In Loving Memory of Professor Emeritus Ramanee Wijesekera

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we remember Professor Emeritus Ramanee Wijesekera, a remarkable educator, mentor, and compassionate human being whose life and work touched generations of students, colleagues, and friends.

Her commitment to education went far beyond the classroom. Through her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering dedication, she nurtured not only the minds but also the lives of those fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside her. Her influence will live on in the many students she guided, inspired, and supported throughout her distinguished career.

She played an instrumental role in establishing CUFSAA’s Gold Medal for the Special Degree Program in Computational Chemistry, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and her desire to recognize and encourage the achievements of future generations.
For those who knew her, Professor Wijesekera will be remembered not simply for her academic accomplishments, but for the warmth of her spirit, her generosity, and the lasting difference she made in the lives of others. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our community and will continue to inspire us for years to come.

CUFSAA joins the entire University community in mourning this profound loss and in celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Ramanee Wijesekera.

May she rest in eternal peace, and may her memory forever remain a blessing to all whose lives she touched. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

North America Inter-University Alumni Softball Cricket Tournament 2026

A championship day to remember for the University of Colombo!

The 2026 North America Inter-University Alumni Softball Cricket Tournament was an incredible day filled with exciting cricket, great sportsmanship, old friendships, and plenty of UoC spirit!

Championship League

Champions: University of Colombo!
Runners-Up: University of Moratuwa

Individual Honors

Best Batsman: Selva Thiagarajah (University of Moratuwa)
Best Bowler: Indika Mallawarachchi (University of Colombo)
Best Fielder: Dhanushan Wijayaratna (University of Colombo)
Most Valuable Player: Ramesh Gunaratna (University of Colombo)

Masters League

Champions: University of Moratuwa
Runners-Up: University of Peradeniya

Huge congratulations to our UoC champions and to every player who gave their all on the field!

A heartfelt thank you to all the teams, players, organizers, volunteers, families, friends, and supporters who made this tournament such a memorable one.

From the cricket field to the sidelines, the Sri Lankan university alumni spirit in North America continues to shine!

Find more details & event information in:

https://www.cufsaa.com/cricket-tournament-2026/

Synthetic and Drug Discovery Lab is now Complete

We have now completed the Synthetic Chemistry and Drug Discovery Laboratory at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. Made possible by US$ 50,299.97 in generous donations from the members of the Colombo University Faculty of Science Alumni Association–North America (CUFSAA-NA), together with the commitment of Prof. Nalin de Silva, his staff, and Faculty colleagues, the project has transformed a ground-floor room into a modern research facility. The installation of the CCTV system marks another important step toward completion. The Faculty extends its sincere appreciation to CUFSAA-NA for its generous support and continued commitment to strengthening research and innovation.

Establishment of Nanoscience and Microelectronics Research Laboratory (NMRL) at the University of Colombo

Thanks to the generosity of CUFSAA alumni and well-wishers (including various institutional partners in Sri Lanka, the USA, and Canada), the Nanoscience and Microelectronics Research Laboratory (NMRL) at the University of Colombo has received its first two pieces of equipment, a Spin Coater and a Potentiostat/Galvanostat workstation valued at US$ 10,000. These instruments mark the first tangible milestone of the CUFSAA-supported Natural Resources-Based Nanofabrication Core Facility, adding thin-film deposition and supercapacitor electrochemistry characterization capability that will enable impactful research on Sri Lankan natural resources and nanomaterials.

The NMRL group leader, working with the head of the Department of Physics and the office of the Dean, Faculty of Science, at UOC, worked diligently to clear the instruments at customs. CUFSAA stands ready to acquire the next set of equipment as soon as the NMRL group leader identifies the immediate research needs from the initial list supplied.

The NMRL faculty and students, together with CUFSAA, sincerely thank all alumni, donors, and well-wishers for their enthusiastic support and commitment to advancing research and innovation at UOC and in Sri Lanka. Please see a few images supplied by the UOC NMRL group.

Donation of a High-Performance Workstation and a Graphic Monitor to the Physics Department

Thanks to the generosity of a CUFSAA alumnus, the Department of Physics recently received a high-performance workstation and a graphic monitor valued at US$ 4,509.65.

This valuable contribution will significantly enhance the computational facilities of the Department of Physics and support its teaching and research activities, particularly in areas that require high-performance computing resources.

We are deeply grateful to the donor for this generous contribution and for supporting the advancement of science, education, and research at the University. Their generosity will make a meaningful difference to our students, faculty, and the broader academic community.

