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Aussie university awards simultaneous PhDs to SL twins

Published

3 years ago

2022/12/20

Identical twins Thejani and Nadeesha Gunaratne received their doctorates on 17 December in Melbourne, one day before International Twins Day. (Pic courtesy University of Melbourne)

For the first time in its 168-year history, the University of Melbourne has awarded simultaneous PhDs to identical Sri Lankan twins.

The Melbourne University has said in a media statement that Nadeesha and Thejani Gunaratne commenced PhDs with the University, in 2016, following studies in Food Science and Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in their home country of Sri Lanka.

Both received their doctorates on Saturday 17 December in Melbourne, one day before International Twins Day.

During their PhD, both twins researched new ways to measure and analyse consumers’ emotional and sensory responses to chocolate in complementary research, with Thejani focusing on the impact of chocolate flavour and Nadeesha on the impact of packaging.

According to the University of Melbourne, their PhD research topics were:

Nadeesha Gunaratne – Implementation of non-invasive biometrics to identify effects of chocolate packaging towards consumer emotional and sensory responses

Thejani Gunaratne – Development and implementation of novel sensory evaluation procedures of consumer acceptability towards chocolate, based on emotions and biometric responses.

Their graduation ceremony was originally planned for March 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic.

Thejani is now a Senior Experimental Scientist – Sensory and Consumer Science at CSIRO in Melbourne and Nadeesha is a Research Scientist – Sensory and Consumer Products at Amway in Los Angeles.

“Being born twins, we have a unique bond that’s hard to explain to other people,” Thejani said.

“The fact that we have completed all important milestones together, primary school, high school and now university, has made our lives even more enjoyable. We were eagerly waiting to attend the PhD graduation together as it means a lot to us.”

Although the twins now live on opposite sides of the world, Nadeesha says they’re closer than ever.

“We still talk multiple times a day whether it’s by text, over the phone or on Zoom,” she said. “The fact that we’re finally together and were able to graduate together in person is a dream come true for both of us and our family.”

Under the supervision of Professor Frank Dunshea, Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes and Dr Damir Torrico, during their individual PhDs, the twins used technology developed in the University of Melbourne’s Sensory Lab, to apply biometrics – including skin temperature, facial micro-expressions and heart rate – to develop machine learning models and an evidence-based understanding of how consumers respond to both chocolate and its packaging, consciously and unconsciously.

They achieved seven academic journal publications in their PhDs, all with both twins as co-authors.

Their research highlights that our enjoyment of chocolate products and other foods – and our decisions to purchase them – are driven by far more factors than taste alone.

“When we buy food, based on its packaging and labels, we expect it to both taste good and match what that packaging tells us,” Nadeesha said.

“In the past, sensory research relied heavily on what participants said or did, which provides useful information on how consumers consciously respond to products, but limited on scientific data such as unconscious and emotional responses, which have a major impact on their experience and whether they’ll buy the same product again.”

Professor Dunshea said the biometric techniques, applied by Nadeesha and Thejani in their research, at the University, has added to our ability to conduct data-based sensory science research in recent years.

“For the food industries, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in Australia, with an export focus, this allows greater certainty that new foods will appeal to consumers and are more likely to result in repeat purchases. For consumers, it means more enjoyable foods that live up to the promise of what the packaging communicates,” Professor Dunshea said.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

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Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.