SLIIT hosted a gala night to celebrate its annual SLIIT Awards 2024 honouring excellence, dedication, and outstanding contributions of staff members at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo recently. Over 500 members of the SLIIT community came together to mark the event which also coincided with the Institute’s commemorating its 25-year special journey of education and innovation.
The presentation of Performance Awards celebrating outstanding achievements by both academic and non-academic staff in 2023 marked the key highlight of the evening. These awards were presented to individuals, whose dedication and innovation have elevated SLIIT’s educational experience, directly shaping the next generation of professionals and reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to academic excellence. The Academic Staff awards were presented to:
Category A
Outstanding Teacher Award
Winner: Vandhana Dunuwila, Lecturer (Tenure Track), SLIIT Business School
Merit Award: Shanitha Mirihana, Lecturer (Tenure Track), Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Researcher of the Year Award
Winner: Madara Jayanetti, Lecturer (Tenure Track), Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Merit Award: Geethma Pathirana, Lecturer (Tenure Track), SLIIT Business School
Outstanding Overall Achievement Award
Winner: Ishara Gamage, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Computing
Category B
Outstanding Teacher Award
Winner: Dr. Gobithas Tharmarajah, Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Merit Award: Anjalie Gamage, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Computing
Researcher of the Year Award
Winner: Prof. Charitha Jayaruk, Associate Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Merit Award: Prof. Anuradha Jayakody, Head of the Department of Computer Systems Engineering/ Associate Professor, Faculty of Computing
Outstanding Overall Achievement Award
Winner: Prof. Charitha Jayaruk, Associate Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Category C
Outstanding Teacher Award
Winner: Prof. Migara Liyanage, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering/ Professor, Faculty of Engineering
Merit Award: Prof. Ruwan Jayathilaka, Head of the Department of Information Management/ Professor, SLIIT Business School
Researcher of the Year Award
Winner: Prof. Ruwan Jayathilaka, Head of the Department of Information Management/ Professor, SLIIT Business School
Merit Award: Prof.Shiromi Karunaratne, Professor, Faculty of Engineering
Outstanding Overall Achievement Award
Winner: Prof. Ayantha Gomes, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Non-academic staff were also celebrated for their exceptional contribution across three categories.
Non-Academic Staff Awards
Category A
Outstanding Performer Award
Winner: Sudarshana Chandramal, Department of Facility Management
Merit Award 1: Sanjeewa Ranasinghe, Department of Administration
Merit Award 2: Shivantha Gamage, Department of Administration
Category B
Outstanding Performer Award
Winner: Sandun Weerasinghe, Executive (Grade II), Library
Merit Award 1: Pathum Udawatta, Facility Management Executive (Grade II), Faculty of Engineering
Merit Award 2: Sisira Liyanage, Executive (Grade II), SLIIT Business School
Category C
Outstanding Performer Award
Winner: Ranga Athapaththu, Senior Software Engineer, Business Application and Support Services, Department of IT
Merit Award 1: Thiranjaya Meegasdeniya, Manager/Marketing – Department of Student Services and Outreach
Merit Award 2: Uthpala Ranasinghe, Manager, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Adding to the evening’s grandeur, was the recognition of SLIIT’s long-standing employees who have served the Institute for 10 to 25 years between 2020 and 2024. This recognition highlighted the instrumental role these dedicated staff members have played in SLIIT’s journey to excellence.
The evening also featured Special Recognition Awards, honouring the visionary individuals who shaped SLIIT during its foundational years. The Board of Directors too were honoured for their strategic guidance and dedicated service which has been instrumental in strengthening SLIIT’s strong institutional establishment.
The event featured dazzling dance performances, an exciting raffle draw with valuable prizes, and live music which kept the energy high throughout the celebration.
SLIIT’s journey has been defined by growth, success, and the unwavering commitment of staff and students. As the institute continues to inspire and innovate, the Silver Jubilee milestone serves as a reminder of the power of excellence and collaboration in creating a lasting impact and commitment to shaping a brighter future through education.
