Sri Lankan national Dr. Thejani Rupika Delgoda has been promoted to the post of Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica

 The University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica has recently announced the promotion of Dr. Thejani Rupika Delgoda to the post of Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

Thejani Rupika Delgoda is a Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy. Recent media release by the University of the West Indies, states that Professor Rupika Delgoda’s Promotion to Professorship- the highest academic rank at the institution was made after a rigorous assessment process involving consultation with the Dean and the Faculty, Assessment Committees, as well as endorsements from external assessors who reviewed the Professor’s academic record.

Professor Delgoda is the Director of the Natural Products Institute (NPI) in the Faculty of Science and Technology at The UWI Mona Campus, a position she has held for the past five years. Prior to this, she was Director of Research at the Institute from 2001 (when she joined The UWI) until 2013.

She is the holder of a D.Phil. degree in Pharmacology from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom (1999) and a B.Sc. degree with first class honours in Chemistry from the University of Papua New Guinea (1994). She was also a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, in the United Kingdom from 2000 to 2001.

Her research spans the areas of biochemistry, pharmacology and pharmacognosy, with a focus on exploring and unveiling the biological activity of Jamaica’s natural resources. Her original contribution to the national and international body of scientific knowledge is in the areas of bioprospecting (assessing the efficacy of medicinal plants), evaluating ethnomedicines and avoiding potential drug-medicinal plant interactions (assessing the safety of medicinal plants).

Professor Delgoda is the daughter of Mr. Jayampathi Priyananda Delgoda, former Commissioner General of Prisons in Sri Lanka and a former student of St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo. She is married to Dr. the Honourable Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance of Jamaica and they have two children.

The staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Havana convey their best wishes and congratulations to Professor Rupika Delgoda for her achievement.  

Full News Release by the University of the West Indies can be viewed at the following link.

 https://www.mona.uwi.edu/marcom/newsroom/entry/7316

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Havana, Cuba.

22^nd February 2019

 Celebration of 71^st Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka in Kingston, Jamaica

Sri Lankan community in Jamaica together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cuba celebrated Sri Lanka’s 71^st Anniversary of National Independence Day for the first time in Kingston, Jamaica by hosting a diplomatic reception on 09^th February 2019 with the participation of a large gathering which included cabinet Ministers of the Jamaican government, former Ministers, State Ministers and Senior Members of the Jamaican public service, diplomatic community based in Kingston, representatives of Jamaican media organizations etc.

Hon. Pearnel Charles, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade represented the Jamaican government as the Chief Guest. Deputy Chairman of Senate Hon. Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Finance of Jamaica Hon. Nigel Clerk were also among the guests.

The ceremony commenced with playing the National Anthem in Sinhala and Tamil languages. Two minutes silence was observed in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner A.L. Ratnapala reviewed the bilateral relations that exist between Sri Lanka and Jamaica since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998 and close engagement between the two countries specially in multilateral fora. Further, he appreciated the contribution being made by the Government of Jamaica as a leading Caribbean nation to achieve key objectives and targets of the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement by ratifying it in March 2017. 

He has also highlighted potential for more trade and investments between the two countries.

The Chief Guest Hon. Senator Pearnel Charles during his toast observed that two countries have completed 20 years of diplomatic ties recently and referred to Sri Lanka’s rich and diverse culture reflected in its colourful festivals, architecture, art and food. He further said it was no wonder, therefore, that scores of tourists flock to the shores of this beautiful country yearly to experience this vibrant way of life, and of course the warm hospitality that had always been a hallmark of the welcoming nature of the Sri Lankan people. Further he mentioned that Jamaica and Sri Lanka shared many similarities ranging from the vulnerabilities faced as small island developing states, to the passion of the people of two countries have for the game of Cricket and bonds that both countries share in the Commonwealth partnership.

The evening also featured a Sri Lankan Traditional Dress Parade and a Quiz Programme organized by the Sri Lankan expatriate children.  Sri Lankan cuisine featuring a variety of dishes and sweetmeats were served at the reception.

Havana

11th February 2019

Sri Lankan Independence celebrations

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated 71 years of Independence on Monday, February 4. To mark the occasion, Senator Aubyn Hill and his wife Tamara hosted Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Jamaica A L Ratnapala, dignitaries, well-wishers and members of the Sri Lankan community at their home last Saturday. The event also signified 20 years of diplomatic ties between Jamaica and the South Asian island nation and the first time that Sri Lankan Independence Day has been celebrated locally.

Besides cricket and a colonial past, Sri Lanka and Jamaica enjoy a number of similarities. Tourism is one of our main industries; the agricultural sector supports both export and local markets; and both of our stock exchanges are among the world's best performing. The countries also have a geographical terrain that includes forests, mountain ranges and sandy beaches. The majority of the population of both nations is literate and both cultures are steeped in colourful traditions.

Sri Lanka has a rich history that spans over 125,000 years and is well known for its ancient Buddhist ruins and the ancient city Anuradhapura. As Asia's oldest democracy, Sri Lanka has a lot to celebrate and last Saturday, the community in Jamaica did just that.

Read orginal article: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/social/sri-lankan-independence_156961?profile=1237 

 During the celebration of Sri Lanka’s 71st independence, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Jamaica A L Ratnapala (centre) was flanked by (from left) the evening’s host Senator Aubyn Hill; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Pearnel Charles Jr; and businessmen Haresh and Kishore Khemlani. 

KPMG senior partner Tarun Handa (left) and his wife Catherine shared the frame with the University of the West Indies, Mona Dean of the Faculty of Sport Dr Akshai Mansingh. 

 Supreme Ventures Limited Deputy Chairman Ian Levy and his composer wife Cecelia 

From left: British High Commission Kingston Political Officer Phil Donaldson, his wife Fleur and HR Consultant Kithmini Fernando 

 The Social lens caught Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica Juan José González Mijares (right) laughing at a joke made by the Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica Michael Subratie. 

 Co-principals of Hyline Label Company Ltd Linda (centre) and Neil Chang paused for a photo op with The University of the West Indies, Mona Department of Computing head Dr Gunjan Mansingh. 

 After the formalities, Wednesday Social caught up with British High Commission Kingston Vice Consul Anusha Anthony, her Regency Bar & Lounge manager husband Dirome Anthony (centre) and Mohan Kumar, senior group roaming manager – international business, Digicel Group. (Photos: Garfield Robinson) 

UTech, Jamaica Dean of the Faculty of Law Dr Prathiba Mahanamahewa (left) and MegaMart Group Financial Controller Jayantha Bandara 

National Day Celebrations in Jamaica 

On February 9, Senator the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., State Minister in the Foreign Ministry, toasted the Government of Sri Lanka on its 71st anniversary of independence.

National Day celebrations at the Sri Lanka Embassy, Havana, Cuba on 04th February 2019.