A productive discussion took place with Professor Sun-Young Lim, from the Division of Convergence on Marine Science at Korea Maritime & Ocean University, exploring potential collaboration opportunities with the University of Colombo. The meeting was attended by Senior Prof. Upul Sonnadara, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Senior Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Head of the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, and the team working on the Marine Centre Establishment.

The discussion focused on how Korea Maritime & Ocean University could collaborate with the University of Colombo, particularly in research areas related to the ongoing work of the Marine Centre. The conversation also touched on other potential areas for future collaboration, including research and educational opportunities that could benefit both institutions.

Following the meeting, the delegation met with Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, to continue discussions and explore these possibilities further.

A delegation from Mahidol University, Thailand visited the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo on 21st January 2025. The delegation consisted of Prof Walasinee Sakcamduang (Dean, Veterinary Science), Prof Nopraenue Dhirthiti (Vice President for Global Partnerships) and Dr. Rapee Boonplueang (Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science). They met with the Dean Faculty of Science, Senior Prof Upul Sonnadara, the Dean Faculty of Technology, Prof Ranjana Piyadasa along with several academics of the two faculties at the New Board room of the Faculty of Science. The discussion centred on possible collaborations based on common research areas, teaching and student and staff mobility. Some of the key research areas identified by the two parties for further discussion were conservation biology, coastal pollution, earth sciences and plant physiology. The meeting concluded with a consensus to explore the key research areas with individual researchers.

The Skill Development Session, organized by the Non-Academic Staff Development Committee (NA-SDC), was held on 8th November 2024 at the 5th Floor, Department of Statistics. This event was designed to promote professional growth, celebrate achievements, and foster a sense of community among the staff.

The session featured an exciting and diverse program, which included ten songs, one dance, two dramas, and four interactive games, providing entertainment and encouraging engagement from all attendees. These performances highlighted the talents and creativity of the participants, adding a lively and enjoyable element to the event.

A special highlight of the event was the appreciation segment, where former staff members were recognized for their invaluable contributions over the years. Additionally, a certificate awarding ceremony took place, acknowledging the hard work and accomplishments of those who had participated in last year’s workshop.

The event was attended by a range of distinguished guests, including the Co-Chairperson of NA-SDC, Heads of departments, Senior Ass. Librarian, Senior Ass.Registrar and Senior Ass. Bursar. Special invitees such as Prof. I.M.K. Fernando, Dr.Iroja Caldera, and a retired senior Staff Technical Officer Ms. Chithra Jayasooriya, further elevated the occasion with their presence, adding prestige to the event and creating an atmosphere of excellence.

This session successfully reinforced the importance of continuous learning and skill development, encouraging the staff to embrace professional growth while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. It was an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and look forward to new challenges with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.

The University of Colombo invites applications for the scholarship for eligible undergraduate students of faculty. Therefore, please submit the application along with the necessary documents on or before 29.01.2025 to the Dean’s Office, Faculty of Science.

Please find further details of the scholarship and the application form through the  Faculty website. 

Application Form : Download

Instructions : Click Here

SAR/ Faculty of Science

 

The Faculty of Science Sports Awards Ceremony 2023, held on August 30, 2024, at the New Arts Theatre (NAT), University of Colombo, was a landmark event celebrating the exceptional sporting talents of Faculty of Science undergraduates. Organized in partnership with the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), this ceremony was a tribute to athletes who have excelled in their respective fields, marking the first-ever such recognition in the faculty's history.

The ceremony began with a reception at the Statistics Department building at 3:30 p.m., followed by the formal awards presentation at 4:00 p.m. at the NAT. Although Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne and Mr. Pasindu Gunarathne, Chairman/Director General of the NYSC, were unable to attend due to prior commitments, the event was honored by the presence of Senior Prof. Upul Sonnadara, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Prof. Nihal Hennayake, Chairman of the Sports Advisory Board, who officiated the proceedings.

