IChemC remembers two of their greats with an unforgettable commemoration in their honour

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) held a wholehearted commemoration on 19 March, 2025, to honour the legacies of two of Sri Lanka’s foremost chemists: Prof. J.N.O. Fernando and Prof. D.T.B. Tennakoon. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Prof. Fernando’s passing and the 5th anniversary of Prof. Tennakoon’s death. The event was a tribute to their invaluable contributions to the country’s education and scientific fields.

 Dr. Quintus Perera, a retired professor from the University of Peradeniya and a close colleague of both the late professors, was the chief guest at this year’s commemoration. The event also saw the attendance of Mrs. Vihara Tennakoon, the widow of Prof. Tennakoon, and family members of both professors, who joined the ceremony in person. Mrs. Mandrupa Fernando, the beloved wife of Prof. Fernando, participated virtually from Canada. The event was also attended by IChemC’s President, Prof. Janitha Liyanage, Dean Prof. Chandani Perera, past presidents, members of IChemC, senior academics from prominent universities, including the University of Peradeniya (UoP), Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), University of Colombo (UoC), University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), and numerous students.

Professors Fernando and Tennakoon were pioneers in Sri Lanka’s educational landscape, making significant contributions to the country’s development. Prof. Fernando served as a faculty member at OUSL, while Prof. Tennakoon spent many years at UoP, contributing greatly to the field of chemistry. Both professors were also well-regarded visiting lecturers at several state universities across the country. Their work primarily focused on physical chemistry, and they published numerous research articles in prestigious journals. Their academic collaborations extended internationally, with joint efforts involving leading universities, including the University of London and the University of Oxford.

 During the commemoration, Prof. Janitha Liyanage delivered a heartfelt welcome address, reflecting on his personal experiences as an undergraduate student at USJ, where he had the privilege of learning from both professors. The immediate past president of IChemC, Prof. Namal Priyantha, introduced the chief guest and speaker, recalling his time with Prof. Tennakoon as both a teacher and colleague at the University of Peradeniya’s Chemistry Faculty.

Dr. Quintus Perera, in his memorial oration, addressed the timely topic of “Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Undergraduate Chemistry Education.” He underscored the importance of constantly updating educational curricula in response to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, urging educators to keep pace with technological changes. In his speech, Dr. Perera also paid tribute to the substantial contributions of both Professors Fernando and Tennakoon to Sri Lanka’s education sector, sharing fond personal memories of their time together.