Young Scientists Forum -YSF Nastec

Young Scientist Award for Research 2025

YSF would like to congratulate Prof. Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake, Dean and Professor in Geology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, for being selected as the 2025 winner of Young Scientist Award for Research.

Prof. Ratnayake was presented with the award during the inauguration ceremony of the 14th YSF Research Symposium held on 30th January 2026 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 07, by Prof. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of NASTEC and Mrs. Geethani Kannangara, Acting Director of NASTEC

14th YSF Annual Research Symposium 2026 of the Young Scientists Forum (YSF)

The Young Scientists Forum (YSF) of Sri Lanka is hosted by the National Science & Technology Commission (NASTEC) as a consultative forum of the institute. The YSF Research Symposium which was initiated in 2012 has become a popular event with the main objective of providing a platform for young scientists to promote collaborative research by sharing research findings and research interests in different fields while creating a space for networking.

NASTEC has organized its 14th YSF Research Symposium on 30th January 2026 from 9.00 a.m. onwards as a one day event at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 07.

The symposium was initiated with an Inauguration Ceremony and Prof. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of NASTEC welcomed the gathering which consisted of Ministry of Science and Technology officials, Heads of S&T Institutes under Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as authors of the papers to be presented at the symposium and YSF members. Prof. Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake, Dean & Professor in Geology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, and also the winner of the NASTEC Young Scientist Award for Research 2025, presented the Keynote Address under the title “Earth Science for a Changing Planet: Lessons from a Young Scientist’s Journey”.

The E-Proceedings of the 14th YSF Symposium, YSF Thematic Chapter E-Publication under the title ‘Multidisciplinary Approaches for National Development in Sri Lanka through Advances in Science and Green Technology’, and the 1st Issue of YSF E-Magazine ‘Science and Technology Letters’, were also launched at the inauguration ceremony by the Chief Editors, Dr. Sumudu Mapa, Dr. Upanith Liyanaarachchi, and Dr. Asanka Rajapaksha, respectively.

The 60 research presented in seven parallel technical sessions were published in extended abstract and full paper format in the E-Proceedings of the symposium.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the YSF was also held on 30th January 2026 and a new 15 member steering committee for YSF for the year 2026 was elected to coordinate future YSF activities.

YSF organized a skill development workshop on “Advanced Techniques in Analytical Instrumentation: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA)” with the collaboration of the Department of Nano Science Technology, Faculty of Technology, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya on 19th December 2025. The workshop was conducted by the experts of the Department of Nano Science Technology acting as the resource persons, and was held at the Advance Instrumentation Laboratory, Department of Nano Science Technology as a successful one day event.

The workshop was conducted by following resource persons:
XRD : Dr. Murthi S. Kandanapitiya and Dr. Upeka Samarakoone
TGA : Dr. Asanka Rajapaksha
PSA : Dr. Chathurangani Karunarathna

Participants gained comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in advanced analytical instrumentation, guided by experts in material and nanoscience fields.

YSF skill development workshop held on 13th December 2025 was focused on “Tools & Techniques in Ethical and Sustainable Gem Industry”, with the collaboration of Department of Natural Resources – Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL), Diploma in Gemmology Programme – SUSL and the Society of Natural Resource Studies - SUSL.

The workshop was conducted by following resource persons:
Mr. A.G.D. Amarasiri, Vice-President, Lanka Gem Dealers and Miners Association (on behalf of Mr. Priyantha Weliwatte, President, Lanka Gem Dealers and Miners Association)
Mr. Saman Amarasena, Managing Partner – Swisscut Lapidary
Eng. Chamal Jaliya, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University

Participants gained valuable insights under the theme of sustainable gem industry - from mine to the market, and emerging trends in the industry that utilizes tools and concepts like Artificial Intelligence and Block chain.

Photo Credit: FAS STUDIO, Sabaragamuwa University

YSF One-day Workshop on Advanced Techniques in Analytical Instrumentation: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA)

The Young Scientists Forum (YSF) of the National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC), in collaboration with the Department of Nano Science Technology, Faculty of Technology, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka is organizing a one-day skill development workshop under the title “Advanced Techniques in Analytical Instrumentation: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA)”.



Workshop Information

Title: Advanced Techniques in Analytical Instrumentation: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA)

Date: 19th December 2025

Duration: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Venue: Advance Instrumentation Lab, Department of Nanoscience Technology, Faculty of Technology, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya

Number of Participants: 25

Registration Fee: 5000 LKR per participant

Target Audience: • Researchers seeking to enhance their analytical instrumentation skills.

• Students involved in research projects requiring advanced analytical techniques.

• Professionals in need of expertise in XRD and Electrochemical Workstation systems for research and industrial applications.



The primary objectives of the workshop are to:

• Introduce participants to the fundamental concepts and advanced techniques in XRD, TGA and PSA.

• Enable participants to analyze experimental data using these advanced tools.

• Enhance participants' ability to interpret and present research findings effectively


Only 25 participants will be enrolled and registration will be on a first-come-first-serve basis as well as based on target audience.

Please refer to the attached flyer and register on or before 15th December 2025 via the given registration link: https://forms.gle/QKh2hAeTpteWQCiV8


The selected participants will be informed via email on the registration payment method and other workshop details in due course.

