The Tri Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

CHEMISTRY in Sri Lanka

May 2019 Volume 36 No. 02 Commemoration of the Fourth Death Anniversary of Emeritus Professor J N O Fernando The fourth death anniversary of the late Professor J N O Fernando was commemorated on th7 and 8th March 2019. A “Pahan Pujawa” organized by the Student Council 2018/19 was held on 7th March 2019 while the morning alms were presented to monks the next day, alongside a multi-religious ceremony in the afternoon. The fourth commemoration oration on “Development of 21st Century Skills through STEM Education” was delivered by Professor G Bandarage on 8th March. The autobiography of the late Professor J N O Fernando “Recapturing an Epitome”, was launched as a project of the Alumni Association of the College of Chemical Sciences. Mrs Mandrupa Fernando, former colleagues of Professor Fernando, staff members and students participated to pay tribute to the late Professor.

Professor G Bandarage Mrs Mandrupa Fernando

Section of partcipants

Soorya Mangallaya 2019 The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon held its annual Aurudu cerebrations on th7 April 2019, Sunday at the Presidents College, Kotte premises. The event was organized by the Student Council of 2018/19. Chemistry in Sri Lanka ISSN 1012 - 8999 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Founded in 1971, Incorporated by Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1972 Successor to the Chemical Society of Ceylon, founded on 25th January 1941 Vol. 36 No. 2 May 2019

Pages Council 2018/2019 02 Outline of our Institute 02 Chemistry in Sri Lanka 02 Guest Editorial 03 Forty Eighth Annual Sessions and Seventy Eighth Anniversary Celebrations 2019 04 Technical Sessions 05 Chandrasena Memorial Award 09 Abstract of the Chandrasena Memorial Award 09 Abstracts of Research Papers to be presented at the 48th Annual Sessions 2019 10 Fifteenth Convocation of the College of Chemical Sciences 40 Convocation Address 41 36th Batch of Graduate Chemists 2018 43 Fifteenth Convocation Award List 2018 44 44th Batch of DLTC Diplomates 45 Tenth Inaugural Professorial Lecture 47 Chemistry Olympiad Sri Lanka 2019 48 All Island Inter School Chemistry Quiz Contest 2019 48 Graduateship Examinations in Chemistry 2018 Leve1 1 - Overall Award List 49 Leve1 2 - Overall Award List 49 Leve1 3 - Overall Award List 50 Entrance Scholarships & Bursaries 2019 50 Publications of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon 51 RSC (SL Section) News 52

Theme for the year - Steering Chemical Industries towards a Smarter Nation Adamantane House, 341/22, Kotte Road, Welikada, Rajagiriya Office( : 2861231, 2861653, 4015230 Ê : 2861231, 2861653 E mail : [email protected] web page : www.ichemc.edu.lk

1 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Outline of our Institute Council 2018/2019 The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon is a professional body and a learned society founded in 1971 and incorporated by act of Parliament No. 15 of President : Prof. Sudantha Liyanage 1972. It is the successor to the Chemical Society of Ceylon which was President Elect : Prof. (Mrs)P A Paranagama founded in 1941. Over 50 years of existence in Sri Lanka makes it the oldest Vice President : Prof. (Mrs) S Ekanayake scientific body in the country. Immediate Past President : Dr. Poshitha Premarathne Hony. Joint Secretaries : Dr. (Mrs) C Padumadasa The Institute has been established for the general advancement of the Dr. (Ms) H I C de Silva science and practice of Chemistry and for the enhancement of the status of the profession of Chemistry in Sri Lanka. The Institute represents all branches Hony. Treasurer : Dr. A A P Keerthi of the profession and its membership is accepted by the government of Sri Hony. Asst. Treasurer : Dr. S R Gunathilake Lanka (by establishment circular 234 of 9-3-77) for purposes of recruitment Hony. Editor : Dr. (Mrs) Theshini Perera and promotion of chemists. Hony. Asst. Editor : Dr. (Mrs) D N Udukala Secretary for International Corporate Membership Relations : Prof. (Mrs) J A Liyanage Full membership is referred to as corporate membership and consists of two Chairman/Academic Board : Prof. (Mrs) Sujatha Hewage grades: Fellow (F.I.Chem.C.) and Member (M.I.Chem.C.) Hony. Secretary for Application for non-corporate membership is entertained for four grades: Educational Affairs : Dr. (Mrs) T Gobika Associate (former Graduate) (A.I.Chem.C.), Licenciate (L.I.Chem.C.), Chairman, Admission & Ethical Technician (Tech.I.Chem.C.) and Affiliate Member. Practices Committee : Mr. E G Somapala Secretary, A & EP Committee : Mrs. Deepika Senevirathne Revision of Membership Regulation Chairman, Board of Trustees : Prof. S P Deraniyagala All Special Degree Chemists can now apply directly to obtain Associate (Graduate) Membership. Three year B. Sc. Graduates (with an acceptable Elected Members standard of Chemistry) can Prof. (Ms) R D Wijesekera Dr (Mrs) L S R Arambewela (i) directly become Licentiate Prof. P A N Punyasiri Prof. Siromi Samarasinghe (ii) obtain corporate membership in a lesser number of years. Dr. Gamini Rajanayake Ms. P M Jayasinha Mrs. Kumudini Gunathilake Mr. N M S Hettigedara Tech.I.Chem.C. Mr. K R Dayananda Ms. Nalini De Silva Those who have passed the DLTC examination or LTCC examination or have obtained equivalent qualification and are engaged in the practice of Chemistry (or chemical sciences) acceptable to the Council are entitled to Editorial and Publicity Committee the designation Tech.I.Chem.C. Dr. (Mrs) Theshini Perera (Editor) Members/Fellows with Membership for Life are entitled to the designation Dr. (Mrs) D N Udukala (Asst. Editor) of Chartered Chemist (C.Chem.) on establishment of a high level of Dr. (Mrs) T Gobika competence and professionalism in the practice of chemistry and showing Dr. Upul Kumarasinghe their commitment to maintain their expertise. Mr. N I N S Nadarasa All corporate members (Members / Fellows) are entitled to vote and become Mr. Sahan Jayasingha Council/ Committee members whether Chartered Chemists or not.

Membership Applications CHEMISTRY IN SRI LANKA Any application for admission to the appropriate class of membership or for Chemistry in Sri Lanka is a tri-annual publication of transfer should be made on the prescribed form available from the Institute the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon and is published in January, Office. May and September of each year. It is circulated among the Current Subscription Rates members of the Institute of Chemistry and students of the Fees should be payed on 1st of July every year and will be in respect of the Graduateship/DLTC course and libraries. The publication has a year commencing from 1st July to 30th June wide circulation and more than 750 copies are published. Award winning lectures, abstracts of communications to be presented Fellow Rs. 2000 at the annual sessions, review papers, activities of the institute, Member Rs. 2000 Associate Rs. 1500 membership news are some of the items included in the magazine. Licenciate Rs. 1200 The editor invites from the membership the following Technician Rs. 750 items for publication in the next issue of the Chemistry in Sri Affiliate Rs. 1200 Lanka which is due to be released in September 2019. Membership for Life Rs. 15000 • Personal news of the members • Brief articles of topical interests Entrance Fee • Forthcoming conferences, seminars and workshops All the grades Rs. 1000 Processing Fees* Rs. 500 • Latest text books and monographs of interest to Processing Fee for chemists Chartered Chemist designation Rs. 5000 Institutional Members Rs. 2500 All publications will be subjected to approval of *per application for admission/transfer to any grade the ‘Editorial and Publicity Committee’ and the Council of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Headquarters Building Further, prospective career opportunities for chemists, Adamantane House 341/22, Kotte Road, Welikada, Rajagiriya could be advertised in Chemistry in Sri Lanka at a nominal Telephone/Fax : 2861653, 2861231 Telephone: 4015230 payment. The editor welcomes suggestions from the members for e-mail : [email protected] web : www.ichemc.edu.lk improvement of the publication.

2 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Guest Editorial Research and Innovation: Essential Components for Economic Prosperity Professor Rohini M de Silva Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka The total number of global ever growing artificial intelligence. In order to focus on mobile phone users in 2019 will stimulating creativity, it is important to integrate science, reach 4.68 billion compared to technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into 750 million users in year 2000 their curriculum. It is very important to design a thinking and this is believed to surpass component in the curriculum in order to develop students’ the number of people in the ability to think by themselves and brain storm ideas to world in the near future. Over be implemented. Introduction of project-based learning 2.6 million airline passengers will be one such path for building innovative ideas. The take flight with 43,000 airplanes having complex airspace consequence of this will definitely lead to already well- systems compared to 1.8 million airline passengers in trained students to undertake challenging research in 2009. These are just examples of how the scale of things future. Currently, more research funds are available is being changed with time and its impact on social and for applied research rather than fundamental research business life over a period. During the next twenty years due to various reasonable reasons. When it comes to there will be more exponential changes in social life and applied research it is very important to understand the on the economy than in the previous twenty years. If research problem that you are trying to solve and also we look back carefully, we can see that this revolution it should be relevant to a considerable percentage of is due to a blend of chemistry and physics through the society. The research ideas are usually connected engineering. Therefore, the prime need for a better life to many unsolved issues in the world and many more can be directly correlated to research and innovation. can be gathered by having frequent discussions with the The health of people has been improved tremendously industrial sector. On the other hand, many problems seen by having countless new drugs and health products. New in society or in industries cannot be solved by sticking to and improved transport and digital services offer many one discipline and as a result many successful stories on more comfortable life style options creating new jobs innovations are the product of interdisciplinary research. and bringing economic growth in addition to creating Definition of interdisciplinary research can be quoted an informed society. Therefore, economic growth and as "Interdisciplinary research is a mode of research by standard of living of a country are well connected. Power teams or individuals that integrates information, data, of innovation is a determining factor for a country’s techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories economic growth. from two or more disciplines or bodies of specialized Research and innovation should go hand-in-hand; knowledge to advance fundamental understanding or research is an essential factor to guide numerous ideas to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope into innovations. At the same time, one cannot deny the of a single discipline or area of research practice." The importance of pure or basic research, because all good other significance of interdisciplinary research is that the innovations arise by assembling pieces of knowledge teamwork among many disciplines ensures the exchange gained through such research work. Creating a society of experiences and development of knowledge between to inculcate more innovative ideas is of paramount various parties and accumulation of more and more importance for a country’s economic growth. Therefore, innovative ideas. This will provide a platform for each the foundation for innovations should come from the and every scientist to enter the research paradigm. The kindergarten. The children should be allowed to raise best innovations are yet to happen and it can be from questions by observing their surroundings, rather than anywhere in the world. The technologies such as Artificial keeping children indoor and feeding them with theories. Intelligence, Robotics, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology According to research, students who score lower in and Internet of Things (IOT) will shape up the planet in intelligence tests, end up doing better in exams because the next two decades and therefore it is paramount to they compensate their lack of inborn intelligence with understand this trend and implement policies to adopt hard work. However, it is very important to inculcate various techniques to inculcate innovative minds in our creativity within a child because this is a unique human school children and in university graduates. quality that will set future graduates apart from the

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 3 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY CEYLON Forty Eighth Annual Sessions and Seventy Eighth Anniversary Celebrations 2019 Inauguration of the 48th Annual Sessions, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Monday, June 10th 2019 At Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF), Colombo 07

Programme

8.30 am Arrival of Guests

9.00 am Ceremonial Procession of the Council Members and Past Presidents

9.10 am Lighting of the Oil Lamp & National Anthem

9.15 am Welcome Address Prof Sudantha Liyanage President, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

9.20 am Presidential Address

9.40 am Address by the Chief Guest Mr Navin Adikarama Chairman, Industrial Development Board

10.10 am Presentation of Awards, Prizes and Certificates Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Awards • Yeoman Service Award – Professor Srianthie A Deraniyagala • Chandrasena Memorial Award – Dr Pamoda B Ratnaweera • Special Service Award – Mr D I S H Jayasingha • All Island Interschool Chemistry Quiz prizes • National Chemistry Olympiad Prizes Graduateship Examination in Chemistry • Scholarships, Prizes and Awards • J N Oleap Fernando Memorial Scholarships

11.00 am Chandrasena Memorial Award Lecture Dr Pamoda B Ratnaweera Senior Lecturer, Department of Science and Technology, Uwa Wellassa University

11.30 am Vote of Thanks Prof Priyani Paranagama President Elect, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

11.40 am Close of Ceremony

12.00 noon Annual General Meeting – 2019 (for Corporate Members only)

4 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Chief Guest at the 48th Annual Sessions Mr Navin Adikarama Mr Navin Adikarama is a strategic leader, a proven visionary, a successful entrepreneur, seasoned Telecommunication Technology and Management executive with exposure in Fortune -500 companies, mutli- national, multi-cultural, multi-ethnicity environments in Sri Lanka and across the globe including USA, UK, Singapore, China and Nepal. He has over twenty one years of extensive experience and proven track record in Corporate Management, both locally and internationally. Mr Adikarama obtained his Bachelor of Science, in Computer Science and Mathematics in 1996 from the Central Missouri State University, USA. He commenced his career while reading for his Bachelor of Science degree. He worked as a Computer Consultant at Central Missouri State University from March 1994 to April 1996. Immediately after graduation in 1996, he joined the Information Resources, Inc., Fairfield, NJ USA as an Associate Project Director. Thereafter, he joined DMS Software Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd., Sri Lanka as a System Engineer in 1997. In 1998, Mr. Adikarama moved on to Millennium IT Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka as Senior Analyst – Systems. He has held several positions in acclaimed companies such as Convergys Singapore (Pvt) Ltd Sri Lanka and Asia Info International (Pte.) Ltd., Singapore. He has served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Galoya Plantation (Pvt.) Ltd., Sri Lanka from 2007 to 2015. Mr. Adikarama has converted a loss-making Lanka Sugar Company to a profit making company within ten months. He initiated and completed the first private Water Purchase Agreement with the government of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, he restructured the Hingurana Sugar Industries as Gal-Oya Plantations. He successfully completed the Geneva Billing System at Sri Lanka Telecom. He is an academic Council Member of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Mr. Adikarama has received two awards for extraordinary work on the Warner Lambert Account and for designing and implementing a program used by Decision Support Team. Mr Adikarama is presently the Chairman of the Industrial Development Board of Ceylon.

