Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology steps into 20th year of academic excellence

Wednesday, 5 May 2021 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Edinburgh Napier University Vice-principal International Michael Greenhalgh congratulating the valedictorian of the class of 2019 Parami Pieris

Class of 2019 taking the Graduation Pledge at the General Convocation held last year

Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology (SIST) celebrates yet another milestone in its illustrious career as it steps into the 20th year of academic excellence. The occasion was marked with multi-religious ceremonies followed by a tree planting ceremony held at the facility.

SIST has traversed two decades of academic excellence since its inception, through which it has grown from strength to strength. A pioneer in life sciences in Sri Lanka, SIST was first established in 2001 by its founder Chairman Jayanthan Kulasingham with the aim of aspiring youth and to train young scientists in the fields of research and development, thereby enhancing human capital.

SIST now offers a number of prestigious overseas degrees in the fields of life sciences, engineering technology, business and Information technology, recognised by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. SIST is the collaborative partner of Edinburgh Napier University, UK and the Lincoln University College, Malaysia.

SIST is also the examination partner of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras for their online education program.

The Scientific Advisory Board of SIST comprises of Professor Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam, consultant vascular surgeon – Leeds General Infirmary, UK, Professor Frances De Silva, former Vice Chancellor – University of Moratuwa, Prof. Sarath Gunasekara, former Chairman of Mechanical Engineering, Ohio University and Bala Mahendran, former CEO of Basildon County UK.

The Research and Development Committee of SIST headed by Prof. Chandrani Wijeratne (former Head of Botany, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka) and Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasighe (Director, Herbal Technology Section, Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka) works with faculty and students in performing active research.

The campus is currently located in a 30,000 square feet facility at No. 07, Kirimandala Mawatha, Colombo 05, and has the added advantage of four state of the art laboratories equipped to perform experimentation under molecular biology, tissue culture, chemistry and microbiology.

SIST believes in providing students with the ultimate university experience. Thus, Spectrum Students’ Society operates under five main avenues; community service, green army, performing arts, sports, visual communication and digital media. The student magazine ‘The Spectrum’ opens up opportunities for students to voice their opinions to the public.

SIST has succeeded in producing successful alumni. Among these alumni are Ashrifa Ali, PhD on cancer proteomics – University of North Dakota, Pubudu Samarakone, a postdoctoral fellow – Oslo University Hospital and Parami Pieris, a postgraduate candidate in Masters in the Biology of Environmental Change – University of Eastern Finland. SIST takes pride in producing promising entrepreneurs in the field of biotechnology where alumna of SIST, Thisal Gamage heads Helixionn Innovations a research and innovations company in Sri Lanka.

SIST is, and will always be a guiding light and inspire the youth by providing quality educational opportunities in the years to come.