Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) recently launched an action plan for 2022/2023 at a ceremony held at Waters Edge, Battaramulla. The plan included the inauguration of a Secretariat for Professional Practice of Chemistry, Professional Development (CPD) programme, VChemEX 2023 – Virtual Educational – Industrial Exhibition and Trade Fair, introduction of proposal postgraduate degrees of Chemical Science and establishment of a Chemical Laboratory and Chemist Training Centre.

Minister of Education and Leader of the House Dr. Susil Premajayantha was the Chief Guest, while Prof. Sirimali Fernando participated as the Guest of Honour.

The welcome and the introductory address was delivered by the President of IChemC 2022/2023, N. M.S. Hettigedara, emphasising the continuous professional development of chemists who can play a vital role in the development of the economy, as well as in achieving the sustainable development goals.

Dr. Susil Premajayantha appreciated the action plan meant to enhance economic development through professional development of chemists and quality improvement of the chemical industries in the country. The Minister emphasised the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals of the agenda 2030 of the United Nations as a member country of IUPAC and as a professional organiation in Chemistry.

Prof Sirimali Fernando, Secretary General to the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO (SLNCU), expressed her appreciation on launching a set of activities that promote basic sciences which is on par with the 2022 International Year of Basic Sciences to achieve SDG declared by UNESCO.

Hettigedara explained that formation of the National Secretariat enables to create a group of chemistry professionals to be responsible to certify the quality of raw materials and industrial products, as well as authorized persons to be regulated on handling and disposal of chemicals in the country.

He also introduced VChemEX 2023 as a platform to promote the industrial products of manufacturing companies, while enhancing the consumer protection by providing product information such as raw materials, processors and quality assurance. This exhibition will be conducted for a period of one year.