YEOMAN SERVICE AWARD 2019

Professor Srianthie A Deraniyagala will be awarded the Yeoman Service Award at the 48th Annual Sessions in recognition of the yeoman services rendered in an honorary capacity and thereby richly contributing to the educational programmes of the Institute and the College in an exemplary and noteworthy manner. Prof Srianthie A Deraniyagala is a Senior Professor of the Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo and is credited with an illustrious academic career spanning over four decades.

SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD 2019

Mr Sahan H Jayasingha will be presented with the Special Service Award at the 48th Annual Sessions in appreciation of over 16 years of devoted and loyal service to the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Mr. Jayasingha currently serves as the Publications Officer of the Institute in which capacity he continues to discharge his duties with great responsibility, dedication and to the entire satisfaction of the Institute.

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 5 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Technical Sessions Venue: P P G L Siriwardene Auditorium, Adamantane House, Rajagiriya Time: 3.30 pm – 5.10 pm Date: 10th June 2019

Presentations by Prof. M. U. S. Sultanbawa Award Applicants Session Chair: Professor Hema Pathirana Panel members: Prof Hema Pathirana, Prof Sagarika Ekanayake, Prof Dhammike Dissanayake, Prof Janitha Liyanage, Dr Lakshmi Arambewela Time Title Authors Estimation of dissolved organic carbon in source and treated water to ascertain 3.30 - 3.50 pm D Ilangangedara, A N Navaratne treatment efficiency and water safety with respect to trihalomethanes Synthesis and evaluation of a transition metal M K B K Perera, S M Vithanarachchi, 3.50 – 4.10 pm ion-selective fluorescence sensor R D Wijesekera Synthesis and characterization of sulfonamide derivatized di-(2-picolyl)amine ligands and 4.10 - 4.30 pm T Darshani, I C Perera, N T Perera their rhenium tricarbonyl complexes towards fluorescent imaging A novel immunoanalytical method for obesity A A D T Abeysinghe, N M S Sirimuthu, 4.30 - 4.50 pm biomarker detection using antibody function- P P R Perera alized silver nanoparticles Acute and subacute toxicity studies of the C P Ekanayake, M G Thammitiyagodage, ethyl acetate soluble proanthocyanidins of 4.50 - 5.10 pm S Padumadasa, B Seneviratne, immature inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. in C Padumadasa, A M Abeysekera Wistar rats REFRESHMENTS Technical Sessions Venue: P P G L Siriwardene Auditorium, Adamantane House, Rajagiriya Time: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm Date: 11th June 2019

SESSION 01 Chair: Professor Priyani A Paranagama Time Title Authors C Peiris, P D Wathudura, Enhancement of crop productivity of red O Nayanathara, J J Wewalwela, 8.30 – 8.45 am onion using tea waste biochar as a soil M N Kaumal, B Gajanayake, amendment S R Gunatilake Development of a new spectrophotometric method for the analysis of metformin 8.45 – 9.00 am H M M B Herath, U K Jayasundara hydrochloride in drugs administered to patients with type II diabates Method development and validation of lipid 9.00 – 9.15 am lowering drug Atorvastatin using UV-Visible P V N Kaushalya, Udaya K Jayasundara spectroscopy

6 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Application of green synthesized palladium 9.15 – 9.30 am nanoparticles using banana leaf extract in S O A Dantanarayana, H I C De Silva Suzuki cross-coupling reaction K H C S Kariyawasam, Microwave assisted acetylation of cellulose 9.30 – 9.45 am M D M S Gunathilake, H I C De Silva, isolated from the banana pseudo-stem D T U Abeytunga Synthesis and characterization of novel zinc W G K Fonseka, S P Deraniyagala, 9.45 – 10.00 am ditriazine complexes N T Perera A preliminary study on green synthesis of W S Sithara, S Wickramarachchi, 10.00 – 10.15 am silver nanoparticles using Annona glabra leaf C R De Silva, A A A U Aberathna, extract L D Amarasinghe 10.15 – 10.30 am REFRESHMENTS

SESSION 2 Session Chair: Professor Janitha A Liyanage Time Title Authors Adsorptive removal of Co(II) in aqueous 10.30 – 10.45 am solutions using Strychnos potatorum seed K H Ranaweera, B A Perera powder Cinnamon wood as an adsorbant for the 10.45 – 11.00 am D N Wijesekara, C S Udawatte removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions W R P Somarathne, K K D Chilki, Spectrophotometric determination of nitrite R M K P Jayatissa, S M S Nishadya, 11.00 – 11.15 am content in processed chicken products G V D Anuththara, I M S A Illangakoon, E G Somapala, C S Udawatte Sorptive removal of p-nitroaniline from Y D Block, B Dissanayake, C Peiris, 11.15 – 11.30 am aqueous matrices by using acid modified tea- S R Gunatilake waste biochar Microwave and open vessel digestion methods P D Wathudura, C Peiris, 11.30 – 11.45 am for biochar and activated carbon S R Gunatilake, M N Kaumal Determination of the oxalate ion 11.45 – 12 noon J V Liyanage, U K Jayasundara concentration in green leafy vegetables 12 noon – 1.00 pm REFRESHMENTS

SESSION 3 Session Chair: Professor Nimal Punyasiri Time Title Authors Influence of volatiles from brinjal host on the M S F Nusra, P A Paranagama, 1.00 – 1.15 pm attraction of brinjal fruit and shoot borer- L D Amarasinghe, D N Udukala Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee Determination of antioxidant activity, phenolic S R Gunasekara, C S Udawatte, 1.15 – 1.30 pm content and pH in wine prepared from local U S K Weliwegamage beet

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 7 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Determination of microbiological and chemical parameters of ready-to-serve fruit F I Radiyya, E G Somapala, M Perera, 1.30 – 1.45 pm drinks and carbonated beverages commercially S P Deraniyagala available in Sri Lanka Chemical and microbiological contaminants F N Iqbal, E G Somapala, M Perera, 1.45 – 2.00 pm and preservatives in commercially available S P Deraniyagala tomato sauces I N Dammulla, L B A E Bogahawatta, Plumbagin functionalized silver nanoparticles 2.00 – 2.15 pm C P Gunasekara, M M Weerasekera, for potential antimicrobial applications C Padumadasa, N M S Sirimuthu Cytotoxic potential and apoptotic effect of R Paramasamy, S Ekanayake, 2.15 – 2.45 pm Barringtonia asiatica seed kernel against S R Samarakoon HepG2 cell line Durian and rambutan peels as potential A A G Silva, S Wickramaarachchi, 2.45 – 3.00 pm sources of antioxidants R N Attanayake, C S K Rajapakse 3.00 – 3.15 pm REFRESHMENTS

SESSION 4 Session Chair: Professor Sujatha Hewage Time Title Authors Complexation between Fe2+ and 1, 10 - G I P Wijesekera, M D P De Costa, 3.15 – 3.30 pm phenanthrolin-5-amine and the quenching R Senthilnithy mechanism A study on the use of Bathophenanthroline as P P P Perera, M D P De Costa, 3.30 – 3.45 pm a fluorescence sensor for iron (II) R Senthilnithy DFT study on classical Koshland retention 3.45 – 4.00 pm D L S Dinuka, C N Ratnaweera mechanism of linamarin hydrolysis Fabrication and characterization of water W R N M Bandara, J A Liyanage, 4.00 – 4.15 pm stable multi-layer graphene oxide membranes A R Kumarasinghe by potassium ion crosslinking Synthesis and characterization of graphene M A S N Weerasinghe, J A Liyanage, 4.15 – 4.30 pm oxide coated silica nanoparticles A R Kumarasinghe Binding interactions of coumarin derivatives N M H N Thilakarathne, 4.30 – 4.45 pm with Hodgkin’s disease related protein ADAM- C N Ratnaweera, C S Udawatte 10; an in-silico approach A computational study on the inhibition of MCL-1 anti-apoptotic protein to activate M S V Costa, C S Udawatte, C N 4.45 – 5.00 pm apoptosis in cancer cells via commercially Ratnaweera available natural product derivatives 5.00 – 5.30 pm REFRESHMENTS Cover Page The cover page photograph (source: vevra) shows the Graduate Chemists at the 15th Convocation of the College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, held at BMICH on 25th February 2019. This was the 36th batch and 149 students were formally awarded Graduate Chemist status, thereby increasing the overall production to a total of 1552. More formal photographs of the Convocation are on page 40.

8 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Chandrasena Memorial Award Awarded for an exceptional research contribution of an original nature in the field of Organic Chemistry and/or related areas such as Biochemistry, Pharmacognosy, Molecular Biology and Bioactivity studies.

Abstract of Chandrasena Memorial Award - 2019 Novel and interesting antibiotic scaffolds from endophytic fungi of Sri Lankan origin Pamoda B Ratnaweera Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka Email: [email protected] Antibiotic resistance within a wide range of steroid ring B contraction involved in the biogenesis infectious agents is increasing steadily, causing a growing of the unprecedented carbon skeleton of the solanioic public health crisis in the world. The development of acid involves cleavage of the C-5/C-6 bond. The feeding resistance by pathogens limits the useful lifespan of study also revealed that 9-epi-solanioic acid which antibiotics, causing an urgent need for introduction spontaneously coverts to solanioic acid, is also produced of new compounds. The most appropriate method by the R. solani cultures and it may be the actual natural to address the antibiotic resistance of bacteria is to product. find new alternatives to the currently available broad Three novel thiodiketopiperazine derivatives, spectrum antibiotics through exploitation of nature. rostratazine A-C were isolated with two known Endophytic fungi are an innovative group of organisms compounds, exserohilone and boydine A, from the that can produce a plethora of secondary metabolites endophyte Setosphaeria rostrate from Costus speciosus that feature unique structural characteristics and in Sri Lanka. Rostratazine B showed porcine pancreatic fascinating biological activities. Endophytic fungi in alpha amylase inhibitory activity while exserohilone plants from distinct environmental settings and/or with showed alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. unconventional biology, are considered to be a promising The antibacterial compounds helvolic acid, source for isolating novel secondary metabolites. equisetin, butyrolactone I, 9-epi viridol, gliotoxin and Hence, in the current investigation to find novel bisdethiobis(methylthio)gliotoxin, mycoleptodiscin antibiotic scaffold, endophytic fungi from various B and chaetoglobosin A and C were isolated from plants from different ecological settings in Sri Lanka endophytic Xylaria sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus terreus, were isolated, screened, the major bioactive secondary Trichoderma virens, Hypocrea virens, Mycoleptodiscus metabolites were purified using bioassay guided sp., Chaetomium globosum species from Anoectochilus chromatographic techniques, characterized using NMR setaceus, Opuntia dillenii, Cyperus bulbosus, C. and mass spectral data and bio activities were evaluated. melanosperrmus, Premna serratifolia, Calamus thwaiesii In the case of completely novel structures, confirmation and Nympaea nouchali plants respectively collected from of correct structural/stereochemical assignments was different ecological settings in Sri Lanka. Although these acquired by X-ray crystallography, and semi-synthetic are previously known compounds, in some instances the modifications while biogenesis pathway was investigated fungal source was new while the isolation of endophytic through stable isotope feeding experiments. fungi from the host organisms and report of their The novel antibiotic solanioic acid with an antimicrobial activities turn out to be novel reports with unprecedented carbon skeleton was isolated from some ecological implications. Rhizoctonia solani from the medicinal weed, Cyperus The investigations revealed that endophytic fungi rotundus, “common sedge” in Sri Lanka. Solanioic from different, harsh and competitive environment acid showed promising in vitro activity against the settings are capable of producing a variety of bioactive problematic human pathogen Methicillin resistant compounds which may lead to the discovery of novel Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MIC: 1 µgmL-1). The antibacterial chemical scaffold. culture feeding experiment with [1-13C]-acetate, [2-13C]-acetate and [1,2-13C]-acetate showed that the

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 9 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Abstracts of Research Papers to be presented at the 48th Annual Sessions 2019 Technical Sessions : A - 01 Estimation of dissolved organic carbon in source and treated water to ascer- tain treatment efficiency and water safety with respect to trihalomethanes D Ilangangedara1*, A N Navaratne2 1National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka 2Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

The use of chlorine as a disinfectant, although DR 5000 spectrophotometer by scanning the water essential for pathogen control, leads to the halogenation samples against various wavelengths in the presence of organic matter present in source water and produces of standard DOC solutions. Once the concentration is trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acids1 which estimated, SUVA can be used to evaluate the water safety have been identified as mutagenic and carcinogenic with respect to THM formation. In a treatment plant, agents.2 For this reason, the United States Environmental SUVA values of raw water and the treated water taken Protection Agency currently regulates THMs and halo simultaneously can be used to assess the efficiency of acetic acids in drinking water.3 Therefore, it is necessary the treatment process. According to the study, treated to optimise plant conditions to minimize dissolved water SUVA values were generally lower than 2 L/mg-m. organic carbon (DOC) content in drinking water. The Therefore, as per the USEPA drinking water guidance on objectives of this study are to find a reliable method to disinfection by-products, our potable water indicates a quantify the DOC in natural water sources, identify the high fraction of hydrophilic non-humic matter with low characteristics of DOC in source and treated water with UV absorbance, a low chlorine demand and low THM respect to potential of THM formation and water safety formation potential. Therefore, water can be assumed as and to measure the efficiency of water treatment process, safe with regard to formation of THM when chlorinated. considering the removal of DOC from treated drinking However few water sources were contaminated with water. DOC, showing the highest value of 7.2 at Peradeniya To quantify the DOC in natural water sources, University Water Treatment Plant where the Mahaweli standard solutions of humic substances were prepared River is the source of raw water. Furthermore, it can using the commercially available humic acid powder be concluded that water treatment plants operated by (Sigma Aldridge brand) and a graph was obtained by National Water Supply and Drainage Board at Kandy scanning the different standard samples, against a series South Region are effective in DOC removal by the water of wave lengths from 190 to 1100 nm. Thereafter, the treatment process. wavelength range was narrowed down (230 nm to 630 nm), as the absorbance at the other wavelengths did Keywords not provide considerable variations. The concentration Natural Organic Matter (NOM), Dissolved Organic of the organic matter in the sample can be estimated Matter (DOM), Trihalomethane (THM), Absorbance, by comparison of the unknown with results obtained Specific Ultra Violet Absorbance (SUVA) from the standard graph. To identify the characteristics of DOC in water with respect to THM formation and Acknowledgement water safety, specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) The authors appreciate the corporation of National Water was calculated. In addition, graphs were constructed Supply and Drainage Board. by scanning the raw water samples and treated water samples from the water treatment plants on the same day References for comparison to check whether concentrations of DOC 1. Croue, J.P.; DeBroux , J.F.; Amy, G.L.; Aiken, G.R.; is decreased or increased during the water treatment Leenheer, J.A. 1999, Natural Organic matter – process. Structural characteristics and reactive properties. This study reports on the development of a method Formation and control of disinfection by products in to measure the concentration of DOC in water using drinking water; American Water Works Association. 10 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

2. Krasner, S.W.; Weinberg, H.S.; Richardson, S.D.; 3. United States Environmental Protection Agency Pastor S.J.; Chinn, R.; Sclimenti, M.J.; Onstad, G.D.; (USEPA); 2009, Federal Register; June 29, 2009; Vol Thurston, A.D. 2006; Environmental Science and 74, No. 123. Technology; Vol. 40; N0. 23; pp 7175-7185.

Technical Sessions : A - 02

Synthesis and evaluation of a transition metal ion- selective fluorescence sensor M K B K Perera1,2, S M Vithanarachchi1*, R D Wijesekera1 1Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 2College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Heavy metals are a common pollutant of the Volmer plot indicated that at least two processes of environment. Some of these metals can be toxic and quenching take place. At lower concentrations of Cu(II), hence, developing methods to detect their presence is a higher quenching rate is observed suggesting that the important. Fluorescent chemosensors are available for quenching process could be due to static quenching detection of these metal ions. However, some of them with the formation of a Cu(II)-L complex. At higher have limitations such as low sensitivity, variations in concentrations of Cu(II), a slower quenching rate sensitivity at different pH, and low solubility in aqueous is observed. This latter quenching could be due to a systems.1 combination of both static and dynamic quenching. The A novel fluorescence probe (L) was synthesized tolerance limit in the presence of Zn(II) found as molar by esterification of ferulic acid with 6-hydroxymethyl- ratio of 2:1(Zn(II): Cu(II)) demonstrated that L is more pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester. The synthesized selective towards Cu(II). The findings of this research fluorescence probe 6-[3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy- suggest that the synthesized probe L has the potential phenyl)-acryloyloxymethyl]-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid to be used as an “on-off” fluorescence probe to detect methyl ester (L), was purified with a yield of 35% and Cu(II) in environmental samples. characterized using UV-visible, fluorescence, FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Fluorescence studies of L showed Acknowledgement an emission at 342 nm when excited at the wavelength Financial assistance by University of Colombo research of 300 nm in acetonitrile/water (3:2) mixture at room grant (AP/3/2/2016/SG/18) temperature. The fluorescence profile of the ligand in the presence References of various metal ions such as Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), 1. Jung, H. S.; Kwon, P. S.; Lee, J. W.; Kim, J. I. I.; Hong, Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(I), Mg(II) and Pb(II) C. S.; Kim, J. W.; Yan S.; Lee, J. Y.; Lee, J. H.; Joo, T. J. was studied at pH ~7. The two main group elements Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131 (5), 2008–2012. studied; Mg(II) and Pb(II), did not show any quenching of fluorescence. Significant quenching of fluorescence (15%, 21% and 85%) was observed for Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II), respectively. From the studied transition metal ions Cu(II) was selected for further studies because it showed the highest quenching demonstrating the selective interaction of Cu(II) with ligand coampared to the other metal ions. Study of the behavior of L and Cu-L complex at various pH (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12) indicated that quenching by Cu(II) was greater in the pH range 5-8. Copper (II) forms a 1:2 complex with the L as indicated by the fluorescence titration and the Job’s plot. The Stern-

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 11 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 03 Synthesis and characterization of sulfonamide derivatized di-(2-picolyl)amine ligands and their rhenium tricarbonyl complexes towards fluorescent imaging T Darshani1, I C Perera2, N T Perera1* 1Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka 2Department of Zoology and Environment Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] The synthesis and characterization of four novel the respective free ligands. With the exception of C2, all

compounds are reported in this study; N(SO2)(1-nap)dpa other compounds displayed promising photophysical

(L1), N(SO2)(2-nap)dpa (L2), fac-[Re(CO)3(N(SO2)(1- properties with intense fluorescence peaks (L1: 338 nm,

nap)dpa)]PF6 (C1), fac-[Re(CO)3(N(SO2)(2-nap)dpa)] L2: 343 nm, L3: 525 nm, C1: 335 nm and C3: 535 nm).

PF6 (C2) to evaluate their application as imaging agents. Among them, fluorescence spectra of L2, L3 and C3 The photophysical properties and bio applicability of showed remarkably high intensities even at low compound the novel compounds as well as of two previously concentrations of 0.01 mM. Fluorescence microscopy synthesized compounds; N(SO2Me2Nnap)dpa (L3) images generated on human lymphocytes incubated with

and fac-[Re(CO)3(N(SO2Me2Nnap)dpa)]PF6 (C3) are the synthesized compounds showed excellent cellular reported herein. All the compounds (Figure 1) were uptake for L3 and C3. Hence, fluorescence was observed characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, 1H NMR, at low concentrations of the compounds. Cell viability FT-IR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. was not affected at these concentrations. Furthermore, X-ray crystallographic analyses of the ligands localization of C3 in cytoplasmic membrane and cell confirmed the formation of the expected sulfonamide nucleus of lymphocytes could be observed. In conclusion, appended di-(2-picolyl)amine based ligands. The there is a great potential of utilizing L3 and C3 in bio two naphthalene derivatized ligands, L1 and L2, were imaging applications. crystalized in monoclinic form while the triclinic form was obtained for L3. Formation of C1, C2 and C3 complexes were confirmed by1 H NMR studies in

DMSO-d6 in which the singlet peak in the spectra of the free ligands designated for the methylene protons (~4.7 ppm) appeared as two doublets (endo- and exo-CH) upon binding to the metal (Table 1). In the FTIR spectra of the ligands, peaks due to S-N stretching vibrations obtained at 918-995 cm-1 have shifted to lower wavenumbers in the spectra of the metal complexes. The peaks in the absorption spectra of the metal complexes have shifted significantly compared to the respective free ligands. The absorption spectra of C1 and C3 show a bathochromic shift while C2 shows a hypsochromic shift compared to Figure 1. Synthetic route of metal complexes

Table 1. Comparison of 1H NMR shifts of the synthesized compounds

H6/6’ H5/5’ H4/4’ H3/3’ CH2

N(SO2)(1-nap)dpa 8.32 7.14 7.55 7.10 4.70

[Re(CO)3(N(SO2)(1-nap)dpa)]PF6 8.90 7.47 7.98 7.37 5.66, 4.52 ∆δ (ppm) of C1 (+) 0.58 (+) 0.33 (+) 0.43 (+) 0.27

N(SO2)(2-nap)dpa 8.32 7.15 7.63 7.29 4.60

[Re(CO)3(N(SO2)(2-nap)dpa)]PF6 8.89 7.47 8.00 7.46 5.67, 4.59 ∆δ (ppm) of C2 (+) 0.57 (+) 0.32 (+) 0.37 (+) 0.17

12 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Keywords Acknowledgement imaging agents, sulfonamide complexes, Rhenium Financial assistance by University of Sri Jayewardenepura tricarbonyl, di-(2-picolyl)amine ligands under the grants ASP/01/RE/SCI/2015/19 and ASP/01/ RE/SCI/2018/38 Technical Sessions : A - 04 A novel immunoanalytical method for obesity biomarker detection using antibody functionalized silver nanoparticles A A D T Abeysinghe1, N M S Sirimuthu1*, P P R Perera2 1Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Obesity is a serious health issue related with and SEM and corresponding data verified the successful increased body fat content. Escalating numbers of functionalization. Optimum pH and antibody- patients have been reported worldwide throughout the nanoparticle ratio for this functionalization process recent past, associated with a high cost in the healthcare were determined using ELISA and according to obtained sector. Other than being a disease condition by itself, results, pH 9.5 and 1:10 ratio were selected to be the it also acts as a risk factor for many metabolic and best conditions. Detection principle of this novel assay cardiovascular diseases. There is no definitive treatment was based on the immuno-aggregation of anti-leptin available and control of the disease is achieved via functionalized silver nanoparticles in the presence of lifestyle modifications; hence, early detection of the risk leptin. Changes in surface plasmon resonance due to this to be obese is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, leptin induced aggregation were manifested via UV-Vis accurate diagnostic methods for obesity are not widely spectroscopy and spectral changes in the absorption peak available in the current clinical setting due to the high confirmed the leptin detection ability. cost and associated drawbacks. Utilization of ‘leptin’, This nanoparticle based detection system could be which is an accurate indicator of body fat content, has used as an intermediate detection step for qualitative gained the attention of researchers as a biomarker for analysis of samples as positive or negative for leptin. It obesity.1 Therefore, this study was conducted with the could be further developed as a novel method to measure aim of developing a novel immunoassay for the detection body fat content thereby allowing the early diagnosis of leptin; a biomarker for obesity. of the risk towards obesity. This study gives insight to Leptin detection was done using an a promising alternative method to existing detection immunoanalytical method by surface functionalization methods which are more expensive and time consuming. of silver nanoparticles using anti-leptin antibodies.2 Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride. Prepared Keywords silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV- Obesity, leptin, Silver nanoparticles, anti-leptin Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and antibodies scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SPR peak was found to have a λmax of 405 nm with a FWHM References of 72 nm and the average particle size was recorded 1. Shah, N. R.; Braverman, E. R., PLoS One 2012, 7 as 40 nm. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to (4), 1–8. stabilize the synthesized silver nanoparticles sterically 2. Endo, T.; Yamamura, S.; Nagatani, N.; Morita, Y.; and the optimum BSA concentration required was Takamura, Y.; Tamiya, E., Sci. Technol. Adv. Mater, found to be 10 µg/ml. Synthesized nanoparticles were 2005, 6, 491–500. surface functionalized using anti-leptin antibodies which specifically bind with leptin. These antibody- nanoparticle conjugates were characterized by a currently used immunoassay technique named Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), UV-Vis spectroscopy

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 13 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 05 Acute and subacute toxicity studies of the ethyl acetate soluble proanthocyanidins of immature inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. in Wistar rats C P Ekanayake 1, M G Thammitiyagodage2, S Padumadasa3, B Seneviratne4, C Padumadasa1*, A M Abeysekera1 1Department of Chemistry and Centre for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 2Animal Centre, Medical Research Institute, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka. 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 4Department of Pathology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. *Email: [email protected] The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L. is a member phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), of the monocotyledonous family, Arecaceae and mainly urea, glucose and cholesterol) parameters of blood grows in tropical coastal areas. Ayurvedic and traditional samples in treated rats of both toxicity studies with medical practitioners of Sri Lanka use the decoction of compared to control rats. Macroscopic examination of the immature inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. (IC) internal organs in rats of all test groups in both acute variety aurantiaca for the treatment of menorrhagia. The and subacute toxicity studies did not show any change extraction, purification, and characterization of ethyl in color and texture compared to the control group rats acetate soluble proanthocyanidins (EASPA) of IC have during necropsy. Histopathological examinations of previously been reported. Furthermore, the progestogenic internal organs of rats in all test groups in both toxicity effect of EASPA at the dose level of 3.5 mg/kg body studies showed a normal cellular architecture and were weight in female rats has also been reported.1 This finding similar to those of the control group rats. is very significant as progestogens are widely used in the Since there were no deaths or signs of toxicity in treatment of menorrhagia in western medicine. Acute treated rats during the acute toxicity study, it is possible and subacute toxicity studies of EASPA of the IC carried to suggest that the LD50 of EASPA is greater than 2000 out using female Wistar rats according to Organization mg/kg body weight via oral route. Observations made for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) during the subacute toxicity study suggest that the long guidelines 4232 and 4073, respectively is reported herein. term intake (28 days) of EASPA at tested dose levels In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of EASPA (2000 including the therapeutic dose do not induce any toxic mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats and effects in treated rats in comparison to control group rats. monitored for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity study, These results will be useful in the development of a novel rats were orally administered with EASPA daily for 28 therapeutic agent from EASPA of the IC for the treatment days at doses of 1.75, 3.5, 7 and 14 mg/kg body weight of menorrhagia, which incapacitates a considerable and observed for 28 days. proportion of women worldwide. No rat in either the acute or subacute toxicity study exhibited mortality, signs of toxicity (changes in the skin, Keywords fur, eyes, mucus membranes, respiratory depression) and Cocos nucifera L., progestogenic effect, acute toxicity, behavioral changes (salivation, diarrhea, sleep, coma, subacute toxicity lethargy). Furthermore, these rats did not show any significant change in their mean body weight and food References and water intake. There was no significant difference in 1. Padumadasa, C.; Dharmadana, D.; Abeysekara, haematological [red blood count (RBC), haemoglobin A.M.; Thammitiyagoda, M.G., Int. J. Ayurveda (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean Pharma Res. 2015, 3(7), 1-6. corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular 2. Organization for Economic Co-operation and haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet count, Development (OECD), The OECD Guideline for white blood count (WBC), lymphocyte, monocyte, testing of chemicals: 423 Acute oral toxicity-acute basophil and neutrophil] and biochemical (alkaline toxic class method, OECD, Rome, 2001.

