Department of Chemistry

News and Vacancies

Vacancy for the Post of Technical Coordinator

A Warm Welcome to Semester II at the Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, successfully hosted a “Tea Time” gathering on 11 September 2026 at the Department to mark the commencement of the upcoming Semester II.

The event brought together members of the Department in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, providing an opportunity to reconnect, share refreshments, and prepare for the academic semester ahead. The gathering also served as a platform for strengthening collegial relationships and fostering a positive and collaborative environment within the Department.

The Department of Chemistry extends its appreciation to all members who participated and contributed to making the event a pleasant and successful occasion. The Department looks forward to another productive and rewarding semester ahead.

Vacancy for the Post of Lecturer

Vacancy for the Post of Research Assistant

Vacancy for the Post of Research Assistant

Vacancy for the Post of Technical Coordinator

Senior Professor Nimanthi Jayathilaka Assumed Duties as the Head of the Department of Chemistry

Professor Nimanthi Jayathilaka officially assumed duties as the Head of the Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, on 30th March 2026. Prof. Jayathilaka serves as a Senior Professor in the Department of Chemistry. She earned her BSc Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, US, in 2003. She later acquired her PhD in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of South Carolina, US, in 2011.

Professor Jeewantha Premaratne Assumed Duties as the Dean of the Faculty of Science

Professor W. A. P. Jeewantha Premaratne officially assumed duties as the Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, on 26 March 2026 at the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Science. The appointment letter was officially handed over to the Dean by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya. Prof. Premaratne serves as a Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya. He earned his BSc (Honours) Degree in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya in 1997. He later obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK, in 2004. Following this, he completed postdoctoral research at the University of Birmingham in 2004 and at the University of Iowa, USA, from 2012 to 2014.

Vacancy for the Post of Office Assistant

Vacancy for the Post of Technical Coordinator

Ms. H.M. Lasini Venushi Amunugama Wins Bronze in South Asian Karate Championship

Ms. H.M. Lasini Venushi Amunugama, a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, secured a Bronze Medal in the 7^th South Asian Karate Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal. Representing Sri Lanka, she excelled in the Senior Kata (Female) category during the championship held from November 28^th to December 10^th, 2023. Ms. Amunugama, also a former captain of the University's Karate (Women) team, previously represented Sri Lanka at the 19^th Asian Karate Championship 2023 in Malaysia. Her achievement highlights her talent and dedication, bringing pride to both the university and the country.

The University of Kelaniya, Department of Chemistry congratulates Ms. Amunugama on this remarkable achievement, extending best wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

Dr. Jayangika N. Dahanayaka Awarded OWSD Early Career Fellowship 2023

Dr. Jayangika N. Dahanayaka, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, has successfully secured one of the prestigious OWSD Early Career Fellowships 2023. Her winning project focuses on identifying curcumin derivatives as potential anti-Alzheimer agents and developing a nanocarrier drug delivery system to overcome the blood-brain barrier, a significant challenge in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments.

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) was established in 1987, which operates as a programme unit of UNESCO. OWSD serves as a global platform for distinguished women scientists from both developing and developed countries. Its main goal is to strengthen the role of women in development and increase their representation in scientific and technological leadership.

The University of Kelaniya, Department of Chemistry congratulates Dr. Jayangika on this remarkable achievement, extending best wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

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