A visit by a delegation from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A delegation from the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA) visited the Faculty of Science on 19 th November 2024. The delegation consisted of Prof Germán Bollero (Dean, ACES), Prof Mary Arends-Kuenning (Associate Dean, International Programs), Prof Sarah Low (Department Head, Agricultural and Consumer Economics), Lauren Karplus (Assistant Director, International Programs). Senior Prof Upul Sonnadara (Dean, Faculty of Science) welcomed the visiting delegation and chaired the meeting. He was joined by Senior Prof Devaka Weerakoon (Head, Zoology and Environment Sciences), Prof Nishantha Perera (Head, Mathematics), Prof Hashendra Kathriarachchi (Head, Plant Sciences), Prof Jeyasingam Jeyasugiththan (Head, Nuclear Science) and several academics including Senior Prof Shamala Tirimanne, Prof Chandana Jayaratne, Prof Mayuri Wijesinghe, Prof Dharshani Bandupriya, Dr Iroja Caldera and Dr Anushka Wickramasuriya. The academics discussed the possibility of student and staff exchange along with potential areas for research collaboration. The meeting ended with the prospect of another meeting in May 2025 with a second delegation from Illinois visiting the faculty.