14 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

3. Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Toxicity Study in Rodents :407, OECD, Paris, France, Development (OECD), The OECD Guidelines for 1995. Testing of Chemicals, Repeated Dose 28-day Oral Technical Sessions : A - 06 Enhancement of crop productivity of red onion using tea-waste biochar as a soil amendment C Peiris1,2, P D Wathudura1, O Nayanathara1, J J Wewalwela3, M N Kaumal2, B Gajanayake4, S R Gunatilake1 1College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 3Department of Agricultural Technology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka 4Department of Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Gonawila, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Biochar (BC) is a low cost adsorbent produced by the from two weeks to one month. pyrolysis of biomass which can be used for agricultural purposes. Tea waste is an excellent biomass for BC Keywords production since it is an abundant solid waste in Sri Lanka. Tea-waste biochar, plant growth, microbial population, The presented work was carried out to study the impact modified Biochar, direct effect of BC as a soil amendment on the quality of Kalpitiya soil and the crop productivity within a time period of 3 months. Soil was collected from 3 different sites located at Kalpitiya during October for the greenhouse experiment where the particle size was ranged below 1 mm. Tea waste was slow pyrolyzed in a muffle furnace at 300, 500 and 700 °C. Column study at a flow rate of 2 – 3 mL/min was carried out to determine the direct effect by 500 °C BC. Although a significant direct effect was not observed by other nutrients, the direct contribution of potassium by BC was noteworthy. A volume of 1500 mL was used to minimize the amount of potassium that was directly released from BC. Microbial population for the control was 80 CFUs where it was increased by 41 and 33% for 2% amended nitric acid and sulfuric acid modified BC pots respectively. Highest plant growth parameters such as root length, leaf height and total fresh (wet) and dry weight were observed from 2% amended modified BC. The obtained biomass yield in the control was 33 g and a 30% increment was observed upon 2% nitric acid modified BC amended pots. In a comparison between 2% and 5% amendments, total fresh weight of 31 g was observed by 2% amended pots where the yield was as low as 12 g from 5% amended pots. Also, the control plants yielded a 33 g weight of biomass which was lowered up to 11 g with 5% amendments. Hence, it can be concluded that 2% amendment has favored the overall plant growth parameters where 5% amendment has slowed the growth rate. Overall, a clear growth can be seen in biomass yield and total fresh weight going

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 15 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 07 Development of a new spectrophotometric method for the analysis of metformin hydrochloride in drugs administered to patients with type II diabetes H M M B Herath, U K Jayasundara* College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon *Email: [email protected]

Determination of drug concentration is important, Test samples (8 brands) were purchased from local as a specific dose is needed to be administered to each pharmacies located in the Colombo District and their patient. This dose is different from one person to another labeled values of active ingredient was 500 mg. The person since the effective dose (ED50) for one person developed method resulted that the actual concentration could be deadly for another person. Therefore, it is very of the active ingredients ranged from 282.70 ± 2.76 important to ensure that the drug has the correct amount to 454.19 ± 0.95 mg. The method demonstrated of active ingredients present in any drug component that test samples from Sri Lanka and Indonesia had administered to a patient as overdosing or underdosing significantly small amount of active ingredients per 500 may create critical consequences to the patient. mg tablet which causes underdosing. The test sample In a Sri Lankan context, most of the drugs are manufactured in Bangladesh had the highest amount imported from different countries. Therefore, the quality of active ingredient component (454.19 mg) while the of the drug as well as the active ingredient concentration Indian brands had active ingredient ranged from 340.63 might be different from the labeled value. Here we are mg to 441.46 mg. The test sample from Pakistan had presenting a simple and fast method to determine 419.28 mg of active ingredient per 500 mg tablet. the active ingredient concentrations of metformin hydrochloride, a drug administered to patients with Keywords type II diabetes, using UV-Visible spectroscopy. The Method validation, ICH guidelines, Metformin method has been developed and validated according hydrochloride, UV-vis Spectrophotometry, Sample to the International Conference on Harmonization analysis (ICH) guidelines and standard acceptance criteria for parameters such as linearity, range, accuracy and precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ), and stability. The scan of prepared standard stock solution of 100

ppm, showed that the λmax value occurs at 233 nm with de- ionized water as the blank. A five point calibration curve was obtained within a concentration range of 2 ppm to 10 ppm with a regression equation y= 0.0751x + 0.0075 and a correlation coefficient (R2) 0.9995. The accuracy analysis by spike recovery method at three levels (50%, 100%, and 150%) showed that the best mean recoveries occur from 92.14 % to 95.04% of the spiked drug. Furthermore, the developed method yielded the % Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) values for repeatability (1.98%) and intermediate precision (1.37%) which are accepted under 2% acceptance criteria of ICH. In addition, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) values for this study were 0.609 ppm and 1.845 ppm, respectively. Also, the developed analytical method can be used to determine the concentration of metformin hydrochloride in tablet formulations stored for 7 days under refrigerator conditions.

16 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 08 Method development and validation of lipid lowering drug Atorvastatin using UV-Visible spectroscopy P V N Kaushalya, U K Jayasundara Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, College of Chemical Sciences, Rajagiriya *Email: [email protected]

With the high risk for cardiovascular diseases, statin and room temperature for 14 days, showed that the drugs have become the life saver for millions of people drug component was stable for 14 days under room around the world. Atorvastatin Calcium is one of the temperature without refrigerator conditions. Several most commonly used lipid lowering drugs. Since this market samples collected from suburbs of Colombo drug has been extensively used, it is essential to know the were also analyzed using the validated method and the exact active ingredient concentration as the dose itself concentrations of them were determined. The percentage might cause negative impact on the patients. Present label claim for the brands varied from 90.0 to 98.8. This study describes the development and validation of a shows that the method developed can be adapted to the simple, sensitive, specific and an economically viable routine method of estimating Atorvastatin Calcium in UV-Visible spectroscopic method to evaluate the drug tablet dosage form. Atorvastatin Calcium in the tablet dosage form. In the current study, validation was performed according Keywords to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) in accordance Atorvastatin Calcium, UV-Visible spectroscopic, GLP, with the guidelines of the International Conference of ICH guidelines, validated, method developed Harmonization (ICH) using a secondary standard. To develop an acceptable analytical method, it was required to prepare a soluble form of the drug component. Initially water was used as the vehicle but it turned out that methanol:water (50:50) solvent system functions better due to high solubility and the stability. Using UV Visible spectrum it was found that the maximum absorbance of the drug was at 245 nm and calibration curves were prepared measuring absorption values at 245 nm for the standard samples. For the calibration curve a range of concentrations starting from 5 ppm to 15 ppm was prepared using a 100 ppm stock solution. The developed method obeyed the Beer’s law and the linear regression coefficient of the calibration plot was 0.998. The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, range, precision, robustness, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and stability. Precision studies were done under two main levels as repeatability and intermediate precision. For all the standard samples, it was discovered that the percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) was less than 2% which was within the acceptance criteria. Recovery studies for the analysis revealed that the concentration range is 90-110% for all the prepared samples. The limit of detection of the drug Atorvastatin Calcium was found to be 0.909 ppm and limit of quantification was found to be 2.754 ppm. Stability studies carried out under two conditions, refrigerator

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 17 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 09 Application of green synthesized palladium nanoparticles using banana leaf extract in Suzuki cross-coupling reaction S O A Dantanarayana, H I C De Silva* Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Application of plant extract-based nanoparticles optimum conditions afforded 79% of biphenyl. When in organic synthesis has become an emerging field green synthesized Pd NPs were recycled and reused, the today due to its biocompatibility, eco-friendliness and Suzuki cross-coupling reaction produced 64% yield up cost efficiency.1,2 The objectives of the present study to five cycles when water was used as the solvent and were to develop an elementary and ecological method 83% yield up to three cycles when water/ethanol mixture to synthesize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) using was used. Even though, it has been reported that green extracts of banana leaves, which is a commonly found synthesized Pd NPs could catalyse the homocoupling agro-waste in Sri Lanka, and investigate the catalytic of phenyl boronic acid to afford biphenyl,3 it was found activity of the synthesized Pd NPs in Suzuki cross- that the yields obtained in this research were only due to coupling reactions. the heterocoupling as homocoupling did not take place Pd NPs were synthesized by reacting an aqueous during 30 minutes. It was found that by carrying out solution of PdCl2 (0.003 M) with banana leaf extract the Suzuki cross-coupling reactions under microwave which was prepared by sonicating fresh banana leaves conditions in water/ethanol, the reaction time could be for 3 hours followed by boiling for 30 minutes in water. further reduced to 3 minutes at 600 W, which yielded Synthesized Pd NPs were applied as the catalyst in Suzuki biphenyl in 78%. cross-coupling reaction between phenyl boronic acid It can be concluded that Pd NPs green synthesized and bromobenzene using K2CO3 as the base (Scheme 1). using banana leaf extracts are catalytically active on The reaction conditions; solvent (water, water/ethanol), Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Furthermore, the temperature (40-90 ºC), reaction time (0.5-3 hours) were synthesized Pd NPs could be used as a catalyst in optimized. Catalyst reusability of synthesized Pd NPs Suzuki cross-coupling reactions between substituted in Suzuki cross-coupling reaction was assessed. Suzuki aryl bromides and arylboronic esters. cross-coupling reactions were also carried out under microwave conditions (600 W, 80 ºC, 2-5 minutes) using Keywords the green synthesized NPs. Palladium nanoparticles, banana leaf extract, Suzuki cross-coupling reaction

References 1. Liu, G.; Bai, X. IET Nanobiotechnology 2017, 11 (3), 310–316. Scheme 1. Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of phenyl 2. Quazi, F.; Hussain, Z.; Tahir, M. N. RSC Adv. 2016, boronic acid and bromobenzene 6 (65), 60277–60286. 3. Adamo, C.; Amatore, C.; Ciofini, I.; Jutand, A.; The disappearance of the peak at 420 nm which Lakmini, H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128 (21), corresponds to Pd2+ in the UV- Vis spectrum indicated the 6829–6836. formation of Pd NPs. The size range of the nanoparticles obtained by SEM was between 90 – 400 nm. The optimum conditions for the Suzuki cross- coupling reaction of bromobenzene and phenyl boronic acid was determined to be 3.2 mg of Pd NPs (2% w/w relative to bromobenzene) synthesized using banana leaf extract, 80 ºC, 30 minutes in water-ethanol which afforded 95% yield. Reaction in water under the same

18 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 10 Microwave assisted acetylation of cellulose isolated from the banana pseudo-stem K H C S Kariyawasam, M D M S Gunathilake, H I C De Silva*, D T U Abeytunga Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Cellulose acetate (CA) is an ester derivative of The crystallinity index of the isolated cellulose was cellulose with a wide range of industrial applications high (73%), indicating that the isolated cellulose is in as coatings, cigarette filters, textile fibers, filtration high quality, high rigidity and thus, suitable for industrial membranes, photo films, composites, and medical and applications. pharmaceutical products.1 Annually, a few tons of banana The best % yield (W/W) of CA synthesized using pseudo-stems are left behind in the plantation soil as the cellulose isolated from the banana pseudo-stem an agro waste in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was was 97.8% with DS of 2.87 at the optimum reaction performed to develop efficient and environmentally conditions (500 W, 50 oC for 25 minutes with 1.27 eq of friendly methods to isolate cellulose from the banana iodine). The three characteristic peaks for CA at 1737 pseudo-stem (Pisang Awak-species ‘seeni kesel’), which cm-1, 1368 cm-1 and 1236 cm-1 corresponding to C=O

is an agro waste in Sri Lanka, and to synthesize CA using stretching of ester, C-H stretching in –O(C=O)-CH3 and the isolated cellulose. C-O stretching of acetyl group, respectively indicate that Cellulose was isolated using microwave (MW) the acetylation of the isolated cellulose was successful. irradiation in the dewaxing step and the % yield (W/W) The results obtained from this study indicate that was compared with that of the conventional method2 CA can be successfully synthesized with a high yield which involves dewaxing by Soxhlet extraction for six using the cellulose isolated from the banana pseudo- hours. The crystallinity index of the isolated cellulose stem in the presence of iodine as the catalyst. This was determined using X-ray Diffraction. CA was CA synthesis makes the banana pseudo-stem which synthesized using the isolated cellulose in the presence is an agro waste into a value-added product. The high of iodine as the catalyst1 and the reaction conditions percentage of crystallinity index of cellulose indicates (reaction temperature, MW power and reaction time) an ordered and compact structure which results in high were optimized. The degree of substitution (DS) of CA material strength and can be applied in improving the was determined using a back titration method.3 Isolated mechanical properties of composite materials.4 The use cellulose and the CA were characterized by FT-IR of MW irradiation makes the process more efficient by spectroscopy. reducing the reaction time and environmentally friendly The % yield (W/W) of cellulose (19.7%) obtained with lesser use of solvents. The successful use of an agro using MW irradiation in the dewaxing step at optimum waste in Sri Lanka into industry makes the process more reaction conditions (300 W, 60 oC, 5 minutes) was higher economical and environmental friendly. than that of the conventional method (8.35%), indicating that the Soxhlet extraction in the dewaxing step can be Keywords successfully replaced with the MW irradiation. The FT- cellulose, cellulose acetate, banana pseudo-stem, IR spectroscopic data summarized in Table 1 indicate microwave irradiation, iodine catalyst. that the cellulose isolation was successful. Table 1: The comparison of the FT-IR spectroscopic data obtained for commercial cellulose and the isolated cellulose

-OH -C-H H-O-H bending -C-O C-O-C pyranose Spectrum stretching/ stretching/ of absorbed stretching/ ring skeletal (cm-1) (cm-1) water / (cm-1) (cm-1) vibration/ (cm-1) Commercial cellulose 3336 2900 1643 1160 1053 Isolated cellulose (Soxhlet extraction) 3338 2902 1635 1158 1053 Isolated cellulose (MW irradiation) 3335 2899 1644 1158 1056

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 19 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

References M. A. BioResources 2013, 8, 2161–2172. 1. Li, J.; Zhang, L. P.; Peng, F.; Bian, J.; Yuan, T. Q.; Xu, 3. Bushra, M.; Xu, X.; Pan, S. Starch 2013, 65, 236–243. F.; Sun, R. C. Molecules 2009, 14, 3551–3566. 4. Li, M.; Cheng, Y. L.; Fu, N.; Li, D.; Adhikari, B.; 2. Nazir, M. S.; Wahjoedi, B. A.; Yussof, A. W.; Abdullah Chen, X. D. Int. J. Food Eng. 2014, 10, 427–436.

Technical Sessions : A - 11 Synthesis and characterization of novel zinc ditriazine complexes W G K Fonseka1, S P Deraniyagala2, N T Perera2* 1College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. *Email: [email protected]

Triazine derivatives have gained considerable to record the 1H NMR again in non-coordinating solvent attention due to their biological properties. Here such as CD2Cl2. Surprisingly in the case of Py4dt, its we have focused on the synthesis and spectroscopic corresponding zinc(II) complex showed large downfield characterization of novel Zinc complexes bearing thus providing proof that the metal complex has been derivatives of 1,2,4-Ditriazine ligands (R = Me, Et, Py). formed. Although the ditriazine scaffold was synthesized more than five decades ago,1 only a few reports exist on their Keywords metal complexes2,3 and Zn(II) complexes of ditriazine 1,2,4-ditriazine, Zn(II) ditriazine complexes, are relatively unexplored. Three novel Zn(II) complexes spectroscopy methods, melting points.

[Zn(Me4dt)Cl2] (C1), [Zn(Et4dt)Cl2] (C2) and [Zn(Py4dt)

Cl2] (C3) of three selected ditriazine derivatives [Me4dt= Acknowledgement

Bis-3,3’-(5,6-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazine) (L1), Et4dt= Bis- Financial assistance by University of Sri Jayewardenepura

3,3’-(5,6-diethyl-1,2,4-triazine) (L2), Py4dt= Bis-3,3’- under the grant ASP/01/RE/SCI/2015/19 (5,6-dipyridyl-1,2,4-triazine) (L3)] were obtained by

the reaction of ZnCl2 with each ligand (1:1). Since References higher melting point is a characteristic feature of a 1. Jensen, R. E.; Pflaum, R. T., Anal. Chim. Acta 1965, metal complex, melting points of all three complexes 32 (C), 235–244. were determined (C1: 182-184 °C, C2: 220-221 °C, C3: 2. Chen, Y.; Zhou, X.; Wei, X. H.; Yu, B. Le; Chao, >300 °C) and found to be are much higher than that of H.; Ji, L. N., Inorg. Chem. Commun. 2010, 13 (9), the corresponding ligands (L1: 91-93 °C, L2: 118-120 °C, 1018–1020. L3: 256-258 °C). 3. Maheshwari, V.; Marzilli, P. A.; Marzilli, L. G., Inorg. These complexes were characterized by UV-visible, Chem. 2008, 47 (20), 9303–9313. FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In UV-visible spectra, two peaks were observed for the ligands (L1: 240 nm, 256 nm, L2: 240 nm, 257 nm, L3: 226 nm, 302 nm) vs. one for the corresponding complexes (C1: 236 nm, C2: 240 nm, C3: 297 nm). FTIR spectra of the complexes are different from those of the ligands and the wavenumber of C=N of the ligands decreased from 1674.08 υ / cm-1 (L1), 1527.51 υ / cm-1 (L2), 1581.51 υ / cm-1 (L3) to 1623.94 υ / cm-1 (C1), 1504.36 υ / cm-1 (C2), 1573.79 υ / cm-1 (C3), respectively confirming that nitrogen attributable to C=N is coordinated to zinc metal via lone pair donation. 1H NMR spectra recorded for above methyl and ethyl zinc(II) complexes do not show considerable shifts in comparison to their corresponding ligands and may be due to metal coordinating with the solvent. It is suggested

20 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 12 A preliminary study on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Annona glabra leaf extract W S Sithara1, S Wickramarachchi 1*, C R De Silva2, A A A U Aberathna3, L D Amarasinghe3 1Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2Department of Chemistry and Physics, Western Carolina University, USA 3Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

In this study, an eco-friendly, simple, rapid and a metallic Ag0. This is followed by nucleation of metallic cost effective biological method for reducing Ag+ ions Ag into AgNPs. into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaf extract However, identifying the role of each biomolecule of Annona glabra (A. glabra) plant has been developed. which is present in the leaf extract, is challenging. The Although a number of plant extract mediated synthesis successful formation of AgNPs using A. glabra leaf of AgNPs have been reported in the literature no previous extract as the reducing agent is proven. Here we have attempt has been made on the use of A. glabra in the introduced A. glabra as a novel plant source for the green green synthesis of AgNPs. synthesis of AgNPs. Further optimization of reagent For the synthesis of AgNPs, the plant extract was and reaction conditions are needed to obtain a narrow prepared by chopping the fresh leaves and allowing it particle distribution of AgNPs. to heat with deionized water (100 mL) at 70 oC for 1 hour. Then, the supernatant was separated by filtration.

Finally a solution of aqueous silver AgNO3 was added in the ratios of leaf extract: AgNO3 1:10 v/v and it was incubated for 3 hours at room temperature for the formation of AgNPs. Three concentrations of AgNO3 (1, 5, and 10 mM) were tried. Phytochemicals present in the plant extract were identified. The formation of (a) (b) the AgNPs were confirmed by visual colour change Figure 1: (a) Annona glabra leaf extract with AgNPs, of the solution and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Synthesized (b) UV-Vis absorption spectra of AgNPs synthesized at

AgNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering different concentrations of AgNO3 (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Keywords The colour change from yellow to dark brown/black Silver nanoparticles, green synthesis, Annona glabra, leaf and the plasmon resonance band around 450 nm in the extract UV-Vis spectra indicated the formation of AgNPs. The size of the synthesized AgNPs ranged between 50-380 Acknowledgements nm. SEM analysis showed that the synthesized AgNPs The laboratory and instrumental facilities provided by were spherical in shape and form clusters. Flavones, the Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya reducing sugars, phenols and proteins were present in the and University of Peradeniya are greatly acknowledged. A. glabra leaf extract. In the biosynthesized process these compounds in the leaf extract acts as reducing agent for Ag+ and the stabilizing agent for AgNPs. FTIR data suggest the presence of functional groups; O−H stretching (3000-3660 cm-1), C=C stretching (1627 cm-1), C-H stretching of aldehydes (2850 cm-1), C-N stretching (1312 cm-1), sp3 C-H stretching (2929 cm-1) on AgNPs as capping and stabilizing agents. The presence of aldehyde groups was evident from the IR spectrum of the plant extract. The sugar aldehyde reduces the Ag+ into

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 21 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 13 Adsorptive removal of Co(II) in aqueous solutions using Strychnos potatorum seed powder K H Ranaweera , B A Perera* 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. *Email:[email protected]

Contamination of natural water bodies due to and surface modified clearing nut seed powder can be improper discharge of heavy metals has become a considered as potential adsorbents for the removal of worldwide environmental problem. Development of low Co(II) in aqueous solutions. cost adsorbent materials for the removal of heavy metals, utilizing the technique of adsorption is an effective Keywords solution to this problem. The present study explores adsorption, isotherms, kinetics, Cobalt (II) the potential use of clearing nut seed powder (Strychnos potatorum) as an adsorbent for the removal of Co(II) References from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies were 1. Anbalagana, K.; Senthil Kumar, P.; Sangita, K. G.; carried out by varying contact time, initial pH, initial Karthikeyan, R., Desalination and Water Treatment Co(II) concentration, adsorbent dosage and temperature. 2013, 53, 171–182. An equilibrium adsorption capacity of 1.8619 mg/g was observed at an optimal pH of 5.0 for initial metal ion concentration of 20 ppm, 0.3 g/100.00 cm3 adsorbent dosage with 250-500 µm particle size, within the contact time of 120 minutes at 303 K. Adsorption isotherm experiments indicated both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models fit well to the experimental data with correlation coefficients greater than 0.98. The best isotherm model can be considered as Langmuir model with highest correlation coefficient and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity obtained was 4.2452 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic data fitted well with pseudo second order kinetic model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The Gibbs free energy change in Co(II) adsorption process at 303 K was -20.580 kJ mol-1 while the enthalpy change was -23.04 kJ mol-1. The negative entropy change of -8.002 J mol-1 K-1 indicates the decrease in randomness of Co(II) at solid-liquid interface.1 The surface properties of the adsorbent were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amide and C-O functional groups on the adsorbent and SEM analysis confirmed the presence of irregular surface structure with tiny pores on it, which is important for adsorption. The clearing nut seed powder obtained after surface modification by acid treatment showed a higher adsorption capacity of 2.8381 mg/g when compared with surface unmodified clearing nut seed powder. Therefore clearing nut seed powder

22 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 14 Cinnamon wood as an adsorbant for the removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions D N Wijesekara, C S Udawatte* Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Heavy metal water pollution remains one of the most the mass of adsorbent was 0.4 g per 25.00 mL of 1000 harmful ecological and health issues globally, and Cu2+ is ppm Cu (II) solution, and cinnamon sawdust of particle a common pollutant found in water bodies. Cinnamon size 0.6 mm. In optimum conditions, removal of Cu (II) (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum) was 16.4 mg/g of cinnamon sawdust (69.4%). The results is native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon wood is discarded obtained demonstrates the potential use of cinnamon as firewood, making it an ideal candidate as a locally wood as a low cost adsorbent of Cu(II) which can be available low cost adsorbent for Cu2+. used for treatment of industrial wastewater. Cinnamon wood from Ratnapura was cut into small pieces, washed with distilled water and dried in sunlight. It was further dried in an oven at 100 oC for two hours and ground. The saw dust was in 2.0 mm, 1.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.15 mm particle size. A stock solution of 1000 ppm Cu2+ solution was prepared from

CuCl2.2H2O and deionized water. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the effect of contact time, particle size and optimum mass of adsorbent for the adsorption of Cu2+ onto cinnamon sawdust. All experiments were performed in duplicate, with 1000 ppm Cu2+ without cinnamon wood as the control. Particle size of cinnamon sawdust at which maximum adsorption takes place was investigated by incubating 1.0 g of cinnamon wood of particle size 0.15 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.60 mm, 1.70 mm and 2.00 mm with 25.00 mL 1000 ppm Cu2+ solution for 120 min in a shaker at 200 rpm. Optimum shaking time was determined by incubating 1.0 g of cinnamon wood saw dust of 2.00 mm particle size and 25.00 mL of 1000 ppm Cu2+ solution in 50.00 mL plastic tubes in a shaker for 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes at 200 rpm. Optimum mass of adsorbent was determined by incubating 0.2 g, 0.4 g, 0.6 g, 0.8 g, and 1.0 g of 2.00 mm particle size cinnamon sawdust with 25.00 mL 1000 ppm Cu2+ solutions in 50.00 mL plastic tubes for 120 minutes at 200 rpm. After shaking, samples were filtered using Whatman No 14 filter paper and the residual copper in the aqueous solution was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy using a Hitachi ZA3000 AAS Spectrophotometer. Percentage removal of Cu (II) by sawdust and its binding capacity were calculated. According to this study, the removal efficiency for Cu (II) was highest when the contact time was 60 minutes. Highest removal of Cu (II) was observed when