Launch Pad Student Grant Program

CUFSAA-NA has fulfilled its promise to support Faculty of Science students experiencing severe financial hardship, successfully completing the initial three-year funding commitment made to the Faculty through its Launch Pad Student Grant Program. The initiative provides annual grants of $360 to help students continue their studies despite financial challenges. In 2025, 36 students received support, and the committee has now approved the 2026 recipients to ensure that financial assistance reaches them without further delay.

CUFSAA-NA extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Romaine Jayewardene and all Faculty subcommittee members for their invaluable contributions to the program’s successful implementation over the past three consecutive years. Inspired by the vision of Prof. Kirthi Premadasa, this meaningful initiative will continue beyond its initial term under the new leadership of Prabhath Kuruwitaarachchi, while Prof. Premadasa remains on the subcommittee to provide continued guidance and support. Fundraising is currently underway for the 2026 grant cycle, and those wishing to support the program can learn more or donate at www.cufsaa.com/launch-pad.

High-Performance Workstations to the Department of Plant Sciences

At present, the limited number of high-performance computing (HPC) facilities at the Plant Science department continues to restrict their capacity to conduct advanced research in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and systems biology. Many current projects require processing large datasets, often ranging from 100 to 300 GB, generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Although the currently available HPCs have enabled high-throughput research, they lack the necessary memory and GPU capacity, making it impossible to run full pipelines or complete analyses within a reasonable timeframe.

The Plant Science department proposes two workstations, each valued at LKR 1,690,950 with a combined estimated cost of US$ 11,272. These systems will be custom-built in Sri Lanka, and fundraising is currently underway. CUFSAA gratefully acknowledges the continued generosity of its donors and invites those interested in supporting this initiative to donate at https://ww.cufsaa.com/plantsciproject2/.

Department of Statistics Computer Laboratory Upgrade Project

The Department of Statistics at the University of Colombo is seeking support to upgrade its main computer laboratory, a vital learning space used by undergraduate and postgraduate students studying statistics, data science, and analytics. While the laboratory can accommodate around 100 students, only 24 computers currently meet the requirements needed to run modern software used in teaching and research. Many of the remaining computers are more than 15 years old and struggle to support today’s computational tools.

As data science and analytics continue to play an increasingly important role across industries, students need access to modern computing resources to develop practical skills in programming, machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Unfortunately, outdated equipment often leads to disruptions during laboratory sessions and limits the learning experience that students deserve.

By upgrading the laboratory with modern computers and supporting infrastructure, they can provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools such as R, Python, SPSS, and machine learning software. This investment will strengthen the quality of education, improve student outcomes, and help prepare graduates for successful careers in a data-driven world. Most importantly, it will create opportunities for hundreds of students each year to learn, innovate, and reach their full potential.

The Need
They need at least 40 computers. One computer cost is estimated at $750-$1000. Our goal is raise funds sufficient to donate 20 computers. (Estimated Cost for project: US$15,000-US$20,000)

Please Donate!

On behalf of CUFSAA-NA, we invite your generous contribution to make this project a reality.

Microplater and the Replacement Lamp Donation

CUFSAA gratefully acknowledges Dr. Lakmal Boteju for his generous donation of a microplate reader valued at US$ 3,200. CUFSAA also purchased a replacement lamp for US$ 844. Both items have been shipped and are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in September 2026.

SciFac Student Laptop Loaner Program

Computer Science is taken by almost all students (over 600 from level 1 & about 500 from level 2). UoC offers four CS courses in level 1 and 2, and computational techniques are embedded in many other faculty courses. Unfortunately, many students cannot afford to buy laptops and they don’t get the maximum benefit from the courses. CUFSAA has partnered with SciFac in establishing a Student Laptop Loaner Program with an initial pool of 20-25 laptops and make them available to students for specific activities (courses, exams, thesis, etc.). To-date, we have purchased eleven laptops to be sent out to the science faculty via volunteers visiting Sri Lanka. A nine laptops have already been donated to the science faculty. We welcome two more volunteers who are interested in taking one computer to the Science Faculty if you are visiting Sri Lanka before the end of 2026. Our sincere appreciation and thanks to our donors and all those who volunteered to take a computer to Sri Lanka. Thank you Prof. Oshadha Ranasingha for taking the 9th laptop to the faculty.

Gold Medals and Scholarships

Gold Medals and Scholarships: CUFSAA continued its gold medal(s) and scholarship(s) program which was established to honor former professors (Professor M.L.T. Kannangara, Professor Valentine Joseph, and Professor L.M.V. Tillekeratne) and awarded five scholarships and gold medals in 2025. A gold medal was also awarded for the special degree program in computational chemistry.

