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equivalent such as Diploma in Chemistry, or awaiting results on GCE (A/L) for the Graduateship Programme scheduled to start basic non

Credit courses in December, 2015. Admissions to the programme are possible for those having passes in the Diploma in Laboratory

Technology (DLTC) programme conducted by our Institute. Prospective BSc Graduates from recognized universities can also apply directly for

admission to the last two years of the Graduateship programme while they are in the third year of a BSc Programme of a recognized University.

Those with GCE (O/L) qualification or only one A/L pass in Chemistry can apply for the two year Diploma in Laboratory Technology in

Chemistry (DLTC) programme scheduled to commence in January 2016.This programme is also offered on weekend and weekdays.

Commencing: November 2015Concluding: October 2019Convocation: February 2020

Commencing: November 2015Concluding: October 2019Convocation: February 2020

Ceremonial

Inauguration

nd

2 January 2016

Ceremonial

Inauguration

nd

2 January 2016

Vol . 14 No. 2 May - August 2015

Farewell to the former Dean and the Welcoming of

the New DeanA party was organized by the

staff of CCS to bid farewell to

the outgoing Dean, Professor M D P De Costa & to welcome the new thDean Mr. M R M Haniffa on 13 August at Adamantane House.

Appointed as DeanMr. M R M Haniffa was appointed as

Dean/CCS in August 2015. He is on sabbatical

leave from the Open University of Sri Lanka.

He will be serving College of Chemical

Sciences for one year.

Mr. K R Dayananda elected as President,

Institute of Chemistry CeylonMr. K R Dayananda, C.Chem., M.Phil (Kelaniya)

became the very first CCS Graduate Chemist to be

inducted as the president of the Institute of stChemistry Ceylon with effect from 1 July 2015.

He retired in 2012 as a Senior Research Officer at

the Industrial Technology Institute. He is presently working as the

Senior Research Development Manager at Silver Mill Group. We

extend our heartiest congratulations.

Mr. M R M HaniffaMr. M R M Haniffa

Prof. M D P De CostaProf. M D P De Costa

Twelfth Convocation at Eagles Lakeside Banquet & Convocation Centre

The twelfth CCS convocation will be held on th27 January, 2016 (Wednesday) at the Eagles

Lakeside Banquet & Convocation Centre at

Kawdana Road, Attidiya. Professor Colvin

Gunaratne, Chancellor of the Open

University of Sri Lanka will be the Chief Guest

for this occasion and will deliver the rdconvocation address. The 33 batch of

thGraduate Chemists and the 44 batch of DLTC Diplomates will

receive their awards and certificates at this convocation. The award

ceremony will be followed by lunch.

Mr. K. R. DayanandaMr. K. R. Dayananda

Prof. Colvin GunaratneProf. Colvin Gunaratne

Inter-School Titration CompetitionThe College of Chemical Sciences organized the 'Inter School-

thTitration Competition' for the 4 consecutive year in order to

enhance the laboratory skills of A/L students. This was held on th th6 - 8 May, 2015 at Adamantane house. The Chief coordinator

for this event was Dr. R Kandiah.

The Inter-School Titration Competition for the Northern thProvince was held on 15 June, 2015 at the Department of

Chemistry, University of Jaffna. A 'Magic Show' to all students thwas conducted on 16 June. The audience was thrilled by the

magic tricks performed and the magicians received good

overall response. Dr. R Parthipan was the main coordinator of

the event.

Magic Show

Northern Province Inter-School Titration CompetitionNorthern Province Inter-School Titration Competition

A/L Chemistry Practical SeminarWorkshop on Chemistry Practicals for Advanced Level Teachers was held

th thon 12 and 13 May, 2015 at Adamantane House. Professor Priyani

Paranagama was the coordinator for this event.

Seminar on Cosmetic Chemistry “Beauty: Is it only skin deep”

rdThis seminar was held on 3 June, 2015 at Adamantane House. Dr.

Radhika Samarasekara, Senior Research Scientist, Industrial Technology

Institute was the key note speaker and Professors M D P de Costa, Priyani

Paranagama & Ravindra Fernando, Dr. Sathis Wijemanne and Ms.

Samodika Balasooriya were the guest speakers for this event. This was

coordinated by Dr. H M M Infas.

Training Seminars....Scientific Measurements and

CalculationsstThis seminar was held on 31 July 2015 at Adamantane House.

The Chief coordinator and the Key note speaker for the event

was Professor Srianthie Deraniyagala, Senior Professor, College

of Chemical Sciences.