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 23 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 15 Spectrophotometric determination of nitrite content in processed chicken products W R P Somarathne*, K K D Chilki, R M K P Jayatissa, S M S Nishadya, G V D Anuththara, I M S A Illangakoon, E G Somapala, C S Udawatte College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Nitrites are used as preservatives in processed meat. 134.4 mg/kg and 78.5 mg/kg and chicken ham brands Although they are beneficial and safe at permitted levels, H1, H2, H3, H4 contained 5.0 mg/kg, 42.9 mg/kg, 16.0 they can be carcinogenic when used in excess. Large mg/kg and 5.3 mg/kg. According to the Code of Federal doses of nitrites can also lead to a condition known Regulations Title 21, the amount of sodium nitrite present as methemoglobinemia. The aim of this study is to should not exceed 200 mg /kg (ppm) in processed meat. determine whether the nitrite content in four locally According to our results, the nitrite content of all brands available brands of processed chicken products are within of processed chicken used in this study were within the the permitted levels. permitted levels. Nitrite content was determined using Griess assay in four brands of chicken sausages (S1, S2, S3, S4), Keywords ham (H1, H2, H3, H4) and meatballs (M1, M2, M3, Processed chicken, Griess Assay, Nitrite M4) available in the local market. Nitrites produce a characteristic dark pink colored complex when reacted with N-1-napthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NED) under acidic conditions when subjected to Griess assay. The absorbance was measured at 540 nm using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and nitrite concentration was determined. A calibration curve was obtained by

reacting standard solutions of NaNO2 with the Griess reagent, and measuring the absorbance at 540 nm. The obtained results show sausage brands S1, S2, S3 and S4 contained 31.1 mg/kg, 43.1 mg/kg, 96.1 mg/ kg and 1.2 mg/kg of nitrite and chicken meatball brands M1, M2, M3 and M4 contained 2.1 mg/kg, 68.8 mg/kg,

Figure 1. Nitrite content in processed chicken products

24 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 16 Sorptive removal of p-nitroaniline from aqueous matrices by using acid modified tea waste biochar Y D Block, B Dissanayake, C Peiris , S R Gunathilake College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya *Email: [email protected] Para-Nitroaniline (PNA) is one of the most widely from 0.92 to 0.99) indicating a chemisorptive dominance. used synthetic precursors in the pharmaceutical industry The highest rate was observed for (HCl300BC) with a rate which has been identified as a contaminant of emerging constant of 0.00748 g mg-1 min-1. Highest sorption of raw concern (CEC) due to its toxicity. Slow pyrolyzed tea- BC was observed in RAW300BC at an acidic pH of 2 as waste biochar (BC), modified by shaking with 5M 1.66 mg g-1, indicating hydrogen bond formation with hydrochloric acid for 24 h at 50±5 °C, was used for oxygenated surface functional groups (O-SFGs) as the the sorptive removal of PNA from aqueous systems. dominant sorption mechanism. Pore filling mechanism The experiments were conducted by shaking the PNA governs the adsorption of HCl300BC since the surface solutions with the relevant BC of particle size 0.500 – area of BC increases upon HCl modification by breakage 1.000 mm at a given temperature and given time and of pores and cleansing of BC surface by removing all the readings in pH, time and isotherm experiments inorganic mineral ions. However, the mechanism for were triplicated. The BC were prepared under two the adsorption of PNA onto HCl500BC remains unclear. temperatures, 300 and 500 °C (denoted as HCl300BC and The Langmuir isotherm model fitted well for all sorptions HCl500BC, respectively). Results were compared with (R2 => 0.99). Among produced raw BC, HCl300BC raw BC produced at the above temperatures (RAW300BC showed the highest Langmuir sorption capacity of 5.31 and RAW500BC) and it showed that high pyrolysis mg g-1 which was enhanced by 58.68% upon HCl post temperature reduced the surface functional groups modification. (SFGs) of the BC whereas HCl modification did not destroy the SFGs. A mixing period of 24 hours was used Keywords in kinetic adsorption studies. The adsorption best fitted biochar, p-Nitroaniline, post modification, sorptive into pseudo second order (PSO) kinetics (R2 ranging removal

Technical Sessions : A - 17 Microwave and open vessel digestion methods for biochar and activated carbon P D Wathudura1, C Peiris1,2, S R Gunatilake1, M N Kaumal2 1College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Activated carbon (AC) and biochar (BC) are low methods were carried out for BC derived from tea cost carbonaceous adsorbent material widely used for waste, king coconut husk, Douglas fir and AC using the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous systems mixtures of nitric acid (NA), fuming nitric acid (FNA), due to their highly porous nature. Depending on the sulfuric acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) and their feedstock used to produce these carbonaceous materials, turbidity were measured. Lowest turbidities for open the metal content present may vary. Various digestion vessel digestions were observed for SA/HP mixture for methods have been incorporated to analyze the metal low-temperature BC with no external heating (2.04 – content of activated carbon and biochar though a proper 7.90 FNU). Microwave digestions provided satisfactory method has not yet been established. This study was turbidity levels for NA, NA/SA mixture, FNA and FNA/ focused on finding a suitable method to totally digest SA mixture for all types of carbonaceous material (1.58 the carbonaceous material and to evaluate the matrix – 20.97 FNU). The matrix effects were compared using effect. Both open vessel and microwave digestion cadmium, copper and zinc using flame atomic absorption

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 25 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon spectrophotometry. Fuming nitric acid showed the Keywords lowest matrix effects for cadmium and copper (1.2 – 4.8 Biochar, activated carbon, low cost adsorbents, digestion, and 2.4 – 7.1, respectively). matrix effect, turbidity

Technical Sessions : A - 18 Determination of the oxalate ion concentration in green leafy vegetables J V Liyanage, U K Jayasundara* College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka Email: [email protected]

Kidney and gall stone diseases occurring in the (139.83 ± 3.20 mg/20.00 g); leafy vegetables with low level urinary tract can be life threatening and are promoted of oxalate content as in gotukola (48.04 ± 0.00 mg/20.00 by the existence of oxalic acid (oxalate ion) in green g), and leafy vegetables with undetectable content of leafy vegetables. Plants that accumulate large quantities oxalate such as cabbage and leeks. of oxalic acid generally contain high concentrations The green leafy vegetables which are commonly of oxalate ions and salts. Consumption of green leafy consumed by Sri Lankans have detectable and measurable vegetables containing large amount of oxalate could amount of oxalate ions which exceeds the minimum be fatal to humans because of the formation of oxalate permissible level for kidney and gall stone patients deposits in vital tissues or organs in the body. The patients according to American Diabetes Association f. Except diagnosed with kidney and gall stones are advised to gotukola, all other green leafy vegetables with detectable control and limit green leafy vegetable intake 40 – 50 oxalate ions, have several folds of recommended oxalate mg/day according to American Diabetes Association. ions which is harmful for the human health. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the oxalate ion content of seven green leafy vegetables, Keywords namely spinach (Spinacia oleracea), mukunuwanna oxalate ion content, green leafy vegetables, kidney and (Alternanthera sessilis), gotukola (Centella asiatica), gall stones, permissible level hathawariya (Asparagus zeylanicus), thebu (Costus speciosus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), leeks (Allium ampeloprasum) commonly consumed in Sri Lanka. The raw materials for this study were purchased from local markets in the Central Province. The edible portion of plant material was dried, refluxed, extracted with diethyl ether, precipitated with a saturated calcium solution, and pH controlled solution was titrated with standard potassium permanganate solution in triplicate. The volume of potassium permanganate was used to calculate the amount of oxalate ion present in 20 g of each green leafy vegetable. According to the results, all green leafy vegetables contain about 88% or more of moisture content. The results also show measureable amounts of soluble oxalates present in spinach, gotukola, mukunuwanna, hathawariya, and in thebu while cabbage and leeks have less or undetectable amount of oxalate ions. According to the oxalate content, the plants can be classified into four groups as green leafy vegetables with high oxalate content such as spinach (456.88 ± 20.59 mg/20.00 g) and hathawariya (556.04 ± 3.69 mg/20.00 g); leafy vegetables with intermediate level of oxalate content such as mukunuwenna (184.67 ± 8.05 mg/20 g) and thebu

26 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 19 Influence of volatiles from brinjal host on the attraction of brinjal fruit and shoot borer- Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee M S F Nusra1,2, P A Paranagama2, L D Amarasinghe3 and D N Udukala1* 1College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 3Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes volatiles attracted 22% and 78% of mated gravid females orbonalis Guenee, is a major pest on brinjal, Solanum to a minimum dose of 0.02 µl and a maximum dose of melongena in South and South-East Asia. Larvae cause 8 µl, respectively. Fruit volatiles attracted 17% and 79% enormous damage to brinjal pods and shoots and the of mated gravid females to a minimum dose of 0.02 µl population management is normally done with frequent and a maximum dose of 8 µl respectively. The Multiple- application of insecticides. The synergism between Choice bioassay using a modified X-shaped olfactometer insect pheromones and plant volatiles can increase the (n=15, R=5) revealed that all three types of moths highly attraction of insect pests, offering new strategies for the preferred the volatiles extracted from fruits and among development of more effective and reliable pest control the three categories of moths, mated gravid females were programs. Volatile mediated foraging behaviour in highly attracted to all three volatiles. It was also shown insect pests is important when they target host plants. that the peak activity of the adults was observed during We hypothesized that the volatiles of brinjal may be 20.00 – 24.00 hrs and the experiments were conducted functionally more important in host-finding behavior during the observed peak hours. GC-MS analysis of of their insect pest. Samples of brinjal (“Lena iri” variety) plant volatiles concluded that the volatile compounds plant leaves, fruits, shoots and flowers were collected belonging to different classes of organic compounds: from the unsprayed brinjal field. Steam distillation hydrocarbons, green leaf volatiles (aldehydes, esters), method was used to extract the volatiles from shade alcohols, fatty acids and other volatiles. Responses of dried brinjal leaves, shoots, flowers and fresh fruits. The adult moths to the volatiles from host plant in the absence behavioral responses of L. orbonalis moths were tested of visual cues or pheromone signals show us to focus using host plant volatiles. Gas chromatography (GC) solely on the importance of host plant volatiles to locate coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) technique was the plant. used for the identification of volatiles extracted from host plant brinjal. The GC oven was programmed at an Keywords initial oven temperature of 40 oC, increased at a rate of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee, GC-MS, host plant 1 0C/min to 50 oC, then increased at a rate of 4 oC/min volatiles, olfactometer, behavioral bioassay to 210 oC, and then raised at a rate of 8 oC/min to a final temperature of 230 oC. MS data of eluted compounds were acquired and compared with the retention times of authentic standards and with mass spectra from NIST library. Bioassay using a modified Y-shaped olfactometer revealed that one day old virgin females, mated gravid females and males positively responded (attracted) to the host plant volatiles extracted from fruits, leaves and shoots but not to the volatiles of flowers. Each assay was repeated using 5 batches of insects (R=5), consisting of 6 insects per batch (n=6). It was shown that the mated gravid females were significantly attracted to all three volatiles (P<0.05). A minimum dose of 0.2 µl and maximum dose of 12 µl of leaf volatiles attracted 11% and 83% of mated gravid females, respectively while shoot

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 27 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 20 Determination of antioxidant activity, phenolic content and pH in wine prepared from local beet S R Gunasekara*, C S Udawatte, U S K Weliwegamage College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon *Email: [email protected] Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris) is a vegetable containing 6% sodium carbonate and 2.0 mL of deionized water was high amounts of biologically active compounds such as added. The mixture was kept in a dark place for 1 hour antioxidants, and polyphenols. It also contains vitamin at room temperature. The absorbance was measured at C, fiber, inorganic nitrogen and anthocyanin, which have 765 nm. The pH of the wine was determined using a pH various health benefits. In this study, wine was prepared meter. by fermenting beet, and the antioxidant activity, pH and The beet wine has 63% inhibition which indicates total phenolic content of the wine was determined. the presence of a high concentration of antioxidants. Beetroot (500 g) was weighed, washed, peeled and According to Folin- Ciocalteu method, the total phenolic cut into small pieces after which they were blended and content of the beet wine is 0.0046 GAE. The wine is beet pulp was obtained. Deionized water was boiled and mildly acidic, and the pH is 4.6. cooled to 35-40 ºC. The beet pulp was placed batch wise on cheesecloth and squeezed. About 250 ml of the juice Acknowledgement was collected into a measuring cup. 100 ml of previously This work was supported by Institute of Chemistry boiled and cooled DI water was added to the pulp, and Ceylon. The authors thank Mr. Chandana Perera for another 250 ml of juice was collected by filtering the technical assistance. pulp again. The two extracts were combined. 1g of yeast was added to 200 ml of previously boiled lukewarm DI water, and kept for 20 minutes. Thereafter, it was added to the beet juice and total volume was made up to 300 ml by adding boiled and cooled DI water. The beet juice and yeast were transferred to glass bottles that were previously washed and autoclaved, and kept in a dark place for 2 weeks to ferment. Antioxidant Assay was carried out and Total Phenolic Content was determined. BHT (25 mg) was dissolved in methanol to prepare a stock solution (1.0 mg/mL) thereafter which a series of standard solutions were prepared. The solutions were kept in the dark for 10 minutes at room temperature. A solution of 0.08 mg/mL 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was prepared in methanol. The absorbance at 517 nm was measured using a UV visible spectrometer with methanol as the blank. 2.5 mL of stock wine was diluted to 25 mL in a volumetric flask with deionized water. 1.5 mL of diluted beet wine was mixed with 2 mL DPPH and 0.5 mL methanol. Deionized water was used as the blank. Absorbance was measured at 517 nm and the % inhibition was calculated. Total Phenolic Content was determined as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). 1 mL of beet wine was diluted to 10 mL with deionized water. 0.5 ml Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was added to 0.5 ml of sample, and incubated in a dark place for 5 minutes at room temperature. Next, 0.5 ml of

