Workshop for Technical Officers and Laboratory Technicians
Workshop for Technical Officers and Laboratory Technicians A Workshop for Technical Officers and Laboratory Technicians organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 27th to 29th March 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the workshop. The workshop was resourced by Prof Jagath, Prof Nimal, Prof Sisira, Dr. Ruwandi, Dr. Uma, IBMBB, Dr. Dinesh Aluthge UOC chemistry department, and Mr. G Shobanababu, Emar Pharma (PVT) LTD, Mr. Amal Buddhika, Avon Pharmo Chem PVT LTD. The Participants comprised Laboratory technical officers and lab personnel. The workshop covered practical components including experience in Laboratory Safety, pH Meters, Analytical Balances, Spectrophotometer, Centrifuges, PCR & Real-time PCR Machines, Use of Micropipettes Laminar flow / Biosafety Cabinets, Microplate / ELISA Plate Reader, Microscopes, Autoclaving Equipments, and HPLC. This workshop primarily focused on strengthening the understanding of principles, operating manuals, and resolving troubleshooting of frequently used instruments in a standard laboratory setting and involved theory and real-time practical demonstration conducted by subject and industry specialists. The workshop was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge of Laboratory Safety and maintenance.
Eye Checkup Camp
Eye Checkup Camp The welfare society of the IBMBB together with Spexbay Pvt Ltd. conducted an “Eye Checkup Camp” on 26th January 2023 at the IBMBB premises. Around 50 beneficiaries were screened eye disorders or diseases by a qualified Ophthalmologist. The camp was equipped with all the essential and modern medical equipment and geared to conduct a thorough eye check-up. All the staff members as well as visitors were provided with legitimate reports stating their eye health status.
Strengthening the Industry Collaborations
Strengthening the Industry Collaborations To strengthen the institution to industry concept a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IBMBB), and Fadna Tea (Pvt) Ltd on January 17, 2023. The event took place at the College House Premises, in the presence of the Vice Chancellor Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, Director of IBMBB Professor Prasanna Galhena, Professor Sameera R Samarkoon, Director of UBL Cell Professor M.N. Kaumal, Dr Kanishka Senathilake, Ms Arani Ranasinghe, and Mr Mishal Faizan, who were representing the institution. ‘Fadna Tea’ was represented by Managing Director Mr P.M. Chamendra Somathunga, Chief Product Officer Dr D.B.T. Wijerathna, Manager R&D Dr G.P.L. Supulchandra, and Executive R&D Mr S.B.C.J. Sesath Bandara. IBMBB is a renowned institution that conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology with subject-matter experts on staff. The goal of this collaboration between ‘Fadna Tea’ and IBMBB is to develop functional products such as nutraceuticals and to improve the quality of Sri Lankan products.
Training course in Cell Culture Techniques
Training course in Cell Culture Techniques A training course in “Cell Culture Techniques” organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 09th to 13th January 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The training course was resourced by Prof. Kamani H Tennekoon, Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon, Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Dr. Kanishka Senathilaka, Dr. Hasitha A. Sampath, Dr. Umapriyatharshini Rajagopalan, Ms. Sivagini Kumarasamy, Ms. Nimesha Wickramaratne, Mr. Nirmal Perera, Mr. Rajitha Kalum, and Ms. Janarny Ganesamoorthy, IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Participants comprised of young scientists, clinicians, medical officers, academics, science graduates, science undergraduates and an individual with GCE A/L qualifications. The training course covered practical component includes basic cell culture techniques including safety precautions, media preparation, cell counting and viability determination, growth of adherent and suspension cells, maintenance of cells, freezing and thawing of human cancer cell lines, apoptosis detection using light and fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity determination and exposure to anti-cancer drug screening. Isolation and maintenance of primary cells, DNA and RNA extraction from cultured cells and an overview of stem cells. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Cell Culture Techniques.
