The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon has organised a National Conference under the theme of “The Role of Chemists in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals” to be held at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Colombo on 1st, 2nd, 5th and 9th June 2023. This event will bring a common platform to share valuable experiences and knowledge of several eminent Chemists, University Academics in chemistry and related fields, Industrialists and as well as the representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and other Statutory organisations on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) proclaimed by the UN.

The conference will consist of 4 Theme Seminars covering four Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education and Responsible Consumption and Production. The Keynote addresses will be delivered each day by eminent personnel while the representatives of the Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka will elaborate on the SDGs. A series of guest lectures will be conducted by Specialists on each defined subject followed by Panel Discussions. The Theme Seminar One on 1st June 2023 will be on Achieving Health and Wellness for Sustainable Development: Role of Health Sector Policy Makers.

Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services will deliver the keynote address. The guest lectures will be delivered by Prof Renuka Silva, Professor of Nutrition, Dept of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University Sri Lanka, Mr P G Krishantha Silva, Head, Information, Education, Research, Training, and Pharmacovigilance Regulatory Division, National Medical Regulatory Authority, Prof P A Paranagama, Chair & Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Dr. M D J Abeygunawardena, Commissioner, Department of Ayurveda and Dr Menuka Arawwawala, Director Pharmaceuticals Laboratory, Industrial Technology Institute.

The Theme Seminar Two - Sustainable Agriculture, food security and food safety: Role of Agriculture/Nutrition and Food Sector Policy Makers will be held on 2nd June 2023. The keynote speech on Sustainable agriculture and food security: Ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for all will be delivered by Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. The guest lectures will be delivered by Prof Renuka Silva, Prof of Nutrition, Dept of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University Sri Lanka.

Prof. K H Sarananda, Department of Biosystems Engineering Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya Prof Nilantha Liyanage, Professor, Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna The Theme Seminar Three - Industrial Development for Sustainable Development: Role of Industrial Policy Makers will be held on 5th May 2023. The keynote speech on Sailing in the Storm: Opportunities & Challengers in Chemical-related Industry in Sri Lanka will be delivered by Dr Piyal Ariyananda, Head, Global Innovations at Stretchline Holdings Ltd.

The guest lectures will be presented by Mr Rasitha Niroshana, MD Halcyon Pvt Ltd, Dr Udaya Jayasundara, Senior Lecturer, College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Mr Gayan Thilakarathne, Head/HRD Dilmah and Mr Darshana Thuduwaththege, Managing Director, UNIK Technology Lanka Pvt Ltd. The Theme Seminar Four on 9th June 2023 will be on Chemical Education and Research for Sustainable Development: Role of Educational Policy Makers. The Keynote speech on Chemistry Education for Sustainable Development - Challenges Ahead will be delivered by Prof. Deepthi Bandara, Professor Emeritus, University of Peradeniya. The guest lectures will be delivered by Prof. Gamini Rajapakse, Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya Prof. Veranja Karunaratne, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya and Vice-Chancellor, SLINTEC Academy and Dr W D Chandrasena Senior Lecturer, Science Education Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya.