The 2nd International symposium on Cyanobacteria and Public health, organized by the Centre for water quality and algae research was held on the 15^th January 2018, at the Golden rose hotel, Boralesganuwa. Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Vice chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura graced the occasion as the chief guest while Dr. Jayantha Wattevidanage, director general, National Science foundation was the guest of honor. Renowned cyanotoxin experts, Prof. Linda Lawton and Dr. Christine Edwards from CyanoSol, Robert Gordon University, UK participated in this symposium as foreign delegates.

In par with the symposium a three day  workshop on Cyanotoxin tool box II  was conducted by  Prof. Linda Lawton and Dr. Christine Edwards from the 16^th to 18^th January at the Centre for water quality and algae research. Postgraduate students and regional chemists from national water supplies and drainage board (NWSDB) were trained at this workshop.

Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Vice chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura held a special discussion with Cyanotoxin research experts Prof. Linda Lawton and Dr. Christine Edwards and Prof. Pathmalal Manage, director, Centre for water quality and algae research regarding future research initiatives and collaborations with the CyanoSol, Robert Gordon University, UK. This collaboration will lead to high impact research and exchange of postgraduate students between University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Robert Gordon University, UK.

Furthermore, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge awarded with fellowships Prof. Linda Lawton and Dr. Christine Edwards to continue their service and support to upgrade the research and publication standards of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.