Genetechnology This seminar was organized by the College of Chemical Sciences,

thon Friday, 7 August 2015 at Adamantane House. The Keynote

Speaker for this event was Dr. Dharshan De Silva, director of

Genetech Research Institute. Dr. R Kandiah and Dr. R Parthipan

were the coordinators for this event.

Popular Lectures.... 'Household (Indoor) Air Pollution

& Human HealththThis lecture was held on 16 May 2015 at Adamantane House. It

was conducted by Dr. U K Jayasundara.

'Nanotechnology' This lecture on 'Nanotechnology’ was delivered by Dr. R.

thKandiah on 11 July 2015 at Adamantine House.

Seminar on Computational Chemistry & ITthThis seminar was organized by the CCS on 11 of August at Adamantane

House. Guest lecture was delivered by Professor Samantha Weerasinghe

of the University of Colombo. Main coordinator for the event was Dr.

Chinthaka Ratnaweera. All proceeds were directed to the opening of the

new Computational Lab at CCS.

Resignation of Teaching Assistants to pursue post graduate studies

The following Teaching Assistants, our own Graduate Chemists resigned

to pursue their higher studies at the following Universities;

Ms. Niranga Wijesiri and Mr. Suren Perera, University of Cincinnati, USA

Ms. Tara Liyange, Baylor University, USA

Ms. Pramudi Abeydeera, University of Kentucky, USA

Ms. Nayantara Dharmaratne and Mr. Jinal Pothupitiya, University of

Rhode Island, USA

From MPhil to PhD...Our own Graduate Chemist Ms. Rukshika Hewawasam has been

upgraded from MPhil to PhD at the University of Peradeniya. The principal

supervisor is Dr. Sisira Weliwegama. Her research work is conducted at

the College of Chemical Sciences.

Practical Session

-2-

Vesak Dansalath'Seeni Sambol Paan Dansala' held on 11 May, 2015 was

organized by the students of CCS. Many students gathered

together for this cause enthusiastically.

Annual Poson Bana and Bhakthi GeethastAnnual poson bana was held on 1 June, 2015 at Adamantane house.

Followed by Bhakthi geetha performed by the college students.

Carrom Bash 2015The Rotaract Club of CCS organized its annual Carrom Bash for

rd ndthe 3 consecutive year on the 22 of June 2015 at Adamantane

House. The Chief Guest for the event was Professor H D

Gunawardhana.

Gavels ClubThe Students Association of CCS organized its first Gavels Club

meeting under the guidance of Toastmaster Mr. Kamburawela

and his team and the Moratuwa Gavel Club members. It was stheld on 1 July 2015, at Adamantane House.

Rotaract Club Installation for the year 2015/2016

thRotaract club of CCS had their 4 installation

to appoint the new board for the year 2015/2016 with

leadership of Rtr. Udesha Bopitiya . The theme for the year was

announced as #beAmiracle, and the club will be mainly

focused on the community service avenue. The Guest of Honor

for the evening was the Hony. Rector of CCS, Professor S P

Deraniyagala who was greatly impressed about the CCS

Rotaract Club. The Chief Guest for the evening was the

president of the CCS sponsoring club, Rotary club of Colombo

Regency Rtn. PHF Shanka Perera.

thon 20 July 2015 Workshop on Personal Development & CV preparation

The Alumni of CCS organized this event as a part of the Career Guidance thUnit for the past and present students of CCS on 13 July 2015 at

Adamantane House. Guest Speakers for this event were Dr. Piyal

Ariyananda, Regional Research and Development Head – MIDAS SAFETY,

Mr. Graham Marshell, General Manager- Automotive Coatings, Akzo

Nobel Paints Lanka, Mr. Dilshard B N Perera, Chief Operating Officer, 4ever

Skin Naturals (Pvt) Ltd, Mr. Suhitha Karunanayake, Assistant Manager –

Human Resources Expolanka Holdings PLC.

Poson BanaPoson Bana

Bhakthi Geetha

Two Day Workshop on “Analytical Instrumentation”th thThis workshop will be held on the 17 and 18 of December (Thursday and Friday), 2015 at Adamantane House. This features presentations,

demonstrations and hands on experience in enhancing research and testing skills. The coordinators for this event are Dr. Sisira K. Weliwegama and Dr. Udaya K. Jayasundara.