This inaugural awards ceremony recognized student-athletes across several categories, showcasing their dedication and contributions to sports:

1. Faculty of Science Sports Awards – Celebrating the general sporting achievements of undergraduates.
2. Special Awards for University Team Captains and Vice-Captains – Honoring the leadership and contributions of team captains and vice-captains who guided their peers with distinction.
3. Special Awards for SLUSA Colours – Commending students who were awarded Sri Lanka University Sports Association Colours.
4. Special Awards for National/International Representation – Recognizing students who represented Sri Lanka at the national or international level, bringing pride to the university and the nation.
5. Awards for the Sportsman and Sportswoman with the Most Number of Sports Awards – Highlighting athletes who excelled in multiple sports disciplines throughout the year.

In his speech, Senior Prof. Upul Sonnadara emphasized the importance of balancing sports and academics, and how events like this not only celebrate success but also encourage greater participation in sports among undergraduates. He noted the significance of this event in uplifting the culture of sports within the Faculty of Science and expressed his gratitude to everyone who worked hard to bring this ceremony to life.

Senior Prof. Nalin de Silva, Senior Treasurer of the Faculty of Science Sports Association, also shared his insights, reflecting on his own experiences as a student-athlete and emphasizing the lifelong value of sports in shaping individuals. His words served as an inspiration to the students, encouraging them to strive for excellence in both academics and sports.

The event concluded with a musical performance during dinner at the Statistics Department building, where athletes, faculty members, and guests gathered to celebrate the day’s achievements and strengthen the bonds within the sporting community.

The success of the Faculty of Science Sports Awards Ceremony 2023 was a collective effort. Special thanks were extended to Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, Chairman/Director General of the NYSC Mr. Pasindu Gunarathne, Dean of the Faculty of Science Senior Prof. Upul Sonnadara, Senior Treasurer of the Faculty of Science Sports Association Senior Prof. Nalin de Silva, Prof. Hasini Perera, Faculty of Science, the Executive Committee and members of the Faculty of Science Sports Association, and all other individuals and organizations who played a role in making this event a reality. Their hard work and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the ceremony's success.

Ultimately, the primary purpose of the event was to inspire and motivate more Faculty of Science undergraduates to actively engage in sports, promoting a holistic university experience that fosters both academic and athletic growth.

The University of Colombo conducted its Postgraduate Convocation for the year 2023 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on the 05 th & 06 th  December 2024.
During this ceremony, a total of 3,383 degrees were conferred, including postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and research degrees across nine different sessions. Moreover, the Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Research Excellence were presented to nine distinguished academic staff members, recognizing their outstanding contributions and achievements in the field.
The Vice Chancellor conferred the following postgraduate degrees on 06 th January 2024 for the students who followed the degree programs in the faculty of science.

As per the instructions of the Mahapola Trust Fund, online application of the MTF is activated on the Mahapola website from 08th January 2025, to register online before 05th February 2025.

Please follow the following steps when you do online registration,
          1. Go to Mahapola.lk
          2. Click on the latest news/Scholarship award for 2022/2023
          3. Click on http://www.mahapola.lk/BankApp/
          4. Put the national ID number
          5. Fill all the details correctly (specially Account numbers, branch numbers and branch codes)

SAR/ Faculty of Science
10th January 2025

The Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, in collaboration with the Department of Biology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), is pleased to announce an exciting opportunityunder the Leading University Project for International Collaboration (LUPIC) project.

Program Details:

• Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
• Duration: 3 years (1-year Korean language + 2 years MSc program)
• University: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea
• Funding: Fully funded through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Program (tuition+ stipend for 36 months)

Eligibility:

• Honors degree in life sciences (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Zoology, Plant Science)
• Strong academic record and research potential.

Required Documents for Application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of official transcript(s)
• Copies of publications (if any)

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are requested to submit the above documents to bsib@sci.cmb.ac.lk Submission Deadline: 17th January 2025.

Dr. Duleepa Pathiraja
Co-coordinator/LUPIC project