News
Inauguration Ceremony of the Regular Intake, 2023 of Institute of Chemistry Ceylon
The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon launched the 2023 regular batch for its Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) degree in Chemical Science and the Graduateship in Chemistry (GIC) degree program on October 14, 2023, at the Adamantane House in Rajagiriya. Students, who were admitted based on results from advanced level, Edexcel, and Cambridge examinations, were welcomed by Mr. Graham Marshall, founder and current director at Incube Digital Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., who served as the chief guest. The event, under the guidance of Dean Prof. Sriyanthi Deraniyagala, included an inaugural address by the chief guest and an overview of the course curriculum by Dr. Keerthi Attanayake, head of the Department of Allied Science. Laboratory and library introductory sessions were conducted by Dr. Ranmal Gunathilake and Mr. N. Mahindasiri, respectively. Dr. Savidya Jayawardena expressed appreciation to conclude the ceremony.
The Institute began offering both the GIC program and BSc Hons degree in Chemical Science in 2021. The BSc Hons degree is a four-year, full-time program designed in accordance with the Sri Lanka Quality Framework (SLQF) Level 6, providing comprehensive education in chemistry.
The Institute is renowned for its GIC program, a four-year professional qualification accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) United Kingdom in 2012. It was the first in South Asia and second in Asia to receive RSC accreditation. In 1986, the Sri Lankan government recognized the GIC as an alternative qualification to a science degree with chemistry as a subject for employment purposes.
The Institute is committed to supporting students through various financial aid initiatives, including scholarships for underprivileged students, merit-based scholarships, bursaries, and sports scholarships. These programs aim to provide opportunities for students to become part of the Institute, fostering academic growth, research skills, critical thinking, and proficiency in the chemical sciences.
Enrollment for the 2023 intake is open until the end of October, encouraging ambitious students with a passion for chemistry and a desire to become outstanding scientists to apply.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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