-3-

Ninth Annual Research Sessionsth thThe 9 Annual Research Session was held on 8 August, 2015 at the PPGL

Siriwardena Auditorium. Dr. G A S Premakumara, Former Director

General, Industrial Technology Institute (CISIR) was the Chief Guest. He

addressed the gathering on “Who is a Scientist?”

Academic Board 2015/16Chairman Prof. S P Deraniyagala

Vice Chairman Mr. M R M Haniffa

Secretary Dr. (Ms) Chandanie Udawatte

Asst. Secretary Mr. S C D Fernando

Ex-Officio Members: Mr. K R Dayananda (President), Mr. E G

Somapala (Chairman A & EP), Prof. M D P de Costa (Treasurer),

Dr. A A P Keerthi (Hony Joint Secretary)

Elected Members: Prof. H D Gunawardhana, Prof. (Ms)

Ramanee Wijesekara, Prof. (Ms) Siromi Samarasinghe, Dr. (Ms)

L S R Arambewela, Prof. (Ms) S A Deraniyagala, Mr. H S M Pieris,

Prof. (Ms) Priyani Paranagama, Prof. G M K B Gunaherath, Ms P

M Jayasinghe, Ms M N K de S Goonetilleke , Mrs. Nalini De Silva

Co-opted Members: Prof. (Ms) Sujatha Hewage, Dr. Piyal

Ariyananda, Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Prof. K A S Pathirathna,

Prof. S Sotheeswaran, Dr. S Weliwegamage, Prof. (Ms) S

Wimalasena, Dr. (Ms) T Gobika, Prof. (Ms) Hema Pathirana, Dr.

M N Kaumal, Dr. Dinara S Gunasekera, Dr. R Parthipan, Mr. D B N

Perera, Dr. (Ms) R Kandiah, Dr. (Ms) V M Thadhani, Dr. Udaya

Jayasundara, Mr. P R K Fernando, Dr. W A D S R Gunatilake, Dr. C

N Ratnaweera, Dr. H M M Infas

Certificate Courses at CCS

The classes for above courses are held for 8-15 weeks depending on the number of credits. Application forms can be obtained from CCS

office, 341/22, Adamantane house, Welikada, Rajagiriya or can be downloaded at . Please contact 0 11 4015230,

0 11 2861653, 011 2861231 or email Dr M Lamabadusuriya at for any inquiries.

http://www.ichemc.edu.lk/

manuja_uoc@hotmail.com

Ramazan Festival 2015th The Ramazan Festival of the CCS was held on 15 August 2015 at

Adamantane House. The Festival was a symbol of the inter-cultural

harmony within the Institution with the participation of a large number of

students. Lunch was provided after the event for all staff and students.

#b eTHEIRsmile# b e T H E I R s m i l e , a

c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e

project, organized by

Rotaract Club of CCS was

successfully completed thon the 14 of August

2015 at the cancer

hospital. With the help of

the Hony. Rector, the academic staff of CCS and the students, the club did

an amazing job in putting a smile on the kids faces and lessening the burden

of medication of the patients.

Seminar Presentations Seminar Presentations C 3992/4992, which is a new course

that was introduced for Level 3 and 4 students, were held on th th26 May & 27 May, 2015.

Literature Survey The final year literature seminar presentations was held at the

stAdmantane House on 1 June, 2015.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent! Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb! Education will not; the World in full of educated derelicts! Persistence and Determination are omnipotent! - Calvin Coolidge

Workshop on NanotechnologythThis will be held on the 27 of November at Adamantane

House. The Key-note speaker is Professor K M Nalin de Silva,

Science team leader, SLINTEC. Dr. T. Gobika is the coordinator

for this event.

-4-

News of MembersDr. Nimal Punyasiri, Grad.Chem. has been promoted from Head of

Research plant research center Nature's Beauty Creations Ltd (Natures'

Secret) to Director, Research and Development.

Annual Sessions 2015thThe 44 Annual Sessions of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

thwas inaugurated on 17 June at the Auditorium of Centre for

Banking Studies, Rajagiriya. The Chief Guest was Mr. Athauda

Jayawaradena, President, Organization for Professional

Associations of Sri Lanka. The Guest of Honour was Professor

Upali Samarajeewa, Past President, Institute of Chemistry thCeylon. The 44 AGM of the Institute was thereafter held at

Adamantane House.

The Theme Seminar on “The Role of Chemistry in Food Safety thand Food Security” was held on 18 June. The Chief Guest

Address on “Food Safety” was delivered by Mr. E G Somapala,

Former Government Analyst. Dr. W M W Weerakoon, Dr.

