Review by Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team)
Synera ’25, the first research symposium at Trinity College, Kandy, organised by the Young Inventors’ and Researchers’ Club, concluded its final showcase on 10 February 2025. The event represented weeks of preparation, workshops, independent inquiry, and careful evaluation, all aimed at strengthening a culture of structured academic exploration within and beyond the College. Most significantly, the event introduced formal research to the Trinity community, marking an important milestone in the College’s academic journey.
This year’s edition brought together approximately 80 students and included both inter-school and inter-house competitions, providing participants with a formal platform to develop and present their work.
Within the College, students from the Junior School, Middle School, and Upper School participated in tailored initiatives. Middle School participants attended workshops introducing the foundations of methodology and presentation. They were then assigned topics and guided through their own investigations, culminating in structured posters that were professionally printed and displayed.
Assessment took place prior to the showcase, while the exhibition allowed the school community to appreciate the curiosity and effort shown by the younger students.
The research projects were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges:
Dr. Viduranga Waisundara, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours and a PhD in Food Science and Technology, brought extensive expertise in food science and technological research.
Dr. Saumya Bandara, holding a Bachelor of Science with Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Science Education, and a Master of Philosophy in Science Education, contributed her background in both scientific knowledge and educational research.
Dr. Kumudu Kopiyawattage holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya and a PhD in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida, USA, reflecting both local and international academic experience.
Mr. Chinthana Warapitiya, who holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, and a Higher Diploma in Advanced Organic Chemistry, offered valuable expertise in pharmaceutical and chemical sciences.
Dr. Dilini Hemachandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Peradeniya. She also earned a Master of Arts in Economics and a PhD from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, USA, demonstrating a distinguished academic career.
The Middle School poster competition was evaluated by the following judges:
Dr. Kanishka D.B. Ukuwela, who holds a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and a B.Sc. (Honors) in Zoology from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. With a strong academic foundation in biological sciences, his expertise reflects both international research exposure and local academic excellence.
Dr. Viduranga Waisundara, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours and a PhD in Food Science and Technology, brought extensive expertise in food science and technological research.
Mr. Hirantha Madurasinghe, who holds a B.Sc. (Honors) degree in Agriculture Systems & Management from the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, demonstrating his academic training and professional grounding in agricultural systems, resource management, and sustainable practices.
The winners of the Middle School Poster Competition were:
1st Place: Master U. S. A. Dissanayake Master W. G. I. Ariyaratne Master K. B. Harley Master A. S. N. Bandara
Topic: Automated plant watering system with ‘Ideal water window’ soil moisture level and ambient temperature
2nd Place (Tie): Master S. G. Pathiraja Master K. S. Gunasinghe Master I. Herath Master T. A. Thadhani Master P. J. M. M. M. Thilakaratne
Topic: Building and testing simple windmills – Which blade design spins the fastest?
And: Master G. T. P. Piyasinghe Master D. N. M. Mapa Master G. A. F. H. Gamarachchi Master L. P. P. Laknindu
Topic: Effect of mulch type on soil moisture retention
3rd Place: Master S. R. Rajapakshe Master V. U. Rathnayake Master I. N. W. Jayasooriya Master U. A. B. Rathnayake Master S. D. Athurugiriya
Topic: Wavelength Matters: Investigating Optimal Light for Plants
Upper School participants were required to submit a full paper alongside a formal presentation. Twelve submissions were received, from which three projects were selected for the symposium. Each was followed by a question-and-answer session with the judging panel.
The winners of the Upper School Research Competition were:
1st Place: Master Thivaharan Humrushan
Topic: The correlation between sleep duration and academic performance among GCE Advanced Level students in Sri Lanka
2nd Place: Master Yehen Bandaranayake
Topic: Guarding ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’, Measuring LLM Bias in Marketing Language
3rd Place: Master Nadhila Alokabandara
Topic: VELA: AI powered assignment and study material generation with LaTeX
The inter-school segment extended participation beyond Trinity. Invited schools presented projects across diverse disciplines, including socio-political studies, ecology, economics, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and technological innovation.
The winners of the Inter-School Research Competition were:
1st Place: Gateway College, Kandy Topic: Ecology and Behaviour of Macaca Sinica Aurifrons in Sri Lanka
2nd Place: Hillwood College, Kandy – Team 1 Topic: Language Across Generations; From ‘Gnarly’ to ‘Rizz’, a study examining the shift in attitudes across different generations.
3rd Place: Hillwood College, Kandy – Team 2 Topic: An investigation into eating habits and snack consumption among older teenagers
The final event was attended by distinguished guests and an experienced panel of judges. The Chief Guest was Dr Udayana Ranatunga, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya. A graduate of the same university, he obtained both his MSc and PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas. In his address, he encouraged students to approach inquiry not simply as an academic requirement, but as a means of meaningful contribution.
More than an awards ceremony, Synera ’25 reflected a sustained effort to develop analytical thinking and disciplined investigation among students. From Middle School posters to Upper School papers, the programme traced the progression from questioning to the defence of ideas.
As the evening concluded, Synera ’25 stood as a reflection of Trinity’s commitment to learning beyond the classroom. Through initiatives such as this, the Young Inventors’ and Researchers’ Club continues to encourage students not only to absorb knowledge, but to contribute to it.
