Archive

Liquid Handling Workshop ( Nichiryo Co,Ltd, Japan) Liquid Handling Workshop by Nichiryo Japan In Collaboration with Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt) Ltd Today, our team had the privilege of participating in an intensive Liquid Handling Workshop conducted by Nichiryo Co., Ltd., Japan, the renowned manufacturer of NICHIRYO micropipettes. The session was organized locally with the support of Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized agent for Nichiryo products. The workshop was led by Ms. Riko Saan from Nichiryo Japan, who served as the key resource person. She provided detailed guidance on proper pipetting techniques, best practices for accuracy and reproducibility, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of micropipettes. Her expertise and hands-on demonstrations gave participants a deeper understanding of precision liquid handling and helped strengthen their practical skills. Participants greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn directly from a Nichiryo specialist and engage in meaningful discussions about improving laboratory workflows. We extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Riko Saan, Nichiryo Japan, and Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt) Ltd for delivering and supporting this valuable training program

International Recognition for Staff at Humanitarian Film Making Mr.Dimantha Ranaweera (Scientific Assistant – IT), gained international recognition this year through his outstanding contributions to film and storytelling. His production, Right Choice, won the prestigious GYP Emerging Filmmaker Award (Gold) at the GYP Youth Humanitarian Film Festival in Boston, USA. This award is presented to young filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional promise in creating socially impactful and influential films that highlight humanitarian issues. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process by over 100 global student judges, including university-level reviewers from Drexel University who assess each submission based on storytelling quality, humanitarian relevance, technical excellence and overall impact. The festival featured films submitted from a diverse range of countries, including the USA, China, Taiwan, Brazil, Malaysia, Iran, Ukraine and Sri Lanka. Several staff and students from IBMBB contributed contributed to the film as both actors and crew members. Right Choice was also nominated for the 2025 NanoCon International Film Festival (NIFF) in Washington, USA. NIFF is held annually in Longview, Washington, showcasing a diverse array of films and fostering a vibrant community of film makers and enthusiasts from around the world. The festival has built a strong reputation for promoting independent filmmakers, fostering creative dialogue and offering a platform where diverse cinematic voices are recognised through public screenings and jury selections.

IBMBB Open Day 2025 The IBMBB Open Day 2025 was successfully held on 7th November 2025 at the IBMBB premises. The event provided an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in enrolling in Master’s programs, Training Programs, and the Undergraduate Program in Molecular Biology and Bioentrepreneurship to explore IBMBB’s state-of-the-art facilities. Participants had the chance to gain deeper insights into IBMBB’s academic programs, interact with experts, researchers, and current students, and experience the vibrant academic environment of the institute. The event drew over 150 participants, who engaged in discussions with IBMBB staff, researchers, and students, making the Open Day a highly informative and engaging experience for all attendees.

Foundation Stone Laying – HRIPT Center, IBMBB, UOC Celebrating a milestone and building the foundation for future innovation. FOS Media proudly brings the highlights of the Foundation Stone Laying – HRIPT Center, IBMBB, University of Colombo, organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB), University of Colombo, held on 30th October 2025 at the IBMBB Premises, University of Colombo, with the presence of Special Guest, Mr. Sunil Handunneththi. Photographed by: Harith Ayodya Edited by: Chanuka Bandara Fos Media

13th Annual Scientific Sessions of the IBMBB 2025 The Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB), University of Colombo, successfully held its 13th Annual Scientific Sessions on 24th October 2025, bringing together leading researchers, academics, and students in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, and health sciences. The event, graced by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunatillake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, featured 16 oral and 9 poster presentations, showcasing cutting-edge research in health sciences, biotechnology, and natural product innovation. A key highlight was the Professor Stanley Wijesundera Memorial Lecture, delivered by Professor Dileep De Silva, Chair Professor of Community Dentistry at the University of Peradeniya, titled “Brains, Budgets and Beds: Aligning Health HR, Finance and Education for a Healthier Sri Lanka.” The ceremony also included the Best Teacher Awards and IBMBB Research Excellence Awards for 2023/2024, recognizing exceptional academic and research achievements. The sessions were organized under the leadership of Professor Prasanna Galhena (Director, IBMBB) and Professor Nimal Punyasiri (Chairperson), with Dr. Visula Abeysuriya serving as Secretary of the Scientific Sessions, whose coordination and commitment played a pivotal role in the event’s success. The 2025 sessions continued IBMBB’s proud legacy of fostering scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation within Sri Lanka’s research community.

