CCS NEWS LETTER - ICHEMC CCS · CCS NEWS LETTER College of Chemical Sciences Volume 17 No. 2 May - August, 2018 A Government approved Charity, Founded 1971: Incorporated by Act of

C o l l e g e o f C h e m i c a l S c i e n c e s N e w s L e t t e r 01

CCS NEWS LETTERCollege of Chemical Sciences

Volume 17 No. 2 May - August, 2018A Government approved Charity, Founded 1971: Incorporated by Act of Parliament No: 15 of 1972 ,Successor to the Chemical Society of Ceylon, Founded 1941

APPOINTED AS DEANProfessor Hema Pathirana was appointed as the Dean of CCS in May 2018. She is on sabatical leave from the University of Ruhuna. She will be serving CCS for a period of two years.

NEW PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY CEYLON

Professor Sudantha Liyanage was elected as the incoming President of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon at the Annual General Meeting held on 12th June 2018. The ceremonial induction took place at a ceremony held on 14th June 2018 at the Grand Ballroom, Golden Rose, Boralesgamuwa, where Professor Liyanage was presented with the President’s Medal by the outgoing

President, Dr. Poshitha Premarathne. The Chief Guest for the event was Professor Sampath Amaratunge, the Vice Chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura while Mr. Kulathunga Rajapakse, Managing Director of DSI Samson Groups (PVT) Ltd and Professor Chandana Jayaratne, General President of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science attended as special guests. The occasion was graced by Past Presidents of the Institute, Alumni and Council Members, Members of IChemC as well as the members of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

APPLY TODAY TO JOIN OUR GRADUATESHIP/TECHNICIAN PROGRAMMES EARLIER YOU APPLY, LOWER WOULD BE THE FEES PAYABLE

Applications are invited from those having three GCE (A/L) passes in recognized scientific disciplines (including Chemistry as a subject) or equivalent such as Diploma in Chemistry, or awaiting results on GCE (A/L) for the Graduateship Programme scheduled to start in 12th January, 2019. Admissions to the programme are possible for those

having passes in the Diploma in Laboratory Technology (DLTC) programme conducted by our Institute. Prospective BSc Graduates from recognized universities can also apply directly for admission to the last two years of the Graduateship programme while they are in the third year of a BSc Programme of a

recognized University. Those with GCE (O/L) qualification or only one A/L pass in Chemistry can apply for the two year Diploma in Laboratory Technology (DLT) programme scheduled to commence in January 2019.This programme is also offered on weekend and weekdays.

THENEXTSTEPGraduateship Programme in Chemistry 2019

OPEN DAY

✓ See our facilities✓ Talk to lecturers and current students✓ Get a taste of life at CCS

, 341/22, Kotte Road, Welikada, Rajagiriya. 2861231/2861653 [email protected] w www.ichemc.edu.lk

College ofChemical Sciences

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP FOR GRADUATE CHEMISTS

PASSING OUT IN 2018All Graduateship students intending to graduate this year should have obtained AFFILIATE membership of the Institute by now. Otherwise, they will not be recognised at the Fifteenth Convocation in February 2019. Those who have not yet done so are requested to submit their application forms immediately. Membership fees can be deducted from refundable deposit. Soon after the Level 4 examination results are released in December, it will then be possible to upgrade Affiliate Membership to Associate Membership for successful students.

16th December 2018 at 9:30 AM

May - August, 2018 Volume 17 No. 2

C o l l e g e o f C h e m i c a l S c i e n c e s N e w s L e t t e r02

C o l l e g e o f C h e m i c a l S c i e n c e s ( C C S ) N e w s i n B r i e f

METANOIA, ULTIMATE LEADERSHIP AND TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCE

Metanoia, Workshop series conducted by the Career Guidance Unit of Alumni Association of College of Chemical Sciences (CGU of AACCS) started off with the CV writing and interview facing workshop held on 18th May 2018. Mr. Suhitha Karunanayake of CGU of AACCS was the Keynote Speaker of the event.Workshop on Graduate Study Pathways was the second event of the series which was held on 11th June in the Auditorium. Dr. S R Gunathilake, Dr. Amal Wageesha, Dr. Gobika Thiripurnathar, Dr. Lalith Senarathna were the Keynote Speakers. Mock interview sessions and selections for the leadership camp were held on 26thJune in which 26 students were selected where the students were able to join the camp in Che Adventure Park, Hanwella.

