The Innovate Sri Lanka 2021/2022 awards ceremony took place recently, at the Senate board room of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The event, organized by the Innovation, Invention and Venture Creation Council (IIVCC) of the University, was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among the staff and students of the University.
The competition garnered an overwhelming response, with 202 innovation proposals received during the first stage. These proposals showcased the immense talent and innovative potential of the University’s community. After a meticulous selection process, 59 projects were chosen to advance to the highly anticipated second round. Out of them the IIVC Council provided funding for 31 projects under the USJ Innovation Grants Scheme, enabling their creators to transform their ideas into reality. The competition was carried out across 10 Special Interest Groups or specialization areas, with the top winners in SIGs being selected for a final round for deciding on overall winners. The second round was judged by a panel of independent judges nominated by the Sri Lanka Inventor’s Commission.
The awards ceremony welcomed esteemed guests, including the Chairman of the University Grant Commission, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, who served as the chief guest. Prof. Amaratunge was not only a key figure in the initiation of the IIVC Council but also the visionary behind the Innovate Sri Lanka competition itself. The event was also attended by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, CEO of the Sri Lanka Inventor’s Commission, Mr. N. M. Dolawatte, Deans of the faculties, and members of the IIVC Council, adding further prestige to the occasion.
The event recognized the pioneering service carried out by Prof. Sampath Amaratunge as the founder executive chairman, and Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda and Prof. A. H. L. R. Nilmini as founder co-chairs of the IIVCC.
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the overall winners. The project “Sani-Fly” – a public washroom management and tracking solution” emerged on earning the coveted title of the competition’s top innovation. The students of the project team consisted of Pramuk Hewawasam, Ishara Thennakoon, Dinuka Wijesundara and Nipuni Fernando from the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce.
The Second Place was won by the project titled “Development of a novel yoghurt product incorporated with selected spices and seaweed, to hinder glycemic impact” carried out by the team of Dr. K. W. Madura Jayaaainghe, P. Dayani and R. Priyathasini of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
The third place was won by the project titled “Development of nitrite-free herbal sausage using natural ingredients” carried out by the team of Dr. A. M. A. U. Alahakoon, G. T. Piumi Prabodya, K. P. Sewwandi Nuwan Kumari, A. M. Nishadi Anuruddika , R. M. Dilini Navida Prabashini from the Faculty of Technology.
This year marked the second edition of Innovate Sri Lanka, further solidifying its status as a platform that nurtures and promotes innovation within the University. The event was sponsored by the I lab grant of the Faculty of Engineering funded by the STHRDP project. The IIVC Council, co-chaired by Prof. Lasith Gunawardena and Dr. Nilushi Nugara supported by Dr. Dulini Mudunkotuwa as Secretary and Ms. Chathuri Wasundara as RA, played a crucial role in driving this competition and awards ceremony forward.
This event marks another successful chapter in the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and pushing boundaries for a better future.
Panel of Judges:
| Name of the Judge | Institution |
| Prof. A. M. Muzathik | Faculty of Engineering, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka |
| Prof. A. R. Kumarasinghe | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. D. A. N. Dharmasena | Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya |
| Prof. H. Amarasekera | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. N. M. S. Sirimuthu | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. N. Liyanage | Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. P. Jayawardana | Faculty of Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. P. Jayaweera | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. P. Perera | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. R. G. N. Meegama | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. R. Weerasinghe | Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. S. Suresh | Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Prof. W. A. R. T. W. Rangika | Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya |
| Prof. Y. P. R. D. Yapa | Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya |
| Dr. A. Attanayake | Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna |
| Dr. A. D. N. T. Kumara | South Eastern University of Sri Lanka |
| Dr. A. P. D. Liyanage | National Engineering Research and Development Center |
| Dr. B. L. S. Thilakarathna | Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo |
| Dr. B. P. W. Fernando | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Dr. J. A. P. Bodhika | Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna |
| Dr. J. Jayasanka | Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Dr. K. M. Chandimal | Faculty of Medicine, University of Wayamba |
| Dr. N. Amunugoda | Director of Food Technology, Industrial Technology Institute |
| Dr. N. Dharmaweera | Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Dr. N. Lankasena | Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Dr. N. Kuruwitaarachchi | Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Dr. P. M. K. Alahakoon | Faculty of Engineering, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka |
| Dr. R. Dinalankara | Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. |
| Dr. R. P. Abeysooriya | Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa |
| Dr. S. S. P. Mathara Arachchi | University of Colombo School of Computing |
| Dr. U. Ranathunga | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Dr. U. S. Liyanarachi | Wayamba University of Sri Lanka |
| Dr. V. G. T. N. Vidanagama | Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Wayamba |
| Dr. W. G. C. W. Kumara | Faculty of Engineering, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka |
| Eng. S. Wijetunga | Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka |
The Full List of Winners :
| No. | Cert. Category | Project Title | SIG | Award | Name List |
| 1 | Overall Winners | SaniFly: A washroom monitoring and tracing solution.: A washroom monitoring and tracing solution. | Mind, Body & Well-Being | Overall Gold | Pramuk Hewawasam, Amandi Thennakoon, Dinuka Dilshan, Nipuni Fernando |
| 2 | Overall Winners | Development of a novel yoghurt product incorporated with selected spices and seaweed, to hinder glycemic impact. | Food and Agriculture | Overall Silver | Dr. K.W. Madhura Arunoda Jayasinghe, P. Dayani, R. Priyathasini |
| 3 | Overall Winners | Development of nitrite-free herbal sausage using natural ingredients | Food and Agriculture | Overall Bronze | Dr. A.M.A.U. Alahakoon, G.T. Piumi Prabodya, J.P. Sewwandi Nuwan Kumari, A.M. Nishadi Anuruddika Abeysinghe, T.M. Dilini Navida Prabashini |
| 4 | SIG Winners | Development of a novel yoghurt product incorporated with selected spices and seaweed, to hinder glycemic impact. | Food and Agriculture | Gold | Dr. K.W. Madhura Arunoda Jayasinghe, P. Dayani, R. Priyathasini |
| 5 | SIG Winners | Smart Mask | Biomedical and Heath Service | Gold | Dr. Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa, J.P.S. Madushan, O.P.T.U. De Silva, R.M.P. Madhusanka, W.T.N. Wimalaweera |
| 6 | SIG Winners | Smart Farming Robot | Food and Agriculture | Gold | Dr. Nishan Dharmaweera, M.A.D.K. Thushara, Fazlun Rifaza Noordeen, Kaveesha Ranasinghe, Sajana Wickramarathna, Kasun Chanuka |
| 7 | SIG Winners | Speaking Gloves: Giving a voice to who cannot talk | Biomedical and Heath Service | Silver | Dr. Udaya Wijenayake, Dr. Akila Subasinghe, H.A.D.T. N.S. Hathurusinghe, Y.P. Morapitiya, A.G. Chanuka |
| 8 | SIG Winners | Development of nitrite-free herbal sausage using natural ingredients | Food and Agriculture | Silver | Dr. A.M.A.U. Alahakoon, G.T. Piumi Prabodya, J.P. Sewwandi Nuwan Kumari, A.M. Nishadi Anuruddika Abeysinghe, T.M. Dilini Navida Prabashini |
| 9 | SIG Winners | SaniFly: A washroom monitoring and tracing solution. | Mind, Body & Well-Being | Silver | Prof. K.S. Lasith Gunawardena, Pramuk Hewawasam, Amandi Thennakoon, Dinuka Dilshan, Nipuni Fernando |