Three-day Training Session on “Animal Cell Culture Techniques” for AIBS Students Genelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd. The three-day training session on Animal Cell Culture Techniques for AIBS students – Genelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd was successfully organized and held in three batches from 22nd September to 2nd October 2025 (7 days), by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. A total of 47 students participated in this intensive hands-on training programme. The training session was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Sameera R. Samarakoon and facilitated by Dr. Umapriyatharshini Rajagopalan, Mr. Nirmal Perera, Ms. Tasneem Muhinudeen, and Ms. Shalini Wijerathne, along with supportive staff including two technical officers. This interactive training provided a valuable platform for participants to enhance their understanding of essential principles and practical aspects of animal cell culture. The sessions covered safety precautions to maintain aseptic conditions in a cell culture laboratory, an introduction to cell culture laboratories, sterilization techniques, cell culture media preparation, visualization of cells using light microscopy, cell counting, cell viability determination, culturing and maintenance of adherent cells, cryopreservation and thawing of preserved human cell lines, detection of apoptosis using fluorescence microscopy, analysis of induced cytotoxicity, cell-based assays (SRB assay) to screen anti-cancer drugs or substances, and data analysis and interpretation of results. Overall, the training session offered an excellent opportunity for students to develop both theoretical insights and practical skills in the field of animal cell culture, equipping them with fundamental knowledge applicable to biomedical research.

Training Course in Cell Culture Techniques – 2025 August The Training Course in Cell Culture Techniques – August, 2025 was successfully organized and conducted by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB) – University of Colombo at the institute’s facilities from 25th to 29th August, 2025. Fifteen participants comprised of young scientists, medical officers, academic and science undergraduates attended the training course. Practical aspects of fundamental cell culture techniques were covered in the training course, which included safety precautions to maintain aseptic conditions in a cell culture laboratory, cell culture media preparation, cell counting, cell viability determination, culturing and maintenance of adherent and suspension cells, cryopreservation and thawing of preserved human cell lines, detection of apoptosis using fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation, analysis of induced cytotoxicity, cell-based assays to screen anti-cancer drugs or substances, isolation and maintenance of primary cells from mouse, DNA and RNA extraction from cultured cells, and an overview of stem cells. The training course was guided and facilitated by 11 resource persons and 02 technical officers on-site. This is a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in the field of animal cell culture.

Training Programme on Data Analysis using SPSS Software We successfully concluded the Training Programme on Data Analysis using SPSS Software, organized by IBMBB, University of Colombo, from 11th – 15th August 2025. It was five intensive days of statistical learning and practical application, featuring comprehensive hands-on training in SPSS data analysis techniques and expert-led sessions covering everything from basic operations to advanced statistical tests. This course has been coordinated and conducted by Dr. Visula Abeysuriya, Senior Lecturer, IBMBB, University of Colombo. Participants, including faculty in other institutes, research scholars, students, and industry professionals, gained valuable analytical skills to enhance their research capabilities. For the first time, IBMBB issued newly designed E-certificates to all participants through our innovative digital verification system, allowing anyone to verify the authenticity of these credentials online. From the 32 participants, 3 randomly selected participants received physical certificates. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing verified, professional development opportunities in data analysis.

Training Course in Molecular Biological Techniques We successfully concluded the Training Course in Molecular Biological Techniques, organised by IBMBB, University of Colombo, from 18th – 22nd August 2025. It was a week of cutting-edge learning and discovery, featuring extensive hands-on training in molecular biology techniques and insightful sessions led by an eminent panel of lecturers. Participants ranged from researchers, undergraduates, postgraduates, and future university entrants, all gaining valuable skills and knowledge to advance their academic and research pursuits.