Professor L M V Tillekeratne Awarded Honorary Doctor of Science Degree
Professor L M V Tillekeratne was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) at the Postgraduate Ceremonial Graduation 2024, held on 18th March 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
Professor Tillekeratne is a distinguished scientist and devoted educator whose pioneering contributions in medicinal, biological, and synthetic organic chemistry have significantly advanced drug discovery research over more than four decades. A First-Class Honours graduate in Chemistry from the University of Colombo (1969), he earned his DPhil degree from the University of Oxford (1975) under a Commonwealth Scholarship and pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Oklahoma (1982–1983).
Professor Tillekeratne began his academic career in Sri Lanka, serving as Professor of Chemistry and later as Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo (1986–1992). He continued his leadership in the United States at the University of Toledo and currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, with joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the School of Green Chemistry and Engineering.
Professor Tillekersatne’s research bridges natural products chemistry, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. As the author of a large number of peer-reviewed international publications, he has made significant contributions to the synthesis and biological evaluation of anticancer and neuroprotective agents, emphasising mechanistic insights and structure–activity relationships. His recent work has introduced new paradigms in cancer drug discovery research and has resulted in multiple U.S. patents (2016–2023), relecting both innovation and translational impact.
At the University of Toledo, Professor Tillekeratne has been instrumental in fostering a dynamic research environment within the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has mentored numerous students, many of whom now hold leading positions in academia and industry across the globe. His laboratory has served as a vibrant hub for international collaboration, welcoming visiting researchers from institutions including the Industrial Technology Institute and the University of Colombo and providing advanced training for PhD students.
Professor Tillekeratne is also the founder President of the Colombo University Faculty of Science Alumni Association – North America (CUFSAA-NA), which has brought together over six hundred alumni to support education and research at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. Under his leadership, CUFSAA-NA has funded multiple academic initiatives at the Faculty of Science and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, donated medical equipment worth over US$150,000 to hospitals in Sri Lanka. He has led several initiatives to support and uplift the quality of teaching and research at the faculty of science.
In recognition of his distinguished contributions to organic and medicinal chemistry and drug discovery research, his exemplary record of scholarship and mentorship, and his lifelong service to the University of Colombo and the scientific community of Sri Lanka, the University of Colombo is proud to confer upon Professor L M V Tillekeratnethe the degree of Doctor of Science.
