Second International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology (FCT) 2024

20-22 June 2024 | Hotel Marino Beach, Colombo

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC), as per its vision, “To uplift the quality of life for a better world through the advancement of chemical sciences” and the mission, “To be the center of excellence in chemical sciences for the socio-economic development through education, research and innovation”, has formulated many aims and objectives for the efficient function of the Institute. In addition to the conduct of many educational programmes leading to degrees and diplomas, the Institute promotes and advances the science of Chemistry and its applications in Sri Lanka; promotes the acquisition, dissemination and interchange the knowledge in Chemistry; and promotes, encourage and foster original research in Chemistry.

Technology grows to liberate mankind from the constraints of the past. The most revolutionary aspect of technology is its mobility, which has led to the fourth industrial revolution, which concentrates on digitalization and artificial intelligence being experienced by humans today. Application of chemical science toward technological advancement is thus a key factor in industrial development which is needed to fulfil the demands of the population. Accordingly, having completed the 1st international conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology (FCT) in 2021 as a virtual event, the Council of the Institute decided to hold the 2nd international conference on FCT in June 2024 on grand scale as a physical event. It was a timely event because chemical sciences play a valuable role to fulfil the technological need for achieving circular economies, where resources which may not have a much economic value are converted into different forms with increased economic value. Chemical technology is an ever-expanding industry, and chemistry being the connecting science, chemists are able to collaborate with other scientists to solve global problems in diversified areas, including the health of humans and the environment.

This conference was organized to be in line with the top ten emerging technologies recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC); sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations; and the theme of the 2023/24 Council year of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, “Chemical Science for Technological Advancement: Empowering the Future”. Accordingly, the sub-themes of the conference were identified as:

• Energy: Sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
• Environment: Climate Change, pollution, and green chemistry.
• Medicine: Chemistry, pharmaceutical, and herbal technology.
• Waste: Management, value addition, and circular economy.
• Food: Security, safety and quality innovation strategies in chemical education.

In addition, two breakout sessions were devoted to the chemical industry and academic research, and women in the chemistry profession. A pre-conference workshop was also held under the theme of low-cost laboratory approaches of chemical education, an integral aspect of moving toward advances of chemical technology.

The major objectives of the conference were:

• To introduce the latest technological innovations to the chemical industry.
• To provide chemical inventors a platform to commercialize their inventions.
• To provide economic benefits to the country.
• To update the chemical community with the frontiers in chemical technology.
• To provide an opportunity for early career chemists to update their knowledge.
• To provide opportunity for professional development of women chemists.

The conference held on the 20-22 June 2024 at the Hotel Marino Beach, 590 Marine Drive, Colombo 3, was bloomed by the Chief Guest, Dr. Ale Palermo, Head of Global Inclusion at the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK, and Prof. Sabu Thomas, Chairman, Trivandrum Engineering Science & Technology Park, Mahathma Gandhi University, India, as the Guest of Honour. Additionally, many Plenary Speakers and Keynote Speakers from Sri Lanka and abroad added value to the conference, delivering excellent presentations sharing their knowledge and experience.

The conference provided an opportunity for early career chemists to disseminate novel findings of their research. More than 110 technical presentations were delivered in-person in the five sub-themes within the three days, contributing to the upliftment of science. The best presenter of each session was identified by the panels of judges to encourage early career chemists to advance their research in the field of chemical science.

The 2nd International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology was a great success, which allowed researchers in the field of chemical science to interact with each other, paving the way forward to proceed with technological advancements empowering the future.

Prof. Namal Priyantha

Chairman, 2nd International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology

National Conference on “Role of Chemists in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals”

1st June, 2nd June, 5th June and 9th June 2023

The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon organized a National Conference under the theme of “The Role of Chemists in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals,” which was held at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Colombo, on 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 9th June 2023. This event provided a common platform for sharing valuable experiences and knowledge among several eminent chemists, university academics in chemistry and related fields, industrialists, as well as representatives from relevant ministries, departments, and statutory organizations, focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proclaimed by the UN.

The conference featured 4 theme seminars, each addressing a different Sustainable Development Goal: Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Responsible Consumption and Production. Keynote addresses were delivered each day by eminent personnel, while representatives of the Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka elaborated on the SDGs. A series of guest lectures were conducted by specialists on each defined subject, followed by panel discussions.

Theme Seminar One, held on 1st June 2023, focused on "Achieving Health and Wellness for Sustainable Development: Role of Health Sector Policy Makers." Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services, delivered the keynote address. Guest lectures were presented by Prof. Renuka Silva, Professor of Nutrition, Department of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka; Mr. P G Krishantha Silva, Head of Information, Education, Research, Training, and Pharmacovigilance Regulatory Division, National Medical Regulatory Authority; Prof. P A Paranagama, Chair & Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya; Dr. M D J Abeygunawardena, Commissioner, Department of Ayurveda; and Dr. Menuka Arawwawala, Director of Pharmaceuticals Laboratory, Industrial Technology Institute.

Theme Seminar Two, held on 2nd June 2023, addressed "Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, and Food Safety: Role of Agriculture/Nutrition and Food Sector Policy Makers." The keynote speech on "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Ensuring Access to Healthy and Nutritious Food for All" was delivered by Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. Guest lectures were given by Prof. Renuka Silva; Prof. K H Sarananda, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka; Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya; and Prof. Nilantha Liyanage, Professor, Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna.

Theme Seminar Three, held on 5th June 2023, focused on "Industrial Development for Sustainable Development: Role of Industrial Policy Makers." The keynote speech on "Sailing in the Storm: Opportunities & Challenges in Chemical-related Industry in Sri Lanka" was delivered by Dr. Piyal Ariyananda, Head of Global Innovations at Stretchline Holdings Ltd. Guest lectures were presented by Mr. Rasitha Niroshana, MD, Halcyon Pvt Ltd; Dr. Udaya Jayasundara, Senior Lecturer, College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry; Mr. Gayan Thilakarathne, Head/HRD, Dilmah; and Mr. Darshana Thuduwaththege, Managing Director, UNIK Technology Lanka Pvt Ltd.

Theme Seminar Four, held on 9th June 2023, addressed "Chemical Education and Research for Sustainable Development: Role of Educational Policy Makers." The keynote speech on "Chemistry Education for Sustainable Development - Challenges Ahead" was delivered by Prof. Deepthi Bandara, Professor Emeritus, University of Peradeniya. Guest lectures were given by Prof. Gamini Rajapakse, Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya; Prof. Veranja Karunaratne, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya and Vice-Chancellor, SLINTEC Academy; and Dr. W D Chandrasena, Senior Lecturer, Science Education Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya.