Our History
From the Chemical Society of Ceylon in 1941 to the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon today — a legacy of advancing Chemistry in Sri Lanka.
A long-standing tradition in Chemical Science
The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) is the successor to the Chemical Society of Ceylon, founded in 1941.
The Institute was established in 1971 for the general advancement of the science and practice of Chemistry. It subsequently became incorporated by Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1972.
Today, IChemC serves as a professional, qualifying and examination body for the Chemical Sciences and is responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of the profession of Chemistry in Sri Lanka.
The beginning of our story
The Chemical Society of Ceylon was founded in 1941, establishing the foundation for what would become the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.
The Journey of IChemC
Key milestones that shaped the development of the Institute and the profession of Chemistry in Sri Lanka.
Chemical Society of Ceylon
The Chemical Society of Ceylon was founded, establishing an organized scientific community dedicated to Chemistry in Ceylon.
Institute of Chemistry Established
The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon was established for the general advancement of the science and practice of Chemistry.
Incorporated by Act of Parliament
The Institute was incorporated under Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1972, formally establishing its statutory identity as the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.
Recognition under the Universities Act
The Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 subsequently provided the legal framework under which IChemC would be recognized as a Degree Awarding Institute under Section 25A.
Declared an Approved Charity
The Institute was declared an approved charity by an Order published in the Government Gazette No. 121.
Golden Jubilee
The Institute celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking fifty years of the institution's heritage dating from its origins in 1941.
Diamond Jubilee
The Institute celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, marking sixty years since the founding of the Chemical Society of Ceylon.
Full Membership of IUPAC
IChemC became a full member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), strengthening its international links within the Chemical Sciences.
Fifty & Sixty Years
Two important anniversaries marked significant milestones in the Institute's journey.
Golden Jubilee
The Institute marked fifty years of its history from the founding of the Chemical Society of Ceylon in 1941.
Diamond Jubilee
The Institute marked sixty years of its institutional heritage.
More Than Eight Decades of Chemistry
The Institute's history is closely connected with the development of Chemistry education, professional practice and scientific activity in Sri Lanka.
Professional Body
IChemC has developed as a professional body representing the Chemical Sciences and supporting the status and advancement of the profession of Chemistry in Sri Lanka.
Education
The Institute has made significant contributions to education, particularly tertiary education, and to the development of professional qualifications in Chemistry.
Chemical Knowledge
Through professional activities, publications, examinations, research and scientific programmes, IChemC continues to support the dissemination of chemical knowledge.
Research
The Institute encourages research and provides opportunities for the presentation and exchange of scientific work in the Chemical Sciences.
Professional Recognition
IChemC has developed membership, professional qualifications and recognition mechanisms that contribute to the advancement of Chemistry as a profession.
International Links
The Institute has established relationships with professional and learned bodies in Sri Lanka and internationally.
From a scientific society to a national professional institution
The history of IChemC reflects the evolution of a scientific community into a professional institution serving the Chemical Sciences in Sri Lanka.
Beginning with the Chemical Society of Ceylon in 1941, the institution has grown through successive stages of development while retaining its commitment to the advancement of Chemistry and its applications.
Its statutory establishment in 1972 provided a formal foundation for the Institute's continuing role in professional education, examinations, research, scientific communication and the advancement of Chemistry.
The Institute Today
Today, the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon continues the legacy established by the Chemical Society of Ceylon, serving as a professional, qualifying and examination body for Chemistry in Sri Lanka.
The Institute has made significant strides in education, particularly tertiary education, while contributing to awareness of the importance of Chemistry in everyday life and in the development of industry.
IChemC also maintains close relationships with professional and learned organizations in Sri Lanka and abroad, including the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka, the Royal Society of Chemistry Sri Lanka Section, SLAAS, the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies and IUPAC.
Discover IChemC
Learn more about the Institute, its purpose and the people guiding its work.
Continue the Legacy
Discover the opportunities, programmes and professional community that continue the work begun by generations of chemists in Sri Lanka.