CV Writing and Interview facing workshop

POPULAR TALKS AND SEMINARSSeminar on ‘Quality and Safety of Food Industry’ was held successfully with the participation of 135 persons on 21st May 2018 at the Auditorium of the Institute of Chemistry.

A seminar and discussion on ‘chemical technology and innovation center’ was held on 24th of May in the Plastic and Rubber Institute Rajagiriya in which the Institute wishes to collaborate with industries to support in developing new products, technologies, methods and services through innovation. About ten representatives from industries attended the seminar.

Paranthan Chemicals Company (Ltd) in collaboration with the CCS organized a workshop under the theme ‘Safe handling of Chemicals’. It was held on 22nd June at the Institute of Chemistry Auditorium.

Popular Talk on the topic of “Structure Property Correlation of Pharmaceutical Solids: A Crystal Engineering Approach” was held on 10th July 2018. Prof Ranjit Thakuria from the Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University, Assam, India delivered the speech.

Popular talk on Microbiological Lab Safety was held in the College Auditorium where the students were given significant instructions on how to handle the equipments in a safer manner. The Keynote speaker was Ms. W A J Sajeevika Perera, Senior Deputy Director/ Principle Research Assistant of ITI.

PUBLICATIONS An article on the topic ‘Surveying silicon nitride nanopores for glycomics and heparin quality assurance’ by Dr. Buddini Iroshika Karawadeniya, Dr. Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara, Dr. Jonathan W Nichols, Dr. Robert B Chevalier and Prof Jason R Dwyer was published in the journal ‘Nature Communications’. Dr. Buddini Iroshika Karawadeniya and Dr. Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara were past students of CCS who have obtained their PhD from the University of Rhode Island.

Workshop on Graduate Study Pathways

Mock interview sessions

Leadership camp

May - August, 2018Volume 17 No. 2



ROTARACT CLUB OF CCSThe Rotaract Club of CCS has donated Rs. 100,000 to the Bollunna Primary School, Baduraliya, the most rural school in Kaluthara distct to obtain a permanent water source for the school. The Rotaract club of CCS along with the Rotaract Club of Kelaniya conducted a workshop on improving English for the students of Bollunna Primary School, Baduraliya as they do not currently have a teacher for the English subject. The Rotaract Club of CCS organized the ‘Rotaract Zest’ on the 2nd

of July 2018 for enrolling of new students.The 7th Installation ceremony of the Rotaract Club of CCS was held on 23rd of July 2018 at the college premises. Rtn. PHF Lee Bazzelgette and Prof. S P Deraniyagala graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor and Chief Guest, respectively. Rtr. Yaqeen Ahamed Rejal was elected as the President for the year 2018/2019 along with the members of the committee.

INTER LEVEL DEBATE COMPETITION

The Inter Level Debate competition was held on the 1st of July 2018 with participation of teams representing each level. Level 4 team won the first place, while Level 2 team and DLTC team won 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. The event was coordinated by Dr. D Udukala.

LITERATURE SURVEY AND INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT

PRESENTATIONS Literature Survey and Industrial Placement presentations were held on 7th and 19th June, respectively in the Level 4 and Level 5 lecture halls. The events were organized by Dr. S R Gunathilake, Dr. D Udukala and Dr. U K Jayasundara, respectively.

ANNUAL RESEARCH SESSIONSThe Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium was held on 22nd and 23rd of August 2018 at the College premises. Prof. Ranil Dassanayake from Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo delivered the keynote speech on the topic of ‘The role of Genomics in Molecular Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine.’ The event was followed by a Poster Presentation session and a 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. The winner of the Best Poster Award was Mr. Susira Costa and while Mr. Uthpala Deshapriya was the winner of the 3MT Competition. Dr. Chinthaka Ratnaweera and Mr. Chandana Perera coordinated the events.

BANA AND BHAKTHI GEEThe Annual Bana programme organized by the Students’ Association was held on 24th of May 2018 followed by Bhakthi Gee at the Adamanane House. Many students and lecturers graced the occasion.

