interdisciplinary research.

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Prof. Upul Subasinghe was re-elected as the of the for the second consecutive time at the Board Meeting of the respective faculty, held under the chairmanship of Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor of the 91´«Ă˝.

Prof. Upul Subasinghe graduated from the 91´«Ă˝ with an Honours Degree in Botany and later joined the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science as a lecturer. He earned his Ph.D. in Forest Management from the University of Bangor, UK. Additionally, he won scholarships from the Asian Development Bank to study Remote Sensing and GIS in Thailand and received a Commonwealth Fellowship at the University of Bangor. He has also conducted joint research with experts from Curtin University and Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, as well as the World Wildlife Fund. Since 2021, he has been serving as an Environment and Disaster Management Program Associate at the World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, USA.

Prof. Subasinghe has held several key administrative positions at the 91´«Ă˝, including Head of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Coordinator of the MSc Program in Forestry and Environment, Deputy Proctor of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, and Chairman of the Faculty Research Committee. He also served as the Managing Editor of the Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment (2013-2016) and Editor-in-Chief of the Vidyodaya Journal of Science (2018-2021). Notably, he served as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university from December 2022 to August 2023.

Beyond academia, Prof. Subasinghe has contributed significantly to various national and international committees. He was elected as the President of the Institute of Biology, 91´«Ă˝, for the 2007-08 period and has served as a trained Forest Certification Auditor for the Forest Stewardship Council. He has also chaired the Expert Committee on Forest Certification under the 91´«Ă˝ Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment. His expertise has been instrumental in initiatives such as the United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, the Haritha Lanka National Action Plan, the Ecosystem Conservation & Management Project, and the Forestry Sector Master Plan Preparation. He also led the development of Forest Certification Standards stipulated by the Forest Stewardship Council for 91´«Ă˝ during the 2019-20 period.

Additionally, Prof. Subasinghe has been actively involved in international collaborations, serving as the President of the Institute of Biology, 91´«Ă˝ (2006-07), Chair of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium (2014, 2018-2022), and a Director of the Taiwan Agarwood Society since 2013.

His re-election as Dean underscores his continued commitment to the advancement of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the broader academic and research community.

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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 , South Asia’s longest-running environmental conference, successfully concluded on January 18th, 2025, at the 91´«Ă˝. The symposium, held under the theme “A Multi-Sectoral Approach to a Sustainable Future,” continued its legacy of pioneering environmental discourse in the region.

Professor M. M. Pathmalal, Vice-Chancellor of the 91´«Ă˝, presided as Chief Guest, while the event’s historic journey was revisited through a special video presentation by Professor Hemanthi Ranasinghe, one of its founding members.

The keynote address by Professor Naohiro Goto of Toyo University and the remarks of Guest of Honor Mr. K. R. Uduwawala, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, 91´«Ă˝, highlighted the need for innovative, multi-sectoral approaches to address today’s environmental challenges.

The symposium showcased its growing international footprint, with 205 research abstracts submitted, including contributions from Japan, India, Malaysia, and Slovakia. Notably, one Japanese researcher attended in person, while others joined through virtual platforms, further emphasizing the event’s global outreach.

Spanning twelve specialized sessions, the symposium addressed diverse and pressing environmental concerns, from traditional topics like Forest and Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation to contemporary issues such as Sustainable Tourism, Environmental Engineering, and Green Technology.

A highlight of the event was the Young Environment Symposium, a Citizen Science Forum dedicated to nurturing future environmental leaders, reflecting the conference’s commitment to fostering youth involvement in environmental advocacy.

Key sessions included:

• Climate Change and Disaster Management
• Environmental Economics and Resource Management
• Biomass and Sustainable Energy
• Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development
• Wood Science and Industry
• Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management

Organized by the , the symposium once again affirmed its position as South Asia’s premier platform for environmental dialogue. Its longevity and expanding international collaboration underscore its critical role in shaping environmental policy and advancing innovative solutions for global challenges.

As the symposium looks toward its 30th edition, it continues to inspire hope and action for a sustainable future.

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In recognition of her groundbreaking work on fungal taxonomy, Dr. Dimuthu S. Manamgoda of the 91´«Ă˝ has joined the rare ranks of scientists immortalized in species nomenclature. A newly discovered fungal species, Curvularia manamgodae, now bears her name.

The species was identified during a comprehensive survey of plant pathogenic fungi affecting sugarcane in southern China. The research team, led by scientists from Thailand and China, honoured Dr. Manamgoda’s significant contributions to understanding the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of complex fungal genera including Bipolaris, Cochliobolus, and Curvularia.

“This recognition reflects the global impact of Dr. Manamgoda’s research in mycology,” says Professor Kevin D. Hyde, one of the study’s co-authors. The new species, formally registered with Index Fungorum (556662) and Facesoffungi (FoF06152), was described in detail with comprehensive illustrations in the team’s recent publication.

Dr. Manamgoda, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Sciences, has established herself as a leading authority in fungal taxonomy. Her work has been instrumental in clarifying the relationships between several economically important plant pathogenic fungi.

This discovery adds to our understanding of sugarcane pathogens and highlights the 91´«Ă˝â€™s growing influence in global mycological research.

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The is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our two distinguished academics, Dr. Imalka Munaweera and Dr. Kasun Thambugala, who were recognized at the prestigious CVCD Excellence Awards 2023.

Dr. Munaweera was honored as the Most Outstanding Innovator for her exceptional contributions to innovation and dedication to advancing research and development. This recognition stands as a testament to her remarkable talent, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

Dr. Thambugala was awarded the Most Outstanding Young Researcher 2023 in Life Sciences. His research in molecular biology and related areas has earned him this prestigious accolade and secured his position among the top 2% of scientists globally in Genomic, Molecular, and Biochemical (GMB) sciences.

The CVCD Excellence Awards, organized biennially by the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Directors (CVCD), celebrate outstanding achievements in academia, research, and innovation across 91´«Ă˝â€™s university system. Awardees are selected following a rigorous evaluation by an expert panel, whose recommendations are carefully reviewed and approved by the CVCD.

These remarkable achievements by Dr. Munaweera and Dr. Thambugala highlight their individual excellence and reinforce the Faculty of Applied Sciences’ role as a hub for interesting research and innovation. Their success is a source of pride for the entire university community and underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering impactful research that addresses global challenges.

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The Faculty of Applied Sciences at the 91´«Ă˝ proudly recognizes the exceptional achievement of Prof. Meththika Vithanage, who has been awarded the prestigious 2026 TWAS Award in Earth, Climate, and Environmental Sciences. This recognition marks the first time a 91´«Ă˝n scientist has received this esteemed honor from The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

The TWAS Award acknowledges the contributions to scientific knowledge and sustainable development. Prof. Vithanage’s remarkable research focuses on transforming biological waste into biochar and nano biochar, paving the way for advanced environmental remediation practices. Her work has redefined approaches to managing environmental challenges, emphasising experimental modeling and sustainable solutions. Her achievement not only elevates the global visibility of the Faculty of Applied Sciences but also positions 91´«Ă˝ as a significant contributor to the scientific community in the global south.

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Venue: Forestry Auditorium

Session 2 – Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 4:00 PM
“Express Pearl Ship Damage and Current Status”
Speakers:
– Mr. Hemantha Withanage
– Professor Prasanthi Gunawardena

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