Professor in Chemistry | University of Kelaniya | Sri Lanka
Prof. Sujeewa De Silva is a distinguished Professor at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. With a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Sheffield, he specializes in materials development and environmental analysis. Over his career, he has made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and materials science.
Profile
Scholar
Strengths for the Award π
A solid foundation in Chemistry with a BSc from the University of Kelaniya and a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Sheffield. This strong academic background supports his research capabilities.
Over two decades of experience in academia, including significant roles from Assistant Lecturer to Professor. His research focus on materials development and characterization is particularly relevant to contemporary scientific challenges.
A substantial body of work, with 35 refereed articles and 85 conference contributions. His publications cover critical topics such as microplastic contamination and renewable energy technologies, indicating a broad impact on environmental and materials science.
Successfully secured significant funding from various national and international sources, including the World Bank and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. This demonstrates his ability to attract resources for research initiatives.
Multiple Vice-Chancellors Awards for outstanding research contributions and grant acquisition highlight his recognition within the academic community.
Leadership in several university committees and research centers showcases his ability to manage research projects effectively and contribute to academic administration.
Extensive teaching experience across various chemistry courses and supervision of postgraduate research, indicating a dedication to educating the next generation of scientists.
Education π
Prof. De Silva earned his BSc in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya (1994) with a thesis on “Novel inhibitors for Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” He completed his PhD in Materials Science at the University of Sheffield (2002), focusing on “Crystallization and molecular conformation of long chain n-alkanes.”
Experience π§βπ«
His career at the University of Kelaniya spans several roles, including Lecturer and Senior Lecturer, leading to his current position as Professor since 2019. He has also served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Queensland, Australia, and has managed numerous projects focused on materials characterization and environmental chemistry.
Research Interest π¬
Prof. De Silva’s research interests include materials development and characterization, as well as the analysis of environmental samples. His expertise in techniques such as SEM, EDS, and FTIR enhances his contributions to solar cell technology and environmental sustainability.
Awards π
Prof. De Silva has received multiple accolades, including the Vice-Chancellors Awards for the highest amount of research grants (2016, 2022, 2023) and for Outstanding Senior Researcher (2nd Place in 2023 and 2019). He has also been recognized for his contributions to research supervision and quality.
Publication π
The effect of self-poisoning on crystal morphology and growth rates
Authors: G Ungar, EGR Putra, DSM De Silva, MA Shcherbina, AJ Waddon
Year: 2005
Citations: 66
Dilution wave and negative-order crystallization kinetics of chain molecules
Authors: G Ungar, PK Mandal, PG Higgs, DSM De Silva, E Boda, CM Chen
Year: 2000
Citations: 48
Chain tilt and surface disorder in lamellar crystals. A FTIR and SAXS study of labeled long alkanes
Authors: DSM de Silva, X Zeng, G Ungar, SJ Spells
Year: 2002
Citations: 46
Effect of stirring rate of electrolyte on properties of electrodeposited CdS layers
Authors: HYR Atapattu, DSM De Silva, KAS Pathiratne, IM Dharmadasa
Year: 2016
Citations: 31
Influence of the type of conducting glass substrate on the properties of electrodeposited CdS and CdTe thin films
Authors: ACS De Alwis, HYR Atapattu, DSM De Silva
Year: 2018
Citations: 15
Intrusion of heavy metals/metalloids into rice (Oryza sativa L.) in relation to their status in two different agricultural management systems in Sri Lanka
Authors: C Navarathna, S Pathiratne, DSM De Silva, J Rinklebe, D Mohan, T Mlsna
Year: 2021
Citations: 12
On perpendicular and tilted chains in lamellar crystals
Authors: DSM De Silva, X Zeng, G Ungar, SJ Spells
Year: 2003
Citations: 11
An investigation into the effect of rate of stirring of bath electrolyte on the properties of electrodeposited CdTe thin film semiconductors
Authors: HYR Atapattu, DSM De Silva, KAS Pathiratne, IM Dharmadasa
Year: 2018
Citations: 10
Effect of Pre-treatments on Extending the Shelf-life of Minimally Processed ‘Ela Batu’ (Solanum surattense)
Authors: PTS Dharmabandu, SM De Silva, S Wimalasena, W Wijesinghe, …
Year: 2010
Citations: 9
Altering NH4OH concentration in producing chemical bath deposited CdS to steadily support electrodeposited CdTe
Authors: G Gajanayake, DSM De Silva, HYR Atapattu
Year: 2021
Citations: 8
Conclusion π
Sujeewa De Silva is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“, showcasing a remarkable combination of academic achievement, research output, and recognition within the scientific community. His extensive experience, successful funding acquisition, and impactful publications highlight his commitment to advancing materials science and environmental research. By addressing areas for improvement, particularly in collaboration and public engagement, he could further enhance his contributions to the field. His dedication to education and research positions him as a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.