Inter- level Debaters

RAMAZAN CELEBRATIONThe annual Eid celebrations were held on 27th August 2018 at the Auditorium of the Institute, which was organized by the CCS Student’s Association. The guest speaker of the event was Hazrath Inthikab Zufer. This celebration symbolizes the inter-cultural harmony between the CCS family.

Rotaract Club in Bollunna Primary School

7th Installation Ceremony



GUEST EDITORIALMOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS FOR PRECISION CANCER TREATMENT

Professor Ranil S Dassanayake

Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Colombo

Molecular diagnostics (MD) is one of the brightest areas for growth and innovation in the current diagnostic market. This is due to the constant emergence of novel, advanced, robust and economical MD platforms with greater specificity and sensitivity while reducing the turnaround time for analyses. MD is based on the detection of defects in DNA, RNA and proteins that are associated

with human diseases and is also based on studying human genetic variations that are associated with therapeutic efficacy and response. On the other hand, MD is the base of the fundamental component of precision medicine, the approach that uses the outcomes of MD to decide the best treatment for a particular health condition. Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body and it is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015, which is nearly 1 in 6 deaths. The economic impact of cancer is significant and is increasing and the total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated to be US$ 1.16 trillion and this figure would be much greater now. There are more than 100 different types of cancers, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma etc. These cancers are mainly due to the genetic defects that are acquired in somatic cells during the course of their life and also due to the inheritance of susceptible genetic traits from parents. These defects can act as markers for cancer detection and therapy, and these can be in the form of nucleotide polymorphism, replacement or substitution, insertion or deletion, DNA rearrangement, DNA copy number variation, etc. In diagnosis of cancers, these markers can be precisely detected using molecular-based techniques as they have not only diagnostic potential and but also have prognostic potential, i.e., they will tell which therapy should be administered to a patient and also predict the therapeutic outcomes. For instance, the breast cancer is due to many genetic defects involving genes Brac 1, Brac 2, PLB2, Her2, etc. Therefore, knowing the correct genetic defect helps to select the most appropriate drug. In some breast cancers, cell acquires 100 copies of HER-2 (epidermal growth factor receptor protein) through gene amplification and they are associated with increased tumor invasiveness, metastasis, and cell proliferation as well as poorer patient prognosis. HER2 status can be detected using techniques in MD. Patients having amplified HER-2 gene, will be treated with monoclonal antibody, Herceptin which induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and cell death through the binding of HER2. This is a fine example for precision medicine is used in cancer based on genetic markers. On the other hand, the DNA rearrangement such as chromosome translocation is one of the causes for leukaemia, lymphoma, etc.

Therefore, the molecular detection of chromosome translocation is widely sought for, prior to therapeutic intervention. Philadelphia chromosome translocation involving chromosome 9, 22 that results in the generation of abnormal transcript known as BCR-ABL is the cause of the Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. This translocation takes place at many different breaking points of BCR gene resulting in many different transcripts. This translocation initially takes place in a bone marrow cell and through clonal expansion they increase in numbers and subsequently they appear in blood. In MD, the qualitative detection of all these transcripts can be carried out using molecular techniques. Patients who are having this translocation are treated with Imatinib (Gleevec) which inhibit hyperactivity of tyrosine kinase of BCR-ABL and this is the first of a new class of genetically targeted agents, a major advance in cancer treatment. Furthermore, while the treatment is being carried out, the effectiveness of the therapy on the leukemic cells can be studied using molecular techniques and the same technique can also be used to detect residual cells in blood following treatment to predict recurrence or remission. In addition, some cancers are associated with the development of secondary resistance to the therapy that has been administered as a result of somatic mutations that are acquired during the therapy as in the case of ABL oncogene in CML patients. The molecular assays based on precise detection of these mutations will help to select the most appropriate drug suited for the mutations. A genetic predisposition which is also known as genetic susceptibility based on a person’s genetic makeup is another factor that tells the likelihood of developing cancer and this will result from specific genetic variations that are often inherited from a parent. Identifying patients with these variations offer tremendous health benefits to patients. There are about 60 genes involved in conferring a high lifetime risk of specific cancers, which can be used in the prevention, surveillance, and treatment. With the advent of advanced molecular techniques, it is now possible to analyze multiple genes simultaneously, leading to the widespread clinical use of gene panels for germline cancer testing. Cancer is a group disease, which is considered as terminal when it occurs, and this mythology is now changing with the advent of MD to screen genetic variations and markers behind cancers. Treatment for cancer can be planned specifically to suit the genetic markers of patients while reducing the possible side effects. Although, there is no precise treatment available for cancer today, molecular diagnostics combined with targeted therapies are moving us closer to this ideal.



