General Convocation 2025 – Open Awards
The University of Colombo held its General Convocation 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), celebrating the academic achievements and accomplishments of graduates across various disciplines. As part of the Convocation, the University presented its prestigious Open Awards in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, excellence, and overall merit. The D P P Samarasekara Peace Prize was awarded to Mr EMVN Thismalpola of the Faculty of Science, while the Professor Tilak Hettiarachchy Award for Academic Excellence was presented to Ms HRE Arachchi of the Faculty of Medicine.
The Canekeratne Prize for General Merit was awarded to Ms RMNN Rathnayake, also of the Faculty of Medicine, and the Student of the Year award was presented to Mr PM Malawana of the Faculty of Management & Finance, honouring their exceptional achievements and contributions to the University community.
D P P Samarasekara Peace Prize: Mr EMVN Thismalpola, Faculty of Science
Mr Edirisooriya Mudiyanselage Vinuk Nanthusa Thismalpola, a proud alumnus of Ananda College and Vidura College, graduated from the Faculty of Science with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Statistics, securing a Second Class Upper Division. He distinguished himself through exemplary leadership and service as President of the Leo Club of the University of Colombo Faculty of Science, acclaimed Best Club, while he was recognised as Best Club President in Leo District 306 D1. Representing Sri Lanka and the University of Colombo in Youth Forums in Hong Kong and Japan, his leadership transcended national boundaries. His enduring contribution lies in advancing social harmony through humanitarian relief, women’s empowerment, climate action, youth leadership, legal awareness, and public health.
As a founding member of We Help Sri Lanka, he supported Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts and contributed to Sri Lanka’s National Youth Policy and also led the community as a Youth Climate Ambassador. He successfully passed the Attorney-at-Law Final Bar Examination, revived the Faculty Dancing Society as its President, earned Faculty Sports Awards in badminton, tennis, and karate, and compered over 140 events. His journey embodies compassionate service and a steadfast commitment to empowering communities.
Professor Tilak Hettiarachchy Award for Academic Excellence: Ms HRE Arachchi, Faculty of Medicine
Ms Hashini Rangika Epa Arachchi, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, was the Valedictorian of the 2018 A/L MBBS batch and obtained First Class Honours in all five MBBS streams, including the Final MBBS examination. She secured first place island-wide in the common merit list of MBBS graduates for internship appointments. At the General Convocation, she received 16 of the 32 gold medals awarded for the MBBS programme, reflecting her exceptional academic achievement. Her excellence was further recognised through multiple Dean’s List Awards and the Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation Scholarship. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to research, with peer-reviewed publications including Antenatal Anxiety Among Pregnant Women and Understanding Eschar – A Pathognomonic Marker of Scrub Typhus.
She has also presented her research at multiple national scientific forums, including the Sri Lanka Medical Association Annual Scientific Sessions, and is actively engaged in ongoing research in dengue and interstitial lung disease. Her outstanding academic achievements, research contributions, and commitment to scholarship make her a deserving recipient of the Prof. Tilak Hettiarachchi Award.
Canekeratne Prize for General Merit: Ms RMNN Rathnayake, Faculty of Medicine
Excelling in academics, research, leadership, service, and arts, Ms Nethmini Rathnayake graduated from the Faculty of Medicine with First Class Honours, distinctions in all fourteen subjects and First Class (Honours) in all five streams. She received five gold medals, the Sumi Moonesinghe Award for the Highest Achiever in Basic Sciences, and five consecutive Dean’s List recognitions. An emerging researcher, she has co-authored three indexed publications and presented at multiple national and international conferences. She served as Vice-President of the Anatomical Society, Director of Professional Development of the Faculty Rotaract Club, and Batch Representative.
She represented the Faculty at multiple medical quizzes, securing podium finishes, while contributing as a pianist, saxophonist, choralist, chess player, mentor, and event host. Her leadership in community service, public-health initiatives and disaster response reflects compassion and commitment to social responsibility. Ms Rathnayake embodies the scholarship, versatility, and service celebrated by the Canekeratne Prize for General Merit.
Student of the Year: Mr PM Malawana, Faculty of Management & Finance
Mr Pasindu Malawana is a distinguished embodiment of academic excellence, sporting achievement, leadership, and service to the University of Colombo. Graduating with First Class Honours in Hospitality and Leisure Management with a GPA of 3.88, he received the Prof. J. A. S. K. Jayakody Memorial Gold Medal for the Most Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Management and Finance in 2025. As President of the Amalgamated Club, he led the University to its highest-ever points tally and Overall Runners-Up position at the Sri Lanka University Games. As Vice Captain in 2024 and Captain in 2025, he guided the Men’s Weightlifting Team to three consecutive Inter-University titles and Best Team of the Year.
A National Champion, he represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Championships and won Silver in the Snatch at the IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup in Samoa. For his remarkable blend of academic excellence, sporting achievement, leadership, service, and exemplary character, the University of Colombo proudly recognises Mr Pasindu Malawana as the Student of the Year 2025.