80th Birth Anniversary and 9th Death Anniversary of Emeritus Professor J.N.O. Fernando commemorated

The commemoration marking the 80th birth anniversary and the 9th death anniversary of the esteemed Professor J.N.O. Fernando took place on the 1st of March 2024 at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC), Rajagiriya. Professor J.N.O Fernando dedicated forty years of his life to the Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon, serving in various capacities including as President and notably as the inaugural Dean and Rector of the College of Chemical Sciences (CCS). Recently, both the Institute of Chemistry and the CCS paid tribute to his significant contributions through a commemoration event.

The event encompassed Religious Observances, the Prof. J.N.O Fernando Commemoration Oration, and the distribution of gift packs to the Victoria Home for Incurables. The Prof. J.N.O Fernando Commemoration Oration was held on March 1st, 2024, at the P.P.G.L. Siriwardane Auditorium at Adamantane House in Rajagiriya. The distinguished speaker for the Oration was Prof. P. A. Nimal Punyasiri, the Chair and Professor of Biochemistry at the Institute of Biochemistry in the University of Colombo. Professor Punyasiri, who has known Professor J.N.O Fernando since their early days, highlighted the visionary qualities of Professor J.N.O Fernando during his role as a pioneer of chemistry, through his presentation titled “Chemist, Educationist, Mentor and Visionary – Reminiscences of Prof. J. N. O Fernando”

The event commenced with a welcoming address delivered by Prof. H. M. D. N. Priyantha, President of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Following this, Dr. Gobika Thiripuranathar, Head of the Department of Chemistry at CCS, presented the orator’s citation.

In conjunction with the commemoration, the Student Association of CCS organized various religious observances on March 1, 2024. Attendees included Institute of Chemistry members, Alumni, and CCS students.