I n s t i t u t e o f C h e m i s t r y C e y l o n ( I C h e m C ) N e w s i n B r i e f

47TH ANNUAL SESSIONSThe 47th Annual Sessions were held from 12th to 14thJune 2018. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 7 on 12thJune. Mr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa, Managing Director, DSI Samson Groups (PVT) Ltd graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Mr. Madura Vithanage, Attorney at Law, Mayor Sri Jayawardenapura Municipal Council as the Guest of Honour.At this occasion, awards recognizing research under various categories and awards for the best performances at the Graduateship examinations were presented.Prof. P A Nimal Punyasiri was awarded the Dr. CL De Silva Gold Medal. Professor M U S Sultanbawa award for Research in Chemistry was awarded to Ms. K Anoosheya.Annual Technical Sessions were held on 12th and 13th June at the P P G L Siriwardena Auditorium, where research on various areas of chemistry were presented and discussed.

THEME SEMINARThe Theme Seminar was held on 14th June at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on the theme for this year, “Chemists’ contribution towards national policy development”. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Ajith de Alwis, Project Director COSTI, Professor at the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The occasion comprised many lectures by other eminent chemists and academics.

COUNCIL 2018/ 2019President : Prof. Sudantha LiyanagePresident Elect : Prof. (Ms) P A ParanagamaVice President : Prof. (Ms) S EkanayakeImmediate Past President : Dr. P PremarathneHony. Joint Secretaries : Dr. (Ms.) H I C De Silva Dr. (Ms) C PadumadasaHony. Treasurer : Dr. A A P KeerthiHony. Asst. Treasurer : Dr. W A D S R GunatillekeHony. Editor : Dr. (Ms) N T PereraHony. Asst. Editor : Dr. (Ms) D N UdukalaSecretary/ International Relations : Prof. (Ms) J A LiyanageChairman/Academic Board : Prof. (Ms) S Hewage Hony. Secretary/ Educational Affairs: Dr. (Mrs) T GobikaChairman, A & EP Committee : Mr. E G SomapalaSecretary, A & EP Committee : Ms. D SenevirathneChairman, Board of Trustees : Prof. S P DeraniyagalaElected MembersProf. (Ms) R D Wijesekera Dr (Ms) L S R ArambewelaProf. P A N Punyasiri Prof. (Ms) Siromi SamarasingheDr. Gamini Rajanayake Ms. P M Jayasinha Ms. Kumudini Gunathilake Mr. N M S Hettigedara Mr. K R Dayananda Ms. Nalini De Silva

Dr. P Premarathne, President IChemC delivering the Presidential Address

Mr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa

Mr. Madura Vithanage

Prof. P A N Punyasiri

Ms. K Anoosheya

Prof. Ajith de Alwis



UNVEILING OF PHOTOGRAPH OF THE

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDEEThe ceremony for unveiling the photograph of the Distinguished Service Awardee, Prof. S P Deraniyagala was held on 3rd August 2018, at the Council Room. Prof. Ajit M Abeysekara, Prof. Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, unveiled the portrait while Prof Ramanee Wijesekera, Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, delivered the citation.

COUNCIL 2018/ 2019

CALL FOR ANNUAL AWARDSMembers of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon are invited to apply for the following awards before 15th February 2019. Please see the Institute web site (www.ichemc.edu.lk) for more details. • DR. C L DE SILVA GOLD MEDAL AWARD• INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY SILVER MEDALS Devanathan Memorial Award Chandrasena Memorial Award Ramakrishna Memorial Award• INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY BRONZE MEDALS Kandiah Award for Basic Chemistry Kandiah Award for Applied Chemistry Kandiah Memorial Graduateship Award (for Graduate

Chemists) • Professor M U S Sultanbawa Award for Research

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND EXTENDED ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS

Members of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon are invited to submit abstracts to be considered for presentation at the Annual Sessions to be held in June 2019. Relevant information has been emailed to all members. Please note that all abstracts and extended abstracts (hard copies) must be submitted on or before 15th February 2019.

