University of Ruhuna Scientist Receives Prestigious Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship

Dr. Gayan Pathirana (third from left) participates in the 3rd Open Annual Conference on Marine System Sciences of Sun Yat-sen University

Dr. Gayan Pathirana, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship, offered by the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, marking another important international recognition for his contributions to climate and ocean science.

The achievement was made possible through valuable academic support and collaboration from Professor Dongxiao Wang and his Air–Sea Interaction research group at the School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, China, as well as Professor Tilak Priyadarshana and Dr. Wanwan Zhang. The successful application is a key achievement of Sun Yat-sen University’s long-term efforts in international sci-tech cooperation and continuous advancement of substantive cooperation with Sri Lankan research institutions. The program was initiated by the Air-Sea Interaction research team led by Professor Dongxiao Wang at the School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, China. Since 2010, Professor Wang’s team has been carrying out persistent research on Indian Ocean circulation, actively forging blue partnerships with Sri Lankan marine universities and research institutions, and conducting continuous joint international research on cutting-edge scientific issues of common global and regional concern, including tropical air-sea interaction, Indian Ocean biogeochemical processes, monsoon variability and its links with regional climate, extreme weather and marine productivity, gradually establishing a stable scientific research cooperation network.

Dr. Pathirana is an active researcher and educator whose work spans climate science, air–sea interactions, ocean dynamics, and extreme weather events. His research primarily focuses on tropical air–sea interactions, biophysical processes in the Indian Ocean, and monsoon variability, with particular emphasis on understanding their implications for regional climate, extreme weather, and marine productivity. The fellowship provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen international scientific collaboration and promote advanced research in areas of global and regional importance. Dr. Pathirana’s selection reflects the growing international recognition of Sri Lankan scientific expertise and the University of Ruhuna’s expanding engagement with leading research institutions around the world.

His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in international scientific collaboration. Dr. Pathirana obtained his MSc from the State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), China, and completed his PhD at the Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea. These experiences have contributed to the development of his broad research network across Asia and his continued engagement in internationally collaborative research.

The Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship is the latest in a series of recognitions received by Dr. Pathirana throughout his academic career. As an international student in China, he was awarded First Prize in the 2017 “The Silk Road” Scholarship. His PhD research was also recognized by the Korean Meteorological Society, 2023, reflecting the scientific quality and significance of his contributions to atmospheric and climate research. In addition, he received an Early Career Scientist Award at the Pacific–Asian Marginal Seas Meeting, 2024, recognizing his emerging contributions to oceanographic research and the broader scientific community.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Pathirana noted that the fellowship represents an important opportunity to further develop international research partnerships and exchange scientific knowledge. He emphasized that collaborative research is increasingly essential for addressing complex challenges associated with climate variability, extreme weather, changing monsoon systems, and the interactions between the ocean and atmosphere.

“This fellowship provides an excellent platform to strengthen scientific collaboration and pursue research that can improve our understanding of the climate and ocean processes affecting our region,” he said. “I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and collaborate with the Chinese scientific community, which has played an important role in my academic journey.”

The recognition is also a significant milestone for the University of Ruhuna and Sri Lanka’s scientific community. It highlights the potential for Sri Lankan researchers to contribute to high-level international research programmes and to build partnerships with leading institutions in the region.

As climate change and ocean-related challenges increasingly affect countries across the Indian Ocean region, the development of strong international scientific networks has become more important than ever. Through the Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship, Dr. Pathirana is expected to further contribute to collaborative research while creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange and future scientific partnerships between Sri Lanka and China.

The achievement stands as an encouraging example for young Sri Lankan scientists, demonstrating that strong research, international collaboration, and sustained scientific commitment can lead to recognition on the global stage.

Dr. Gayan Pathirana interacts with faculty and students from the school of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University

Dr. Gayan Pathirana delivers a popular science lecture on oceanography at Sun Yat-sen University