The concept of research dates back to thousands of years when the human civilization advanced simultaneously with time. Paying extra attention on any object available at present day is an outcome of an original thought followed by execution of the same through hard work. Education provides the foundation for all these and with the correct guidance of ‘teachers’, the others follow to achieve the target. In the present-day scenario, the university system and its academics lead this role at large.
It is a great pleasure to comprehend that the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) at present stands at a leading position in our country through the research, innovation and other developments to cater the needs of the nation. While this situation progresses, attempts towards maintaining the same is of paramount of importance. The Research Excellence Awards ceremony organized by the RUSL provides just the correct platform for this. It is a well-organized event where the awardees are selected through an intensive and transparent mechanism which is appreciable.
I understand the tremendous effort undertaken by the organizing committee for the successful execution of this very important university event by sacrificing their limited precious time. This I recognize as a positive mindset required for the further development of our university, and thus appreciate very much. The achievements of outstanding academics in research/innovation and successful execution of this grand event does not happen overnight. It is the generosity, dedication as well as the excellent management of time and limited resources available through many hardships especially with many challenges that our country is faced at present. As such, I am really satisfied how the research culture of RUSL has been accelerated in the recent past since its establishment in 1996. The Research Excellence Awards Ceremony initiated at RUSL in 2021 is a wonderful effort to appraise the well-deserved academics for their marvelous contribution in developing the university in the research stream. I offer my blessings for all the award winners for their excellent achievement as well as subscription to maintain the reputation of RUSL in the field of research.
As 2023 draws to a close, the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) proudly prepares for its third annual research awards ceremony, which honors exceptional scientists who have distinguished themselves by elevating the university’s reputation among peers through their committed pursuit of innovation and research. ‘Formal academic work’ and ‘innovative research’, both alone and in combination, have a distinctive flavor and identity in higher education. Additionally, both elements play a significant role in determining institution rankings. The necessary groundwork for educating the upcoming generation of scientists is laid by academic institutions imparting the ‘philosophy of research’ to students, who are the primary and direct stakeholders.
This endeavor is therefore a long-term commitment to the students’ and university’s morality. Any system’s potential to endure is largely dependent on how happy each and every participant is. As a result, recognizing these exceptional scientists and awarding them with the respect they deserve will not only show gratitude for their individual accomplishments but also for the kind assistance they provide in elevating the RUSL in the university system’s global and local rankings. I extend my sincere congratulations to the recipients and wish them the very best in all of their future endeavors.
Secretary
Ministry of Education
It is indeed a pleasure and privilege to send this message on the occasion of ‘Research Excellence Awards Ceremony 2023’ of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL). In addition to being located in a city having a remarkable history in the country, the steps initiated and continued by the RUSL to contribute to the national and global innovation through research is admirable. Such achievements which highlight the RUSL throughout the globe are inextricably woven with the untiring efforts of the academia. As such, it is beyond argument that recognizing and rewarding such intellectuals is an integral part of this process which, on the contrary, would undoubtedly boost the enthusiasm and dedication of the same group for further upliftment of the system. I appreciate the time involvement, sacrifices and all other hard work behind this long journey to achieve research excellence. While appreciating the commitments of each and every individual academic member, I take this opportunity to highlight the obligation of the current administration lead by Prof. G. A. S. Ginigaddara, the Vice Chancellor of RUSL, in driving the university in the correct pathway to attain the high ranking in the university system in Sri Lanka and throughout the globe.
It is with immense pleasure that I share this message on the successful organization of the ‘3rd Research Excellence Awards Ceremony’ to recognize and appraise the researchers and inventors whose effort have projected the image of this university locally and internationally. There has been a tremendous increase in the reputation of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) in the recent past which I consider as the excellent guidance of the current administration of this university lead by the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor to utilize the diverse skills within its academics in the most effective manner. This situation has placed the RUSL in an identical position within and outside of Sri Lanka. It is the consequence of not only hard working but also the unity to work as one family as directed by its leadership.
Involvement in research generates interest, curiosity, creativity, new knowledge, and finally satisfaction upon achievement for the academic who is involved. On the contrary, the findings benefit society to function in an improved manner. While experiencing such comfort in life generated through research, it is our responsibility to felicitate and reward the ‘creators’ of those new additions. This is what the RUSL is doing in the 3rd consecutive year of their history in an appreciable manner. So, I take this opportunity to congratulate the award winners for their great achievements, and the RUSL for its continuing development in the research field. While extending my warm and sincere gratitude to the organizing committee of the ‘3rd Research Excellence Awards Ceremony’ for their committed effort, I convey my very best wishes to make this event a grand success. Best wishes for all your future endeavors.
During the last few years, the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) academic members published many research papers in reputable academic journals. I observed that the number of publications in high-quality journals has increased over the last few years. RUSL researchers published more than 675 Scopus-indexed papers from 2019 to 2023. However, the motivation and appreciation received by the academics are not adequate. The purpose of the RUSL research awards is to recognize, appreciate, encourage, and honour the academic staff members at RUSL who excel in research, innovation, and scholarly work.
Research plays a vital role in the university system in generating new knowledge and innovations. Those are very important to consider in the national and international ranking of the universities. RUSL has become a highly effective university in Sri Lanka during the last few years. RUSL is ranked second amongst Sri Lankan universities according to research based on the SCImago Ranking in 2023. It was a remarkable achievement for the RUSL, and it is necessary to maintain the same position and reputation in the future.
The selection of awardees was carried out through a well-structured marking scheme and a transparent procedure involving all six faculties. All conflicts of interest were declared and considered during the evaluation process. We received over 125 applications from over 56 researchers for this year’s award ceremony.
I congratulate all award winners of the RUSL Research Excellence Awards 2023 and acknowledge the research awards committee members for their hard work in organizing the ceremony. Finally, I wish the awardees Good Luck.
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