I n s t i t u t e o f C h e m i s t r y C e y l o n ( I C h e m C ) N e w s i n B r i e f

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD COMPETITION

ICHEMC organized the National Chemistry Olympiad competition and training camp for the second consecutive year which was held on 17th and 18th of May at the Adamantane House. The finalists were selected from a preliminary round and Mr. Pavindu Udeesha Jayasekara from Richmond College, Galle won the Gold medal.

INTERSCHOOL CHEMISTRY QUIZInterschool Chemistry Quiz was held on 25th May 2018 with the participation of 10 schools Islandwide. Vincent Girls’ School, Batticaloa won the first place followed by Maliyadewa Girls’ School, Kurunegala and Jaffna Hindu College being placed second and third places, respectively.Winners - Vincent Girls’ School, Batticaloa

Prof. S P Deraniyagala Prof. Ajit M

Abeysekara



CCS CRICKET CCS became the first team to successfully chase down the score in the final over and take the win by 4 wickets in this years edition of Red Bull Campus Cricket National Finals Sri Lanka 2018, beating Royal Institute of Colombo at the BRC ground. The CCS vs NSBM cricket encounter was held at 4th August 2018 at Panagoda Army Camp Grounds. The CCS team won the trophy by 127 runs. ‘Clash of the Undergrads’, the annual big match was held on 19th of August 2018 with Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) in the BRC grounds.


INTER LEVEL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The inter level basketball tournanament was held for the second consecutive time on 3rd August, 2018 at the Otter Aquatic Club Basketball courts. The Level 1 team emerged champions of the men’s category, while Level 2 team won the championship in the women’s category.

NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

New AppointmentsThe staff of CCS warmly welcome the following Graduate Chemists who have been appointed as trainee Teaching Assistants with effect from 1st June 2018. Mr. Ashen Samaranayake, Mr. Mohammed Sadam, Ms. Danisha Samarasinghe, Ms. Madhavi Kodithuwakku and Ms. Kinithi Wickramarathne. We also welcome Ms. Preshala as a Laboratory Assistant. CCS staff congratulate Dr. Chinthaka Rathnaweera for being appointed as Senior Lecturer Grade II.

Resignations The following Teaching Assistants resigned from their duties, in order to follow higher studies. Ms. Manisha Goonathilake, Ms. Harindi Atapattu, Ms. Thilini Peramuna, Ms. Tharushi Silva, Mr. Chathura Perera, Mr. Ruhunu Adikari, Mr. Umesh Kaluarachchi (Teaching Assistant – Exam). The CCS family thanks them for the services rendered towards CCS and wish them all the very best for a bright future!

DONATIONS FOR SUBJECT PRIZESMr. Gamini Gunasekara, Chairman, Union Chemicals PLC has donated a sum of seventy thousand rupees for the subject prize of Level 3/4 General Chemistry Paper which will be awarded annually. The prize is named as Mr. And Mrs. Gamini Gunasekra and family Prize.

ANNUAL FIRST AID TRAINING PROGRAMME

The Saukyadana unit of CCS successfully organized the annual first aid training programme on 16th of August at the college premises for the third consecutive time. Mr. Sunil Perara, member of the board of directors, Sri Lanka Saukyadana movement, contributed as the first aid instructor. More than 35 enthusiastic students participated at the training programme.

It is always impossible until it is done - Nelson Mandela



If undelivered please return to:

College of Chemical SciencesInstitute of Chemistry Ceylon341/22, Kotte Road,Welikada, Rajagiriya

Telephone: 011 2861231, 2861653, 4015230 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ichemc.edu.lk

‘AURA 2018’The most spectacular event of CCS, the annual talent show ‘AURA’ was held on 30th July 2018 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. The Student Council of CCS annually organizes this event, which parades that Chemists got talent. The evening was enthralled by singing, dancing and other performances by the students. The Guest performance by Mr. Billy Fernando added glamour to the event. Prof. S P Deraniyagala graced the event as the Chief Guest and Mr. Billy Fernando was the Guest of Honor for the evening.

Documents

CCS NEWS LETTER - ICHEMC CCS · CCS NEWS LETTER College of Chemical Sciences Volume 17 No. 2 May - August, 2018 A Government approved Charity, Founded 1971: Incorporated by Act of