D.M. Thanuri G. Dasanayake wins 2023 Professor L.M.V. Tillekeratne Gold Medal for Chemistry
The Faculty of Science held its General Convocation 2023 on 4th October 2024 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo. The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institutes, academic and administrative staff, and graduands and parents. The Vice Chancellor conferred the BSc and BSc (Honors) degrees to 510 students of the Faculty of Science. The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Senior Professor D.U.J. Sonnadara readout the names of students who won awards and medals.
At the convocation, Thaunri Dasanayake was recognized as the winner of 2023 Professor L.M.V. Tillekeratne Gold Medal for Chemistry.
CUFSAA congratulate Thanuri for winning this esteemed recognition!
CUFSAA-NA interview with the Prof. L.M.V. Tillekeratne Gold Medalist 2023, Miss. Thanuri Dasanayake
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am Thanuri Dasanayake and I grew up in Bokundara, Piliyandala. I studied at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo from grade one to thirteen. Then I entered Faculty of Science, University of Colombo through Biological Science stream and I graduated last year with a B.Sc. Honors degree in Chemistry. Currently, I am working as a research assistant at KDU.
2. What led you to choose a path in science and specifically a major in chemistry?
From childhood I liked the idea of being a scientist. I used to enjoy reading various stories about scientists, but I think it was during my A/L years that I got interested in chemistry specifically. We had a great teacher at school, who motivated us to conduct experiments in the laboratory and I found those sessions to be quite interesting. This led me to study chemistry enthusiastically compared to other subjects. Then at the university while attending laboratory sessions in the first two years, I developed a special interest towards organic chemistry experiments. So, I joined the Chemistry Honors program, with a hope of pursuing a career in chemistry.
3. Have you heard of Prof. L.M.V. Tillekeratne before winning this award? And what do you know about him now?
Yes, I’ve heard about Prof. L. M. V. Tillekeratne even before winning this award. Prof. Tillekeratne is well-known as the founder president of CUFSAA-NA, the non-profitable organization that continues to support Faculty of Science of University of Colombo in various endeavors. Currently, Prof. Tillekeratne is a faculty member of the department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, at the University of Toledo, USA.
4. How did you feel when you first heard that you won the award and what does this award mean to you personally?
It was a bit of a surprise for me since I wasn’t really expecting to win this award. As a sports enthusiast, I enjoyed sports throughout my school and university years. Getting the chance to study the subject I love while engaging in sports meant a lot for me and I personally feel this medal represents that passion, and commitment.
5. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout your academic journey?
My family has been my biggest inspiration throughout my academic journey since their guidance and support have always helped me to achieve my goals. Their sacrifices still continue to inspire me and motivate me to pursue my ambitions.
6. What was your experience like as an undergraduate in UOC FOS? Did you participate in any extracurricular activities?
The experience was quite wonderful as an undergraduate in UOC FOS. As a Table Tennis player I represented the University team during all four years of my university life. We particularly enjoyed organizing the annual Freshers’ Championship, and Inter Faculty Tournaments. In 2022, I was the vice-captain of the team that emerged as champions at the Inter University Championship and we received university colors. During my final year, I captained the University Table Tennis team and that year we became the 2nd Runner-up team at the 14th Sri Lanka University Games. I was also a member of the Chemical Society and the amalgamated club of University of Colombo. As a member of the Chemical Society I loved volunteering at the annual community service project “SAHAS”.
7. What advice would you give to new and aspiring undergraduates watching this?
I would say, not to rely too much on advice. In the end, it’s your life and you should do what feels right for you but having said that, getting advice from more experienced people has definitely helped me during tough times to figure things out.
8. What are your next steps and plans for the future? Are you interested in graduate studies?
Yes, I am planning to pursue higher studies in chemistry. In future, I want to be involved in the research field and my ultimate goal is to contribute to the society through novel scientific research.
9. Final thoughts or comments.
I would like to thank CUFSAA-NA for all the support given to the students of FOS UOC. I wish them all the best in future endeavors.
[Photo courtesy – FosMedia, Faculty of Science, UofC.]