Exploring the Industrial Partnerships – “Research, Innovation and Product Development”
Exploring the Industrial Partnerships – “Research, Innovation and Product Development” A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, and LOLC Advanced Technologies PVT LTD on November 24, 2022. The event took place at the University of Colombo, College House Premises with gracing of the Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, Director of IBMBB Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon, Director of UBL Cell Prof. M.N. Kaumal, Dr. Kanishka Senathilake, Ms. Arani Ranasinghe, and Mr. Mishal Faizan were representing the institution. LOLC Adavaced Technologies was represented by Mr. Danesh Abeyrathne the CEO of LOLC Advanced Technologies, Procurement Manager Mr. Randika Jayasinghe and Deputy Manager international Sales and Marketing Mr. Sahan Mendis. IBMBB is a renowned institution that conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology with subject-matter experts on staff. The goal of this partnership between LOLC Advanced Technologies and IBMBB is to create locally accessible, scientifically useful products. These programs aim to generate cutting-edge innovations that can satisfy the present socioeconomic need by producing new, enhanced products. LOLC Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a business set up to explore sustainable business opportunities in the market with the augmentation of science and technology. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings PLC. It explores technology and innovation aligned with the country’s vision and aims to infuse local value addition. It further provides opportunities for local scientists to work on exciting projects and encourages a spirit of discovery and innovation, which are abundant in Sri Lanka.
Green Climate Fund Knuckles Project Discussion with ICRAF and IBMBB, University of Colombo
Green Climate Fund Knuckles Project Discussion with ICRAF and IBMBB, University of Colombo Dr. Fergus Sinclair visited IBMBB on December 13th, 2022, with the ICRAF and Knuckles Project teams, which included Dr. S. Premakmara, Mr. Chandana Edirisooriya, and Dr. Sirimal Premakmara, to discuss the establishment of a genomics center in Sri Lanka based on the Knuckles Project. Prof. Prasanna Galhena, along with Prof. Sameera Samarakoon, and the rest of the IBMBB staff, which includes Dr. Ruwandi, Mr. Kanchana, Mr. Mendis, Ms. Nethu, Dr. Hasitha, Ms. Joanne, and Mr. Mishal, were part of the meeting. The key areas for submission of the proposal and an expression of interest to enhance genomic exploration in Sri Lanka were discussed. As a leading institution in Sri Lanka for the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with extensive experience, a solid project idea was established for the betterment of Sri Lanka.
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Department of Food Sciences Visit to IBMBB
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Department of Food Sciences Visit to IBMBB The Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries, and Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, visited IBMBB, University of Colombo, on October 27, 2022. The field visit was organized for 42 students from the 3rd year based on a module conducted on the title of “Biotechnology in Food Science. They were exposed to the different types of labs, research, and equipment available at IBMBB by the academic staff and PhD students.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme The first Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme for Non- Academic Staff/ IBMBB was organized based on the Training Need Analysis. Accordingly, 6 days Training Programme was conducted under following areas. Introduction to Administrative Framework and Statutory Committees of IBMBB General Administration General Introduction to Financial Regulation, Procurement Procedures, & General Repairs, Service Agreements, Board of Survey, Losses, Write-off General Auding Procedure Disciplinary Matters, Rights and Obligations of University Employees The individual Portfolio was developed by the participants and the portfolios were assessed. The Certificates were awarded with the presence of the Registrar/ UOC and Director/ IBMBB.
Chemistry Seminar for A/L students
Chemistry Seminar for A/L Students The Dhammissara Old Pupils’ Association organized a chemistry seminar for A/L students, and Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon and Dr. Kanishka S Senathilaka from IBMBB were invited as key resource personnel. The seminar was conducted successfully, and coordination was carried out by the Business Development Unit of IBMBB.
Open Day
Open Day IBMBB had its virtual open day on October 14, 2022, with the participation of more than 100 students and researchers. The event was conducted through the Zoom platform. led by Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Prof. Shiroma Handunnetti, Prof. Jagathpriya Weerasena, Prof. Sameera Samarakoon, and Prof. Sisira Pathirana, along with the esteemed panel of academics from IBMBB, were present to introduce the MSc programs and the short courses to the participants. Additional innovative and industrial talks were given by Dr. Geethani (Head of Laboratories, Lanka Hospital Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Tennakoon (Head of Research and Development, Link Natural Products Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Chamendra (Founder, FADNA Food and Nature Pvt. Ltd.), and Dr. Muditha (Head of Research, John Keells Holdings). The proceedings concluded with a success note, and the student feedback for the event was excellent.