Sirimal Premakumara, Prof Upali Samarajeewa, Prof T R

Ariyaratne, Dr. M C N Jayasuriya, Dr. Sachie Panawala, Prof H D

Gunawardhana delivered Guest lectures at this event. thThe Annual Dinner was held on 18 June at Opulent River Face

Hotel, Kotte when Mr. K R Dayananda was inducted as

President for 2015/2016.

Council 2015/16President : Mr. K R Dayananda

President Elect : Mr. M R M Haniffa

Vice President : Dr. Poshitha Premaratne

Immediate Past President : Prof. H D Gunawardhana

Hony. Jt. Secretaries : Dr A A P Keerthi & Dr. R Senthilinithy

Hony. Treasurer : Prof. M D P De Costa

Hony. Asst. Treasurer : Mr. N M S Hettigedara

Hony. Editor : Dr. (Ms) Sujatha Hewage

Hony. Asst. Editor : Dr. (Ms) H I C de Silva

Secretary/International Relations : Prof. ( Ms ) R Wijesekera

Chairman/Academic Board : Prof. S P Deraniyagala

Secretary /Educational Affairs : Dr. (Ms) Chandani Udawatte

Chairman, A & EP Committee : Mr. E G Somapala

Secretary, A & EP Committee : Mrs. Deepika Senevirathne

Chairman, Board of Trustees : Prof. H D Gunawardhana

Elected Members: Prof. (Ms.) S Samarasinghe, Prof. S Liyanage, Prof. (Ms.) J

Liyanage, Prof. (Ms.) P A Paranagama, Prof. K R R Mahanama, Dr. (Ms.) Nandini

Ediriweera, Dr. (Ms.) L S R Arambewela, Ms. M N K de S Goonetilleke, Mr. R M G B

Rajanayaka, Ms. P M Jayasinha

Mr. Athauda Jayawaradena, Chief Guest

delivering his address

Mr. Athauda Jayawaradena, Chief Guest

delivering his address

Australian National Chemistry Quiz 2015thThe Australian National Chemistry Quiz 2015 was held on 25 July, 2015.

Nearly 10,000 students from 140 schools participated in this quiz in 34

Centers Island wide.

A jointly organized seminar by the OPA and the IChemC

The Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) of Sri Lanka jointly

with the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon organized a seminar on 'Cosmetic rdChemistry' on 3 August 2015 at the OPA Auditorium. Mr. K R Dayananda,

Prof. M D P de Costa and Dr. Sathis Wijemanne were the guest speakers for

this event. This was followed by the 'Hopper night'' for all participants.

Induction of the New President, Mr. K R Dayananda

Induction of the New President, Mr. K R Dayananda

A group of alumini, highly established in their careers, got together to

visit their old University Professor. The conversation soon turned into

complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the

Professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and

an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-

looking, some expensive, and some exquisite - telling them to help

themselves to the coffee.

After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the Professor said:

'If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving

behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only

the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

'Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most

cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously

went for the best cups… and then began eyeing each other's cups.

"Now consider this: Life is the coffee and the jobs, money and

position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life,

and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life

we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the

coffee."

Do we in our daily life choose the Coffee or the Cup? Think!

Have a Good Cup of Coffee! It is the Coffee that should matter and not the cup!

Mr. K R Dayananda

"SUCCESS is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm" - Winston Churchill

-5-

GRADUATESHIP EXAMINATION IN CHEMISTRY 2015

LEVELS 3 & 4 - First SemesterSubject Prizes for Best PerformancesDharmarathne Wasala Prize for Computational Chemistry Ms. L A Wijesekara

N.M.S. Hettigedara Family Prize for Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry Ms. L A Wijesekara

Dr. Rohan Perera Prize for Chemical & Molecular Toxicology Ms. L A Wijesekara

W. R. O. Fernando Memorial Prize for Energetics & Kinetics Mr. D Manawadu

Mr & Mrs N.I.N.S. Nadarasa Prize for Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry Mr. D Manawadu

CCS Prize for Electrochemical Technology Ms. A S N Kurian

Ms. Careen Manel Abeywardena Memorial Prize for Natural Products Ms. A S N Kurian

Dr. Lakshman Ponnamperuma Prize for Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry Ms. U K M Bopitiya

Dharmachandra & Thamarasa Gunawardhana Prize for Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry

