Articles

The University of Moratuwa hosted the 22nd Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing (GCSM 2026) in Colombo from 23rd to 25th September 2026, for the first time in Sri Lanka, under the theme “Circular Manufacturing for Sustainable Future.” The conference brought together participants from 27 countries, featuring keynote presentations, research papers, technical sessions, industry discussions, and industrial visits. With initiatives such as tree planting, eco-friendly conference materials, and plantable pens, the event demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. Its successful organisation enhanced Sri Lanka’s international recognition in sustainable manufacturing and strengthened collaboration between academia and industry.

The University of Moratuwa proudly congratulates Prof. Dulani Meedeniya and Prof. Thilini U. Ariyadasa on their inclusion in the prestigious Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists List 2026. This recognition reflects the international impact of their research contributions and further highlights the University’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and the advancement of knowledge. The annual ranking recognizes researchers whose scholarly contributions have achieved significant global influence, as measured through standardized citation indicators. Compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier, the database evaluates both career-long and single-year research impact across 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields. Its composite indicator considers factors such as citation counts, co-authorship, and authorship position, thereby emphasizing the quality and influence of research rather than publication volume alone.

Prof. (Mrs.) Gayithri Kuruppu has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, with effect from 15th September 2026. She is the 4th Dean of the Faculty of Business established in 2017. Prof. (Mrs.) Kuruppu is a Professor in the Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Business, and has served the University of Moratuwa in several academic capacities since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Finance from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colombo, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Behavioural Finance from the University of Wollongong, Australia.

The University of Moratuwa proudly celebrates the recognition of Prof. (Mrs.) Dileeka Dias and Ms. Vishaka Nanayakkara in the landmark Asian publication Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advancing SDGs in Asia, published by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) through its Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Committee. Their inclusion marks a significant achievement for both the University and Sri Lanka. The publication which features 49 women scientists, researchers and leaders from 14 countries across Asia, includes four from Sri Lanka. Significantly, two of the four Sri Lankan women featured are from the University of Moratuwa.

A delegation from Tianjin University, China, comprising three professors together with postgraduate and undergraduate students, visited the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, on 25th August 2026. The visit provided an opportunity for academics and students from both universities to exchange knowledge, research insights and ideas in areas of mutual interest, particularly environmental engineering, sustainable technologies, wastewater treatment, and resource recovery. The event was hosted at the University of Moratuwa by Waste to Value (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka.

Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala assumed duties as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa on 3rd  September 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the University. Prof. Hemapala is a distinguished academic, engineer, researcher and administrator with extensive experience in higher education and the energy sector. A Senior Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, he previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from October 2022 to September 2024 and as Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering from January 2021 to October 2022. He also served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy from September 2024 to April 2026.

What is iPrOTeCT ? The Global Health Research Group of the National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK (NIHR) on Physical Trauma from Injury and Post-Conflict (iPrOTeCT) is working to improve the care and rehabilitation of people affected by physical trauma, particularly in low-resource and post-conflict settings, through collaborative research, capacity strengthening, and context-appropriate healthcare innovations. The iPrOTeCT convention brings together academic institutions, clinicians, and researchers from the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, and Lebanon, forming a strong international and interdisciplinary partnership. The consortium is jointly led by Professor Anthony Bull of Imperial College London, Professor Ruwan Gopura of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Professor Abebe Bekele of the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, and Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah of the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. As iPrOTeCT approaches the final year of its program, the collaboration continues to advance research, strengthen capacity, and support the translation of research and innovation into meaningful improvements in trauma care and rehabilitation.

The University of Moratuwa is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Thanuja Sandanayake as the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology from April 2026. Professor Thanuja Sandanayake is a senior academic attached to the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of the faculty, and has made significant contributions to teaching, research, academic administration, and student development throughout her career at the University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Technololgy and has established a strong academic reputation in the areas of researh in Educational Technology, Organisational Behaviour, and Social Innovation.