Prof. P.P.G.L. Siriwardene passes away

The sudden demise of Prof. P. P. G. L. Siriwardene on 19th of June has sent shock waves among many chemists in the country. Prof. Siriwardene who resided in UK came on a brief visit to Sri Lanka to attend to tsunami rehabilitation work in his home town.

Being an active Past President of Institute of Chemistry he enthusiastically participated in the 34th Annual sessions of the Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon held from 15-17th June and attended the annual dinner and the reception. No one ever imagined that the end of this remarkable person who was so hale and hearty would come so soon.

Prof. P. P. G. L. Siriwardene was an eminent chemist of international repute. He was the President of Institute of Chemistry from 1975-1976. Prof. Siriwardene who was the first professor of Chemistry in University of Colombo is an emeritus Professor of that University.

He was also the Vice Chancellor of the single university of Sri Lanka which had several campuses. He was responsible for introducing metallurgy into the curriculum of B.Sc engineering program of the University of Ceylon.

Prof. Siriwardene's involvement in the Ceylon Technical College exposed him to technical education. He published a book titled "Technical Vocational Education" - Experiences and Innovations in 2003. He is also perhaps the first chemist who has put down his memoirs in print titled "Memoirs and Reflections." Prof. Siriwardene had served in several statutory bodies and organisations such as Mineral Sands Corporation, Steel Corporation and Cement Corporation in different capacities.

He was the first chairman of Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority and served in the Governing Board of the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research as the chairman.

Prof. Siriwardene was a Guest of Honour at the opening of the new Headquarters building of the Institute of Chemistry held on 25th February. The main lecture hall of this new headquarters building was named after Prof. P. P. G. L. Siriwardene due to his immense contribution to the field of chemistry in the spheres of tertiary eduction and industry.

The portrait of Prof. Siriwardene was unveiled and the oration was delivered by Dr. R. O. B. Wijesekera at the opening of Prof. P. P. G. L. Siriwardene auditorium on 14th March.

The sudden demise of Prof. Siriwardene is a great loss to the country. His funeral takes place on 23rd June at 4 p.m. in the General Cemetery, Borella. All Council Members, Past Presidents and members of the Institute of Chemistry are requested to gather near the main entrance at 4 p.m. to take part in the funeral procession and pay last respects to Prof. P. P. G. L. Siriwardene.