Launch of Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) Office at Faculty of Science

The Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) Office at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo was ceremonially opened on 22nd August, 2025 by Her Excellency Ms. Miyon Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, marking a significant development in academic and research collaboration in the field of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology between the University of Colombo and the Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Republic of Korea. 

The ceremony was attended by distinguished foreign delegates from the Embassy of Republic of Korea, Ms. Eunji Kang, Deputy Head of Mission, and Mr. Minwoo Jo and from Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Republic of Korea – Prof. Sangho Lee, Prof. Hong Sook Kim, and Prof. Hwan Su Yoon. 

Representing the University of Colombo were Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Karunatilaka and Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Upul Sonnadara, accompanied by the heads of the Department of Chemistry, Plant Sciences and Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Prof. K. M. Nalin de Silva, Prof. H. D. Dharshani Bandupriya, and Prof. Devaka Weerakoon respectively. Dr. Kaveesha Wijesinghe and Dr. Duleepa Pathiraja who are the academic coordinators of the programme were also in attendance along with Mrs. Kumari Senevirathne, the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Faculty of Science and the other faculty members and undergraduate students enrolled in the B.Sc. honors degree in Biomolecular Sciences and Industrial Biotechnology.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Karunatilaka noted that the establishment of the BSIB Office marks a significant step in advancing biotechnology education and research in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Miyon Lee highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka–Korea academic collaborations and expressed her support for strengthening ties between the two countries in higher education research and innovation.