ChemECon 2023, the undergraduate research symposium of the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering (DCPE), University of Moratuwa, was successfully conducted on the 17th of August 2023 at the department premises. This dynamic symposium showcased the groundbreaking research findings of undergraduates under the captivating theme, "Solutions Worth Spreading". This distinguished event drew the attention of industry luminaries, researchers, and sponsors from diverse industrial sectors in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Thilini U. Ariyadasa, the Chairperson of ChemECon 2023, welcomed the audience at the inauguration of the symposium which was graced by the distinguished presence of Dr. D.P. Chandrasekara, Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa; Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, Dean Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies; and Prof. Shantha Egodage, Head of Department, DCPE. Furthermore, the HODs of the Faculty and academic staff members of DCPE joined the event. Notably, the CEO and President of CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd, Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, honoured the event as the esteemed Chief Guest, while the Keynote Speaker for the event was Mr. Janaka Gammanpila, the Group CEO & Deputy Managing Director of Silvermill Group. The valuable insights and expertise on the essence of how chemical engineers can contribute to the development of Sri Lanka and its economy, and the role of research in innovation and addressing global challenges were shared by the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker.
Fresh graduates of DCPE captivated the audience at ChemECon 2023 as they unveiled the outcomes of their final year research projects across three engaging sub-sessions: Process Development & Optimization, Environmental Engineering & Process Safety, and Energy Engineering & Clean Technology. Remarkably, as the symposium concluded, ChemECon 2023 emerged as a vibrant arena for academic exchange and innovation, celebrating not only the accomplishments of these fresh graduates but also underscoring the transformative impact their findings could wield on industry innovation.
Dr. Ariyadasa, being the Chairperson, played a pivotal role in the organization of this successful event which proved to be a fruitful experience for all participants. Moreover, the exposure gained by coordinating an event of this magnitude was a great experience for the organizing committee.