Prof. Rangika Umesh Halwathura, of University of Moratuwa won the “Best Scientist of the Developing World” award from the TWAS-The World Academy of Science. He is currently Sri Lanka’s youngest professor in Engineering Science. Professor Halwathura’s name was nominated for this award by the National Academy of Science. The award is presented to young scientists in the areas of bio, chemical and engineering sciences and their research over the past year.

Professor Halwathura studied at Kaluthara Vidyalaya and entered University of Moratuwa for his higher studies. He recieved patents certificated this year for finding sustainable materials for his discovery of a bamboo insulation system which prevents excessive heat spreading within walls.

TWAS has long recognized that prizes and awards provide an incentive for scientists to do their best work, while winning global recognition. Today, honours awarded by TWAS and its partners are among the most prestigious given for research in the developing world. They range from the TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize, which celebrates the very best research in the South, to prizes awarded to early-career scientists already making impressive contributions to their field.