28 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 21 Determination of microbiological and chemical parameters of ready-to-serve fruit drinks and carbonated beverages commercially available in Sri Lanka F L Radiyya1, E G Somapala1, M Perera3, S P Deraniyagala1,2* 1Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, College of Chemical Sciences, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 3MicroChem Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka. *Email : [email protected] As no previous studies have been reported in Sri Keywords Lanka to date related to the above title, this project ready-to-serve fruit drinks, carbonated beverages, was undertaken to create public awareness of the microbiological parameters, preservatives. hazards associated with ready-to-serve fruit drinks and carbonated beverages. This study evaluated some References chemical and microbiological parameters of three 1. Tfouni, S. A. ; Toledo, M. C. Determination of popular brands of ready-to-serve fruit drinks and three Benzoic and Sorbic Acids in Brazilian Food. Food popular brands of carbonated beverages manufactured Control 2002, 13 (2), 117–123 in Sri Lanka as per SLS specifications (SLS 729:2010 UDC 663.81 and SLS 183 : 2013 UDC 663.64.057). The ready-to-serve fruit drinks and carbonated beverages were screened quantitatively for the presence of sulphur dioxide and benzoic acid content1 using titrimetric method (iodometric) and sublimation/titration, respectively. The level of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The microbiological parameters, aerobic plate count (APC), yeast and molds, total coliforms and Escherichia coli were conducted as per ISO (International Organization for Standardization) methods. In this study three different batches from each brand was tested microbiologically and for heavy metals (one sample from each batch) whereas three different batches from each brand was analyzed in triplicate for preservatives (three samples from each batch). The study showed the presence of sulphur dioxide in all six brands (0-20 mg/kg), which was less than the limit (50 mg/kg). Benzoic acid was also found in all six brands (7-10 mg/kg) which was less than the limit (120 mg/kg). The APC was less than the limit in most samples. Yeast and molds were detected in two brands and coliforms in all six brands. Cadmium, Lead and Escherichia coli were absent in all six brands. This proved all six brands were free from fecal contamination and heavy metals. Since certain microbiological parameters did not conform to SLS specifications we suggest that the manufacturers should improve quality control procedures adopted in their organizations to ensure the product quality.

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 29 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 22 Chemical and microbiological contaminants and preservatives in commercially available tomato sauces F N Iqbal1, E G Somapala1, M Perera3, S P Deraniyagala1, 2* 1Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, College of Chemical Sciences, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 3MicroChem Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka. *Email : [email protected] Tomato sauces are a part of the processed food in all four brands (2-52 mg/kg) which was less than the industry which is currently amongst the fastest growing limit (100 mg/kg). Benzoic acid was also found in all four both for consumption and export making it a highly brands (40-357 mg/kg) with high variations which may profitable industry. The present work was aimed be due to manufacturing inconsistencies and two brands to determine microbiological and some chemical from one batch exceeded the limit (250 mg/kg). In case parameters of commercially available tomato sauces. where the samples exceeded the quoted limit a percentage The study was conducted with four (4) different of the total preservatives (sulphur dioxide and benzoic brands of sauces and was compared with the limits acid) was required to be calculated which should not stated in the Sri Lanka Standard 260 : 2008 (UDC exceed 100%. Results showed samples from one batch in 664.871.6 : 635.64). All tests were conducted according one brand exceeded 100% whereas the other did not. The to the International Organization for Standardization Howard mold count, E. coli and cadmium were absent in (ISO) and Association of Official Analytical Chemists all four brands. Of the four brands tested, for three brands methods (AOAC). The parameters that were ascertained parameters tested conform to SLS specifications whereas are benzoic acid and sulfur dioxide content used as for the other brand benzoic acid level from a sample from preservatives, E. coli, the Howard Mold Count, and a one batch did not conform to the limit specified by SLS trace metal analysis conducted for cadmium. standard. All different brands were compared with each In this study three different batches from each other using the Null-Hypothesis, t-tests and f-tests for brand was tested microbiologically and for heavy metals statistical analysis. (one sample from each batch) whereas three different batches from each brand was analyzed in triplicate for Keywords preservatives (three samples from each batch). tomato sauce, preservatives, cadmium, E. coli, Howard The study showed the presence of sulphur dioxide mold count Technical Sessions : A - 23 Plumbagin functionalized silver nanoparticles for potential antimicrobial applications I N Dammulla1, L B A E Bogahawatta2, C P Gunasekara2,3, M M Weerasekara2, C Padumadasa1,3, N M S Sirimuthu1* 1Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka 2Department of Microbiology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka 3Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Plumbago indica L. called “Rathnitul” in Sinhala is a properties which include antimicrobial, anticancer, anti- medicinal plant belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. that is extensively used in the traditional system of However, high volatility, poor oxidative stability, poor medicine in Sri Lanka. Plumbagin is a naturally occurring bioavailability, less target specificity and high toxicity hydroxynaphthoquinone which is predominantly of plumbagin have limited its use in therapeutic found in the roots of Plumbago indica L. Plumbagin has applications. In recent years, enormous attention has been proven to possess remarkable pharmacological been drawn towards the functionalization of natural

30 Chemistry in Sri Lanka products. Thus, the functionalization of plumbagin with plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption peak at 410 nm an appropriate nanomaterial is a promising strategy to in the UV-Vis spectrum. Vortex mixing of AgNPs overcome the problems associated with plumbagin when with plumbagin in 1: 2×105 molar ratio at 1600 rpm used alone, and to enhance the therapeutic potential of for 2 hours at room temperature led to the successful plumbagin in its use for therapeutic applications. Silver functionalization of AgNPs with plumbagin, resulting a nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest significant difference in the UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra. of the scientific community for synthesis of “hybrid Since both materials possess notable antimicrobial drug molecules” as they act as good nanocarriers of the properties, an enhanced antimicrobial potential is drugs leading to targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, expected from plumbagin functionalized AgNPs due to the unique physical, chemical, optical and biological the synergistic effect. Investigation of the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs have made them excellent potential of plumbagin functionalized AgNPs is currently candidates in biomedical applications as antimicrobial in progress. and anticancer agents. Here, we report a preliminary study conducted to Keywords synthesize plumbagin functionalized AgNPs to be used Plumbagin, Silver nanoparticles, Functionalization, in antimicrobial applications. In this study plumbagin Antimicrobial was extracted from the roots of Plumbago indica and crude plumbagin was purified by recrystallization.1 The References identity and purity of plumbagin were confirmed by GC/ 1. Padumadasa, C.; Abeysekera, A.; Meedin, S., MS, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectra. AgNPs were synthesized International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma by reduction of silver nitrate with hydroxylamine Research 2016, 3 (12) hydrochloride following the Leopold-Lendl method.2 2. Leopold, N.; Lendl, B., The Journal of Physical Synthesized AgNPs gave rise to the characteristic surface Chemistry B 2003, 107 (24), 5723-5727.

Technical Sessions : A - 24 Cytotoxic potential and apoptotic effect of Barringtonia asiatica seed kernel against HepG2 cell line R Paramasamy1*, S Ekanayake1, S R Samarakoon2 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 2Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo *Email: [email protected] Liver cancer causes significant morbidity and Barringtonia asiatica seed kernel against HepG2 cell line. mortality among humans worldwide due to lack of Cytotoxicity was assayed with LDH assay with CME effective therapeutic strategies for control and treatment. (10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 ppm) and MPLCBA-3 fraction According to World Health Organization, 7.5 % of male (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 ppm). Mechanisms of action were deaths in Sri Lanka are due to liver cancer and mortality determined using DNA fragmentation analysis with rate due to liver cancer is increasing each year1. The CME (25, 50 and 100 ppm) and MPLCBA-3 fraction (5, need for pharmacological agents has necessitated the 10 and 20 ppm) and fluorescence microscopic analysis search for newer therapies from natural products. with CME (10, 20, 40 and 80ppm) and MPLCBA-3 (5, Barringtonia asiatica is a species of Barringtonia native 10, 20, 40 ppm] against the liver cancer cell line using to mangrove habitats along tropical coasts and islands standard procedures3,4,5. The total LDH activities in of the Indian Ocean and is grown as an ornamental the medium when HepG2 cells were treated with CME plant in Sri Lanka. Crude methanolic extract (CME ;15 (10-125 ppm) and MPLCBA-3 fraction (2.5-25 ppm), g powder / 40 mL MeOH; 24 hrs; dried at 45oC)) and increased from 53.1%-87.3% [34.2%] and 53.9– 66.4% an isolated fraction (MPLCBA-3 fraction) of CME of B. [12.5%], respectively against the controls. LDH activity asiatica, using medium pressure liquid chromatography increased with increasing concentration of the cytotoxic (MPLC) have showed cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell fraction confirming cell membrane damage by CME and line2. The present study investigated the mechanisms MPLC fractions. However, MPLCBA-3 fraction caused of cytotoxicity of CME and MPLCBA-3 fractions from more damage compared to CME. AO/EB staining

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 31 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

showed uniform green cells in the control HepG2 cells MPLCBA-3 fraction (20 ppm), condensed nuclei were whereas apoptotic cells in the early stage were marked by observed in the HepG2 cells. These correlated with gel yellow-green (10 ppm of CME, 5, 10 ppm of MPLCBA-3) picture of DNA fragmentation of MPLCBA-3 fraction and apoptotic cells in the late stage were marked with in HepG2 cell lines where smearing indicated that DNA concentrated and asymmetrically yellow-orange nuclei were fragmented. The morphological characteristics (20, 40, 80 ppm of CME, 20, 40 ppm of MPLCBA-3, indicated that these extracts cause apoptosis while 10 ppm of thymoquinone [control]) under fluorescence biochemical changes linked with apoptosis included microscope. Thus, HepG2 cells after treatment with leaching of LDH indicating membrane damage and DNA CME and MPLCBA-3 fractions indicated cell apoptosis. fragmentation. Thus, both crude methanolic extract and Control had intact nuclei with uniformly dispersed MPLCBA-3 fraction have shown high cytotoxic potential chromatin in HepG2 cell lines. DNA fragmentation is a due to membrane damage and DNA fragmentation feature of apoptosis. HepG2 cells treated with CME and causing apoptosis of HepG2 cells. MPLCBA-3 fraction of B. asiatica and thymoquinone indicated DNA fragmentation, confirmed due to smearing Keywords observed in the gel electrophoresis when compared to Barringtonia asiatica, DNA fragmentation, LDH assay, control. When comparing CME and MPLCBA-3 fraction Fluorescence microscopic analysis higher fragmentation was observed with the MPLCBA-3 fraction. The cell membrane damage as indicated by References high LDH activity also correlates to the observation 1. WHO. (2014). Global Report on Surveillance. made under fluorescence microscopic pictures. Antimicrobial Resistance, Global Report on When considering fluorescence microscopic pictures Surveillance, 85. stained with Hoechst stain, at higher concentrations of

Technical Sessions : A - 25 Durian and rambutan peels as potential sources of antioxidants A A G Silva1, S Wickramaarachchi1, R N Attanayake2, C S K Rajapakse1* 1Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2Department of Botany, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) and Durian were investigated using DPPH radical scavenging assay.3 (Durian zibethinus Murr.) are popular seasonal fruits TPC of methanol extracts of durian and rambutan peels grown in tropical countries, enriched in varieties of were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method4 and phytochemicals.1, 2 However, peels of these fruits cause TFC of the extracts were analyzed using aluminium unpleasant odors and serious environmental problems. chloride method.4 According to the results, all the extracts As the exploration of bioactive compounds may lead and its fractions showed antioxidant activity. The IC50 to novel environmentally friendly drug discovery, the values of methanol extract of rambutan peels (7.86±0.22 main objective of this study was to investigate the use of µg/mL), its hexane (13.49±0.52 µg/mL), chloroform waste materials, durian and rambutan peels, as potential (26.99±0.20 µg/mL) and methanol (30.85±0.97 µg/mL) sources of antioxidants. Therefore, this work focused fractions were lower than that of the control, butylated on determination of antioxidant activities of methanol hydroxytoluene (BHT) (43.70±0.89 µg/mL). IC50 values extract of durian and rambutan peels using 1,1-diphenyl- of methanol extract of durian peels (100.48±4.16 µg/mL), 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and its hexane (>1000 µg/mL), chloroform (161.99±6.23 µg/ determination of its total polyphenolic contents (TPC) mL) and methanol (>1000 µg/mL) fractions were higher and total flavonoid contents (TFC). than that of the control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) The chemical constituents of durian and rambutan (43.70±0.89 µg/mL). TPC of methanol extracts of durian peels were first extracted using methanol. Then the and rambutan peels were found to be 2.98±0.03 and methanol extract was sequentially extracted with hexane, 14.80±0.21 mg GAE/g dry weight respectively. Higher chloroform and methanol. The antioxidant activity of TFC was observed in methanol extract of durian peels extracts of durian and rambutan peels and its fractions (30.87 mg Catechin /g dry weight) than in methanol

