The Golden Jubilee Annual Sessions of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon
Since its inception in 1941 as the Chemical Society of Ceylon, and following its succession and establishment in 1971, the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon has served as the professional body of chemists in Sri Lanka, dedicated to the advancement and application of chemical sciences in the country.
The Institute celebrated its 80th anniversary on the 25th of January 2021, and marked 50 glorious years of Annual Sessions on the 27th of June 2021.
The Inauguration Ceremony of the 50th Annual Sessions and 80th Anniversary celebrations of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon was held on the 27th of June 2021 via Zoom, with a limited physical participation at the Adamantane House, of the members of the head table, four awardees and two technical experts. Prof. Kapila C. K. Perera, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and the Presidential address was delivered by Prof. Sagarika Ekanayake on the theme “Sustainable Development through Chemical Sciences”
One of the main highlights of the event was the launching of the book, “Our Voyage through the Years”, which showcases the history of eighty glorious years of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. This was also followed by an awards ceremony, where Dr. C L de Silva Gold Medal Award was bestowed upon Prof. Lalith Jayasinghe, who also delivered a lecture titled “Search for Bioactive Compounds from Sri Lankan Medicinal Plants and Endophytic Fungi”. Professor M. U. S. Sultanbawa Award for Research in Chemistry was awarded to Prof. Pamoda B. Ratnaweera, while Dr. Sameera R. Gunatilake won the first ever CCS Research Award.
In addition, Mr. K.R. Dayananda and Mr. M.R.M. Haniffa were honored with Distinguished Service
Awards, and Mr. W. R. R. Perera was duly recognised with a Long Service Award. Recipients of scholarships, prizes and awards of the BSc Hons in Chemical Science and Graduateship in Chemistry programmes were also felicitated, alongwith the winners of the National Chemistry Olympiad Competition.
The technical sessions comprising of research presented by undergraduates and members of IChemC was held on the 29th of June 2021, alongside the first ever “CCS Alumni Post Graduate Symposia”, which was held in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Annual Sessions of the Institute. Over 25 selected papers were presented during the sessions.
A session dedicated to the Women Chemists Committee was also held on the same day with the participation of eminent female figures representing the chemical sciences. The session was centered on the theme “Gender Equity and Women Empowerment”, and included talks by Dr. Vicki G a rd i n e r (President of Commonwealth Chemistry), Dr. IroshaNawarathne ( Associate Professor in Chemistry, Lyon College, Arkansas, USA), Prof. Ayanthi N. Navaratne ( Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya), and Ms. ChamariWickramathilake ( Head of Exports & Regulatory Affairs, Link Naturals (Pvt) Ltd).
The induction of the 84th President, Professor Srianthie Deraniyagala of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon was held on the 30th of June 2021 at the Adamantane House, Rajagiriya.
Despite the prevailing pandemic situation, the team behind the Golden Jubilee Annual Sessions toiled day and night to make this event a reality, adapting to “the New Normal” conditions with unwavering faith and tireless efforts.
As it embarks on a historic milestone, the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon continues with its mission “to be the center of excellence in Chemical Sciences for the socioeconomic development through education, research and innovation”, while aspiring to brighten the horizons of the future of the chemical sciences in Sri Lanka.