Ms. A A S V Fernando & Ms. U K M Bopitiya

CCS Prize for Further Topics in Physical Chemistry Ms. H R Atapattu

Prize for Particle Physics Ms. M S N Ranasinghe

Prize for Quality Management Ms. Y M R De Silva

LEVEL 2 - First SemesterSubject Prizes for Best PerformancesProfessor J.N. Oleap Fernando Prize for Physical Chemistry Ms. M C Haputhanthri

Professor Samitha P. Deraniyagala Prize for Inorganic Chemistry Ms. K P Chandrakanthan

Professor Siromi Samarasinghe Prize for Organic Chemistry Ms. A M O H Amarasinghe

The year 2015 began with a hive of

activity, mainly focused on the graduation

ceremony / convocation of the College of

Chemical Sciences, the most eagerly looked forward to event in any thgiven year. It was held on 19 February at Eagle Lakeside, Attidiya;

the success of the event was a tribute to Emeritus Professor J N O

Fernando (JNOF) for his untiring efforts, meticulous care and

efficiency. It was well attended and indeed, a very happy occasion. ndHowever, a couple of weeks later (2 March 2015), we were shocked

to learn about the sudden demise of Prof JNOF. We were

dumbfounded and in a state of shock for quite some time. In the end,

the whole Institute Community rose to the occasion in giving a fitting

farewell to the man who stood tall at all occasions, fought tooth and

nail for the benefit of the Institute at all times.

The untimely death of Prof JNOF has created a void that no

single person can fill. His commitment and vision for the ICHEMC

was extraordinary which saw the Institute grow from infancy to what

it is today. Hence, I consider this year as one of the most, if not the

most, challenging period for the ICHEMC, as we are entrusted with

the task of taking forward the objectives of the Institute; the mantle

of leadership has fallen on the shoulders of the present Council

members under my leadership, a tough task indeed. thIn January 26 of 1941 Ceylon Chemical Society was established;

it was then transformed to Institute of Chemistry Ceylon in the year

1971 by an act of Parliament in 1972. Hence, the year 2016 would be

quite significant as we celebrate 75 years of our existence. I consider

it as a singular honour for me in more ways than one as I am the first

graduate chemist to hold the prestigious position of President, thICHEMC and that too, in its 75 Year. I am one the few who joined the

very first batch of students offering the Graduateship Course in

Chemistry in 1979. It is most unfortunate, therefore, that Prof JNOF

is not there to celebrate my Presidency as it was he who groomed

me to take on the role of President, ICHEMC.

Among the many goals set for this year, my first priority is to

carry forward the vision / ideas of late Prof JNO Fernando. He tried

his best to ensure that our own graduates are recognized locally

and internationally; certain issues in this regard are being

addressed at the moment.

Chemistry has contributed immensely towards the new

technological developments; chemical industries serve the global

population with new products and formulations with added

advantages in terms of affordable prices. However, the role played

by chemists who developed these products remain unknown to the

vast majority of end users. Majority pharmaceuticals that we use

today are chemical compounds developed by chemists involved in

the drug development industry. Hence, gaining recognition for the

chemist should be one of the primary but long term objectives of

ICHEMC and its Members. On behalf of the Institute of Chemistry,

may I appeal to all of you to give your fullest support in this regard.

Theme of the Council this year is “Ethics and responsibilities of

professional Chemists for the National Development” in line with

some of the statements mentioned above. As an institution

commemorating 75 years I trust that the above theme is a

reminder to encourage all our members to act with a sense of

purpose and vision, to build an image for the chemists in our

society and to play a role in the transformation of the present for a

better tomorrow.

K R Dayananda, Grad.Chem. (1984), F.I.Chem.C., C.Chem., M.Phill.President, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

K R Dayananda, Grad.Chem. (1984), F.I.Chem.C., C.Chem., M.Phill.President, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Affiliate Membership

for Graduate Chemists

passing out in 2015A l l G ra d u ate s h i p s t u d e nt s

intending to graduate this year

should have obtained AFFILIATE

membership of the Institute by

now. Otherwise, they will not be

recogn ised at the Twel f th

Convocation in February 2016.

Those who have not yet done so

are requested to submit their

application forms immediately.

Membership fees can be deducted

from refundable deposit. Soon

after the Level 4 examination

results are released in December, it

will then be possible to upgrade

Affiliate Membership to Associate

Membership for successful

students.

Mr. K R DayanandaMr. K R Dayananda

Message from the PresidentMessage from the President