Faculty of Science Launches Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) Office

The Faculty of Science ceremonially opened the Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) Office on 22 August 2025. This dedicated office will serve as a centre for academic coordination, international collaboration, and research activities in the field of biotechnology.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished foreign delegates from Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea – Prof. Sangho Lee, Prof. Hong Sook Kim, and Prof. Hwan Su Yoon – who joined the University of Colombo to mark this important occasion. Adding diplomatic significance, Her Excellency Ms Miyon Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, was present, together with Ms Eunji Kang, Deputy Head of Mission, and Mr Minwoo Jo, along with three other delegates from SKKU.
Representing the University of Colombo were Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake and Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Upul Sonnadara, accompanied by senior academics Prof. K M Nalin de Silva, Prof. H D Dharshani Bandupriya, and Prof. Devaka Weerakoon. Also in attendance were the Senior Assistant Registrar, Dr Kaveesha Wijesinghe, and Dr Duleepa Pathiraja, together with faculty members and students.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Karunathilake noted that the establishment of the BSIB Office marks a significant step in advancing biotechnology education and research in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Miyon Lee highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka–Korea academic collaborations and expressed her support for strengthening ties between the two countries in higher education and innovation.