This year’s (2026) gold medal winners are:
• Professor MLT Kannangara Gold Medal for the Most Outstanding Physics Student of the Year Winners – Ms. Shehara De Silva
• Prof. L M V Tillekeratne Gold Medal – Mr. M F A Ahamed
• Gold Medal for Computational Chemistry special degree – Mr. A M B De Zoysa
• Prof. Valentine Joseph Gold Medal – TBA

Annual East Coast Cricket Festival – New Jersey

CUFSAA at the Annual East Coast Cricket Festival – New Jersey!

What an incredible day for our CUFSAA team!

Our CUFSAA stall at the annual East Coast Cricket Festival in New Jersey was buzzing with energy, teamwork, and plenty of delicious homemade food. Alumni from across the NJ/PA/NY tri-state area came together in full force—cooking, organizing, serving, and representing CUFSAA with pride and heart.
But the best part? We didn’t just serve food—we raised funds for a purpose. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who stopped by, we were able to support CUFSAA’s ongoing initiatives, including:

Scholarships for deserving students in Sri Lanka
The Nuclear Science Laboratory project, strengthening scientific education and infrastructure
Our broader mission of uplifting the University of Colombo community in both the United States and Sri Lanka

It was truly a team effort—full of laughter, shared work, friendly chaos, and moments that reminded us why this alumni network is so special. Events like this strengthen our bonds, build team spirit, and demonstrate what we can accomplish when we come together for a common cause.
A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, donor, and supporter who made this event such a success. Here’s to more collaboration, more community, and more CUFSAA pride!

CUFSAA Distinguished Speaker Series

CUFSAA continued its Distinguished Speaker Series in 2026, connecting students with leading experts to strengthen their scientific knowledge and support their academic and professional development.

This year’s speakers included:
• April 2026: “From Bedside to Model: Multisite Analysis of Immune Suppression,” presented by Prof. Krishni Wijesooriya, Professor of Radiation Oncology and Physics at the University of Virginia.
• May 2026: “Evaluation and Development of Resources for Genome Editing and Genetic Engineering in Solanum tuberosum,” presented by Dr. Thilani Bhagya Jayakody of Aarhus University, Denmark.
• June 2026: “Real World Applications of Biostatistics in Health Research,” presented by Dr. Soutik Ghosal, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Virginia.
• July 2026: “Graduate Studies Abroad and Beyond: Building a Successful Career in Science,” presented by Dr. Charuksha Walgama, Assistant Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Houston Clear Lake.

The CUFSAA Member Services Committee also hosted “Your Career Starts With One Conversation,” featuring Dr. Randhara Pulukkodi, Dr. Krishan Gunawadhana, Mrs. Chryshanie Fernandopulle, and Dr. Hashika Fernando. The panel shared practical guidance on networking, mentorship, professional development, industry careers, and finding opportunities after graduation.

The next Professional Development Series talk, featuring Prof. Irosha Nawarathne, will take place on October 21 at 9:00 p.m. EDT. CUFSAA thanks everyone who supported the series and welcomes suggestions at speaker-series@cufsaa.org. Previous talks are available on the Speaker Series webpage and YouTube channel.

How to Become a member of the Colombo University Science Faculty Alumni Association- North America

It is easy! There are no Fees or Dues!!

Please visit CUFSAA website (cufsaa.com) and fill out the online membership form. The link to the page is https://www.cufsaa.com/membership-form/

Alternatively, you can email info@cufsaa.org the following details about you.

1. Name
2. Postal Address
3. Telephone Numbers
4. Email Address
5. Nature of Association with the Faculty of Science of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Tell if you were a staff member, undergraduate student, graduate student, etc..)
6. Duration of your association. Please let us know the beginning and ending year of your association.

Thanks!
CUFSAA

Newsletter Editorial Policy: CUFSAA welcomes news articles about the University of Colombo Science Faculty alumni for potential inclusion in our newsletter, website or both. The news item must be about alumni and submitted by a member or members of CUFSAA. The editorial committee is especially interested in professional achievements, outstanding contributions, and notable recognition of alumni.The editorial committee reserves the rights to edit the submission as deemed necessary for publication and to make the final decision on the acceptance. Please submit your articles via email to info@cufsaa.org. Please note that the editorial committee, if needed in consultation with the CUFSAA executive committee, makes the final decision on the acceptance of the article and where it would appear. Please visit, CUFSAA Newsletter Article Acceptance Policy page on our website for additional information. Thank you!

About Us: Colombo University Faculty of Science Alumni Association – North America (CUFSAA-NA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of New Jersey, is formed exclusively for social, charitable, and educational purposes to foster, maintain and support a mutually beneficial relationship between the alumni of the Colombo University, Faculty of Science living in North America, The University of Colombo, and the community at large. Your contributions to CUFSAA-NA may be tax deductible. Join us and support these worthy causes. Send an email to info@cufsaa.org.

CUFSAA Newsletter Committee
Colombo University Science Faculty Alumni Association