Early Career Research Day 2026: Aligning Professional Success with Sustainable Research
The Early Career Research Day 2026 was successfully held on 4 September 2026 at the University of Ruhuna under the theme of “Aligning Professional
Success with Sustainable Research”. The event was organized by the Department of Limnology and Water Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology,
with financial support from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The programme featured a series of expert sessions on sustainability and research, delivered by Prof. Vasant Matsagar of the Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India; Dr. Uta Ulrich, Environmental Scientist at the University of Kiel, Germany; and Dr. Lukas Loose, Postdoctoral
Researcher at the University of Kiel, Germany. In addition, Ms. Nimaya Manudewa, Regional Officer of the DAAD Information Centre, Colombo, conducted an informative session
on DAAD funding opportunities and pathways for international academic engagement.
A panel discussion titled “Research, Innovation and Sustainability for Career” was held with the participation of distinguished alumni of the
Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. The panel comprised:
- Mr. Ashan Lakshitha, Assistant Manager – Environment, Health and Safety Department, Ansell Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Chamila Abeyrathna, Senior Executive – Quality Assurance, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC.
- Mr. Hershan Gunasekara, Specialist – Environment, Health and Safety Department, Ansell Textile Lanka.
- Mr. Hasanka Premarathne - Systems Certification Auditor, SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Kusala Jayamina - Marine Naturalist and Sustainability Coordinator, Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, Pasikuda.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. H. L. K. Sanjaya. The panelists shared valuable professional experiences and offered practical guidance on career development,
workplace sustainability, innovation, quality assurance, environmental health and safety, and professional opportunities available to graduates.
Overall, the Early Career Research Day 2026 successfully achieved its objectives of enhancing awareness of sustainable research practices, international academic
collaboration and mobility, DAAD funding opportunities, and research-informed career pathways for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as early-career
researchers. Dr. L. N. Wijewardene, Coordinator of the event, conveyed her sincere appreciation to all resource persons, panelists, academic and non-academic staff
members, academic-supportive staff, volunteers, and students for their valuable contributions and dedicated support in ensuring the successful completion of the event.