YSF Half-day Workshop on Tools & Techniques in Ethical and Sustainable Gem Industry

The Young Scientists Forum (YSF) of the National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC), in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources – Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL), Diploma in Gemmology Programme – SUSL and the Society of Natural Resource Studies - SUSL is organizing a half-day skill development workshop under the title “Tools & Techniques in Ethical and Sustainable Gem Industry”

Workshop Information

Title: Tools & Techniques in Ethical and Sustainable Gem Industry

Date: 13th December 2025 (Saturday)

Duration: 8.30 am to 12.00 noon

Venue: Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Batuhena

Number of Participants: 75

Registration Fee: Free of Charge

Target Audience: Undergraduate and graduate students in related subject disciplines, students from the Diploma in Gemology (SUSL), stakeholders from the gem industry and members from the gem industry-based associations

The primary objectives of the workshop are to:

· Disseminate knowledge and insights on social equity, green and ethical gem industry

· Discuss sustainable practices in gem industry worldwide and opportunities to adopt them in Sri Lanka towards sustainability

· Discuss novel ways to integrate sustainability practices to overcome current challenges in gem industry in the Sri Lankan context

· Provide hands on experience to the participants to use most current sustainability tools in the gem industry

Only 75 participants will be enrolled and registration will be on a first-come-first-serve basis as well as based on target audience.

Morning refreshments will be provided to participants. Participants will be issued an E-certificate.

Please refer to the attached flyer and register on or before 27th November 2025 via the given registration link: https://forms.gle/dzFZFMaydHJX6j9Y9

The selected participants will be informed via email on the workshop details in due course.

The YSF BioBiz Bootcamp - "Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Biotechnology" was held successfully on 8th November 2025 at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Malabe, with the participation of young scientists interested in the subject.

Special gratitude for the following resource persons who shared their valuable experience with the gathered young audience:
Dr. Lalinka Herath, Chief Scientific Officer, Torrington Genomics & Bioinformatics
Dr. Eranga Jayasekara, Director, Career Guidance Unit, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mr. Manju Gunawardana, Chairman, Browns Agri Solutions
Mr. Asika Pinsara Samarasekara, CEO/ Founder of Mathakadara Pomegranates Pvt Ltd
Mr. Amila Roshan Siriwardena, Managing Director at New Lanka Global Export Pvt Ltd

The workshop assisted in exposing young scientists to diverse career and entrepreneurship opportunities in biotechnology beyond traditional academic paths and developing participants’ practical skills in pitching, innovation, and startup development.

Prof. Dhanushka Udayanga, Head, Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT. moderated and coordinated the workshop.

Photo credit: Prof. Dhanushka Udayanga, SLIIT

🚀 Turn Your Ideas into Successful Ventures! 💡

Join the BioBiz Bootcamp: a one-day immersive experience designed to connect you with industry experts, innovators, and trailblazers in the Biotech field.

📅 Date: 8th November 2025
🕗 Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: F603, New Building, SLIIT, Malabe Campus
💰 Investment: Rs. 2000/= per participant

🎯 Learn through real-world pitching, innovation, and entrepreneurship experiences that bridge science and business!

✅ Limited seats available — reserve yours now:
🔗 https://bit.ly/BioBizBootcamp

Deadline extended

𝐘𝐒𝐅 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 “𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬: 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞”

We welcome all interested University Academics, Postgraduate students (especially in areas related to Microbial ecology, Extremophiles, Bioremediation and Industrial biotechnology), Early career Scientists and Researchers, Biotechnology Professionals and Environmental Engineers and Practitioners

The webinar details are as follows:

~ Date: 30th September 2025
~ Time: 3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
~ Venue: Zoom Platform
~ Resource Person: Dr. Kosala Sirisena, Senior Lecturer, Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo, American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Country Ambassador to Sri Lanka, International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) Country Ambassador to Sri Lanka.
~ Moderator: Dr.M.A. Poorna C. Piyathilaka, Steering Committee Member / YSF.
~ Join Zoom Meeting: https://learn.zoom.us/j/95963445454?pwd=CIiWTUdbp0JZLCLFcQ3DhnYkUb5ifR.1
~ Meeting ID: 959 6344 5454
~ Passcode: 0xvq$rP6

YSF Two-Day Workshop on Diversity and Taxonomy of Cryptogamic Plants and Algae was held on 2nd & 3rd August 2025, in collaboration with the Botany and Plant Biotechnology Society, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Dr. Isuru Kariyawasam, Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayewardenepura conducted this successful workshop through a series of lectures, practical sessions and field observations. Special thanks to everyone in the Department of Botany, YSF and NASTEC who supported in making this workshop a success.

YSF Webinar on ‘Plastics & the Planet: The Role of Science in a Circular Future’

We welcome all interested young scientists, academics, researchers, university students, and general public communities to join this session.

The webinar details are as follows:

🗓: 31st July 2025

🕰: 10.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.

💻: Zoom

Resource Person: Dr. Randika Jayasinghe, Plastics and Waste Specialist, Centre for Sustainable Development Reform, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Moderator: Dr. Sumudu Mapa, Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81069011923?pwd=zn1RIdekRcDamQbYuKjfsrsHzD24Ql.1

Meeting ID: 810 6901 1923

Passcode: 828096