The Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Applied Sciences has initiated a collaboration with the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The main objective of the MOU is to share expert knowledge and resources between the two parties to promote fair play among the sports community in Sri Lanka and create technologically advanced graduates in the country. The MOU initiates collaborative research that benefits undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department of Chemistry in sports medicine and analytical sciences. The collaborative research outcomes will increase awareness of prohibited substances in sports in the general public and educate young athletes to prevent accidental exposure to them in sporting events. The ceremonial signing of the MOU took place on the 28th of August 2024, hosted within the university premises. This momentous event garnered the esteemed presence of Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, Prof. Champa Jayaweera, Head, Department of Chemistry, Dr. Asitha Cooray, Department of Chemistry, Dr. Shiromi De Alwis, Director General SLADA, Mrs. Nilu Fernando, Mrs. S. A. N Rashani, and Mrs. Oshala Hettiarachchi, Research Officers of SLADA.
Dr. Shiromi De Alwis, Director General of SLADA, emphasized the initiative’s aim to increase awareness of prohibited substance use in sports, especially among young athletes, by sharing the resources between the institutions. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, foreseeing increased opportunities for university students.