| 10 | SIG Winners | Realtime geospatial prediction model for the restoration of social behaviors in Covid-19 pandemic situation; Sri Lanka | Socity, Culture and Languages | Silver | Mr. Ravi Nandana Gamachchige, Dr.Naleen Ganegoda, Snr. Prof. R.B. Marasinghe, Prof. T.M.S.P.K. Thennakoon, Nadeesha Abeyrathne, Upeksha Badullahewage, H.B.A.C. Pradeep, R.T. Thrimawithana |
| 11 | SIG Winners | Development of Fully Automated Papain Extraction System | Food and Agriculture | Silver | Dr. L.J.S. Undugoda, K.I. Achintha Wijenayake, D. Thilini Wijegunawardhana, G.S. Maduwanthi Chandrasiri, I.D.C. Nadeeshan Wijesinghe |
| 12 | SIG Winners | Designing a prototype Cassava processing machine for washing, peeling and rasping | Food and Agriculture | Bronze | Prof. I. Wickramasinghe, Dr. M.A Dulani Somendrika, Prof. Jagath Wansapala, V. Rupage Sena Peiris |
| 13 | SIG Winners | Developing cassava frozen fries with reduced cyanide content | Food and Agriculture | Bronze | Prof. I. Wickramasinghe, Dr. M.A. Dulani Somendrika, Prof. Jagath Wansapala, V. Rupage Sena Peiris |
| 14 | SIG Winners | Instant Kavum Mixture | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Prof. R.A. Upul Marapana, P.D. Shashini Amanda Goonathilaka, C.H.M.Y. Rivishani Chandrasekara, R.A. Tilani Niranjala Rupasinghe, T. Tharushi Samarasinghe, M.H. Salamath Fahma , H.D.B.Sathsarani Hemachandra, M. Rasmi Pathuma Chasna, T. Kantharupan |
| 15 | SIG Winners | Mango seed flour chocolate | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Prof. R.A. Upul Marapana, W. L. Dushani Sadunika, H. Samuduni Liyanage, N.G.H. Imesha Kavithani, D.S. Umanga Aluthge, I.A.D. Samiddhi Randula Gunathilaka, J. Chrisanne Daniel, I.D. Poornima Dilurukshi, H.M.D. Harsani Munasinghe |
| 16 | SIG Winners | Instant leafy balls | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Prof. R.A. Upul Marapana, S.C. Kariyawasam Pathirage, H.A.P. Hettiarachchi, S.K. Piumi Prasanka, H.P.S. Sanduni Kasthuriarachchi, M.P.D. Sewwandi Darshanamala, M.D.D. Nayanthi Gunathilake, K.P.H. Lasith Jayawardana, A.G.A. Pashini Sachethani, B.V. Dinushi Chathurangi |
| 17 | SIG Winners | Development of a drinking yoghurt product which fulfils 50% RDI of calcium and rich in antioxidants and ascorbic acid by incorporating Moringa oleifera dried leaf powder extract and Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Dr. K.W. Madhura Arunoda Jayasinghe, Dr. W. L. Isuru Wijesekara, Dr. S.P.A. Subhashinie Senadheera, R.M.J. Nimesha Samarathunga |
| 18 | SIG Winners | Development of an Affordable Protein Dense Supplementary Food Enriched in Vitamin A To Alleviate Malnutrition | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Dr. K.W. Madhura Arunoda Jayasinghe, A.V. Induru Bimsara Wijesinghe, Poorni Sandupama |
| 19 | SIG Winners | Fiber & nutrients enriched yoghurt | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Prof. R.A. Upul Marapana, S.C. Kariyawasam Pathirage, A.P. Hettiarachchi, S.K. Piyumi Prasanka, H.P.S. Sanduni Kasthuriarachchi, M.P.D. Sewwandi Darshanamala, M.D.D. Nayanthi Gunathilake, K.P.H. Lasith Jayawardana, A.G.A. Pashini Sachethani, B.V. Dinushi Chathurangi |
| 20 | SIG Winners | A product of a progressive freeze concentrated and ultraviolet-C treated ready to drink coconut water | Emerging Technology | Merit | Dr. M.P.G Vanniarachchi, J.A.E.C Jayawardena, Prof. M. A. Jagath Wansapala, P.L. Iroshika Jayarathna |
| 21 | SIG Winners | Saving the gentle giants of the wild | Energy & Environment | Merit | Dr. Nishan Dharmaweera, M.A.D.K. Thushara, B.U. Kumarasiri, H.U.K. Kumarasena, L.H.A.A. I. Karunarathne, S.M. Gamage, K.C. Sooriyapperuma, W.D.S.K. Wickramarathna |
| 22 | SIG Winners | Micro Ecological Restoration App for Interior Air Purification In Industries |
Smart Cities and Sustainable Development | Merit | A.W.G.N.M. Abeyrathna, Prof. T.M.S.P.K. Thennakoon |
| 23 | SIG Winners | Development of a smart fruit harvesting mechanism | Food and Agriculture | Merit | Dr. K.G.L. Renuka Jayathunge, Dr. G.L. Rumesh Prasanga, Dr. A.M.A.U. Alahakoon, M.A. Hansani Piyumika, T.M.D. Navoda Prabashini, K.M. Udari Priyadarshani, G.T. Piyumi Prabodya, P.B.P. Randima Madushani, P.S. Manusha Pellawaththa, M. Musammil Fathima Ramla, S.H.A.A. Maduranga Kumara |
| 24 | SIG Winners | Recycle for a Reward | Energy & Environment | Merit | Dr. P.R.A. Udara Sampath, Samitha Hanthanapitiya, Priyantha Buddhika, Ayeshmantha Maduranga, Ashan Kumara |