32 Chemistry in Sri Lanka extract of rambutan peels (20.52 mg Catechin /g dry Namiesnik, J., Cvikrova, M., Martincova, O., et al., weight). The preliminary results of this study showed International Journal of Food Science and Technology, that the extracts of durian and rambutan peels are rich 2010 45, 921−929. in compounds with potential antioxidant activity. 2. Ong, P. K. C., Acree, T. E., & Lavin, E. H., Characterization of volatiles in rambutan fruit Keywords (Nephelium lappaceum L.), Journal of Agricultural Antioxidant activity, durian peels, rambutan peels, TPC, and Food Chemistry, 1998 46, 611−615 TFC 3. Samanthi, K., Wickramaarachchi, S., Wijeratne, E. and Paranagama, P., Journal of the National Science Acknowledgement Foundation of Sri Lanka, 2015 43(2), pp.119–126 Financial assistance by the University of Kelaniya (Grant 4. Herald, T. J., Gadgil, P., & Tilley, M., Journal of number RP/03/02/06/01/2018) the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2012 92(11), 2326–2331. References 1. Poovarodom, S., Haruenkit, R., Vearasilp, S., Technical Sessions : A - 26 Complexation between Fe2+ and 1,10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine and the quenching mechanism G I P Wijesekera1, M D P De Costa1*, R Senthilnithy2 1Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri-Lanka 2Department of Chemistry, Open University of Sri-Lanka *Email: [email protected]

1,10-Phenanthroline and its derivatives are very can be used as a sensitive fluorescence sensor to detect important chelating bidentate ligands for transition metal Fe2+ ions in nano molar level. No observable interference ions.1 From previous studies, it has been investigated that is observed upon addition of 225.5 - 2850 nM of Fe3+ into Fe2+ make stable complexes with 1,10-Phenanthroline 8 µM of 1,10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine solutions. and its derivatives.2 1,10- Phenanthrolin-5-amine, which is a derivative Acknowledgement of 1,10-Phenanthroline has an increased fluorescence Faculty Research Grant (2017) of Faculty of Natural quantum yield than its parent compound. Hence, to Sciences/ Open University of Sri Lanka is gratefully develop a fluorimetric method to analyze Fe2+, the acknowledged for funds provided for this study. behavior of 1,10 – Phenanthrolin-5-amine in the presence of Fe2+ was studied. Furthermore, the limit of detection, References limit of quantification and the quenching mechanism 1. Accorsi, G.; Listorti, A.; Yoosaf, K.; Armaroli, N. were found using a calibration plot between Fe2+ and 1, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2009, 38 (6), 1690–1700. 10 – Phenanthrolin-5- amine. 2. Guang-Hua, Z.; Huang-Xian, J.; Bao-Fen, Y. Chin. Experiments were carried out in 95% acetonitrile J. Chem. 2010, 21, 301-304. solutions (pH 8.21). Excitation and emission wavelengths were at 267 nm and 515 nm, respectively. The fluorescence peak at 515 nm was quenched by Fe2+.The linear range was from 225.5 nM to 2850 nM with a detection limit of 7.8 nM at 3.3σ. Calculated limit of quantification was 235.36 nM. Temperature effect was an evidence for the static quenching of 1,10-Phenathrolin-5-amine by Fe2+. Quenching of the probe by Fe2+ at 278K, 288K, 298K, 303K and 313K were studied. The study showed that 1,10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 33 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 27 A study on the use of Bathophenanthroline as a fluorescence sensor for iron(II) P P P Perera1, M D P De Costa1*, R Senthilnithy2 1Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 2Department of Chemistry, Open University of Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Although Fe2+ is present as a trace element, it plays References a vital role in living systems. Therefore measurement 1. Smith, G. F.; McCurdy, W. H.; Diehl, H. Analyst of trace amounts of Fe2+ is very important for many 1952, 77 (418), 418–422. biological and ecological studies. Bathophenanthroline 2. Perry, R. D.; Clemente, C. L. S. Analyst 1977, 102 (BPhen) forms a stable 1:3 red color complex with Fe2+ (114), 114–119. and appears as a promising colorimetric probe for Fe2+. 3. Zhu, G. H.; Ju, H. x.; Ye, B. F. A. Chinese Jounal Using colorimetry, it has been possible to detect 10 Chem. 2002, 20 (200002), 301–304. parts of Fe2+ in 109 parts of water (540 nM).1,2 Although fluorescence is much more sensitive than absorbance, no reported attempts were made to detect Fe2+ with BPhen, using a fluorescence method. Therefore this study was conducted to study the capability of BPhen as a fluorescence sensor for Fe2+. In this study, the fluorescence emission by BPhen was studied in 50% ethanol. At the excitation wavelength of 272 nm, BPhen gave a very high emission intensity with an emission maximum at 385 nm. A maximum fluorescence intensity was observed at a concentration of 0.15 µM, with 5 nm slit width for both excitation and emission. A 0.15 µM solution of BPhen was titrated with a 0.51 µM solution of Fe2+. A linear calibration curve could be obtained for this quenching process with a limit of detection of 9.0 nM of Fe2+. The linear range for the curve was 25 nM to 530 nM. The stoichiometry for the static quenching process was 1:3 as predicted according to literature.1 The binding constant for the complex was calculated using the experimental data as 8.1 × 1020 mol-3 dm9. An interference study was conducted with common fluorescence quenchers Ni2+, Co2+ and Cu2+ as well as Fe3+. The tolerance limits were 2 for Ni2+ and Co2+ while the values were 3 and 10 for Cu2+ and Fe3+, respectively, in terms of molar ratio of Fe2+. Further investigations should be carried on pH effect, solvent effect and temperature effect for this fluorimetric method although its sensitivity was impressive relative to the colorimetric method.

Acknowledgement Faculty Research Grant (2017) of Faculty of Natural Sciences/ Open University of Sri Lanka is gratefully acknowledged for funds provided for this study.

34 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 28 DFT study on classical Koshland retention mechanism of Linamarin hydrolysis D L S Dinuka, C N Ratnaweera* College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. *Email: [email protected]

Figure 1. Geometries of transition states (TSg and TSdg) for the glycosylation and deglycosylation of double displacement retaining mechanism for hydrolysis of β-glycosides.1 The hydrolysis of glucosidic linkage catalyzed by acid groups. A reaction barrier of 29.65 kcal/mol was every carbohydrate-hydrolase is a reaction in which estimated by the model with the reaction energy being the product retains (α→α or β→β) or inverts (α→β or 15.25 kcal/mol for the glycosylation step of linamarin. β→α) the anomeric configuration of the substrate. By Furthermore, it was found that the rate determining step releasing α-glucose and β-glucose, respectively, from is the first step owing to a higher barrier than the second, the common substrates having α or β -glucosidic thus rationalizing the proposed Koshland retention linkages, α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase are essentially mechanism. The mechanistic insights gained are valuable distinguished. The distinction in the substrate for not only understanding similar reaction mechanisms specificities of the two enzymes was explained by the but also for rational design of novel linamarin analogs as subsite affinities in their active sites.2,3 Amino acid potent anti-cancer drugs. sequences of the regions containing the catalytic sites in β-glucosidases from various sources were compared. Acknowledgement Particularly this study was focused on validating the Financial assistance by Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, proposed mechanism by Koshland et al1 for glycoside Sri Lanka (The research grant 17-1). hydrolysis reactions towards hydrolysis of “linamarin”. Quantum mechanics calculations in gas phase at Keywords B3LYP/6-311+G** level of theory for a simplified Density functional theory, Cyanogenic glycoside, model of β-glucosidase active site with linamarin as the Oxocarbenium ion, retaining glycoside-hydrolase substrate, clearly indicated a stepwise mechanism for glycosylation. The rate determining step is nucleophilic References substitution by Glu373 to form the covalently bonded 1. Koshland, D. E., Biol. Rev. 1953, 28 (4), 416–436. enzyme substrate intermediate with protonation of the 2. Hermans, M. M. P.; Krooss, M. A; Beeurnens, J. Van; leaving group by Glu165. The geometrical configuration Oostras, B. A; Reusersll, A. J. J., Biochemistry 1991, of the transition state for the enzymatic reaction was 266, 13507–13512. essentially the same as that found for a gas-phase model 3. Keresztessy, Z.; Brown, K.; Dunn, M. A; Hughes, M. involving only the substrate and propionate/propionic A., Biochem. J. 2001, 353 (Pt 2), 199–205. acid pair to represent the catalytic glutamate/glutamic

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 35 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Technical Sessions : A - 29 Fabrication and characterization of water stable multi-layer graphene oxide membranes by potassium ion crosslinking W R N M Bandara1, J A Liyanage1*, A R Kumarasinghe2 1Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. *Email: [email protected]

Graphene Oxide (GO) was synthesized from vein Here, elastic modulus has been increased by 147% graphite sourced from Bogala mine using Improved on crosslinking with K+. This confirms the ability of Hummer’s method. GO nano sheets are the oxidative potassium ions to cross-link the GO membrane in the in- exfoliation products of graphite. GO contains oxygenated plane direction. Work is ongoing to further characterize functional groups attached to their basal planes and edges. the cross-linking by XRD, to identify the variation in d GO membranes readily disintegrate in water, because spacing on cross-linking and to find weather potassium GO sheets become negatively charged on hydration, ion cross-linking has been taken place in the stacking and the electrostatic repulsion between GO sheets direction of GO membrane. overcome the van der Waals attraction and hydrogen bonding. This represents significant obstacles to water Keywords treatment applications. Oxygenated functional groups Graphene oxide, stability of GO in aqueous phase, cross- allow GO nano sheets to be cross-linked with cationic linked GO, mechanical strength, elastic modulus metal ions. This improves the mechanical properties of the resulting membrane. The aim of this experiment is to stabilize the GO membranes via cross-linking with cationic metal ions. It was achieved by potassium ion cross-linking. On hydration with mechanical agitation GO membranes disintegrate immediately compared to the GO membranes cross-linked with potassium ions. At a high pH GO nano sheets become negatively charged and the cations are removed from nano sheets destabilizing the cation crosslinked nanosheets. Then cations become unable to crosslink GO nano sheets. Therefore it can be stated that aqueous acidic dispersions of GO are cross-linked with the selected cation, K+ to enhance the mechanical strength and water stability of GO membrane. Energy Dispersive X ray (EDX) was used to investigate for the incorporation of metal ions into the GO membrane. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of low magnification indicate that cross-linked GO membranes have a wrinkled surface morphology compared to unmodified GO membranes. On crosslinking, the amounts of freely available carbonyl and epoxy functional groups decrease. Hence intensity of carbonyl and epoxy peaks have been decreased and peak positions have been shifted to lower wave numbers in the FTIR-ATR spectrum of potassium cross-linked membrane compared to unmodified membrane. Increase of elastic modulus was identified from tensile testing analysis of the modified GO membranes due to enhancement of mechanical strength on crosslinking.

36 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 30 Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide coated silica nanoparticles M A S N Weerasinghe1, J A Liyanage1*, A R Kumarasinghe2 1Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2Department of Physics, University of Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected]

Graphene oxide (GO) is capable of absorbing vibration of hydroxyl (–OH) groups, at 1739 cm-1 for many common pollutants of water such as heavy metals the stretching vibration of carbonyl (C=O) functional and organic contaminants. However, graphene oxide groups and at 1391 cm-1 for the epoxy (C-OH) groups. membranes easily disintegrate in water and aggregates. EDXAS data showed the presence of corresponding This decreases its adsorption capacity and diminishes elements in each sample. EDXAS data of graphene its practical applications. Therefore, to prevent the oxide coated silica nanoparticles showed the presence above problems graphene oxide is combined with silica C (carbon), O (oxygen), Si (silicon) as the main elements. nanoparticles. According to SEM data, graphene oxide membranes on GO coated silica nanoparticles were characterized silica nanoparticles and the interphase between silica and using Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total graphene oxide could be clearly observed. Therefore, Reflection Spectroscopy (FT-IR ATR), Scanning the successful synthesis of graphene oxide coated silica Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive nanoparticles can be confirmed using SEM data, FT-IR X-ray Spectrometry (EDXAS). FT-IR ATR of graphene ATR data and EDXAS data. oxide coated silica nanoparticles showed the presence of the following absorptions; peaks for silica at 1059 cm-1 Keywords for the asymmetric stretching of Si-O-Si bond and at Graphene oxide, silica nanoparticles, coatings, water 791 cm-1 for symmetric stretching of Si-O-Si bonds and treatment, characterization peaks for graphene oxide at 3444 cm-1 for the stretching

Technical Sessions : A - 31 Binding interactions of coumarin derivatives with Hodgkin’s disease related protein ADAM-10; an in-silico approach N M H N Thilakarathne*, C S Udawatte, C N Rathnaweera College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka *Email: [email protected] Hodgkin’s disease is a malignant tumor which is domain of ADAM10 (PDB ID: 6BDZ), cysteine rich one of the most common cancers among the elderly domain of ADAM10 (PDB ID: 5LOQ), extracellular and children. It is characterized by the overexpression domain of ADAM17 (PDB ID: 1BKC) and human of ADAM-10 protein with increased release of NKG2D matrix metalloproteinase MMP9 (PDB ID: 1L6J). All ligand which causes impaired immune response against nonstandard residues were deleted. The hydrogens tumor cells.1 The selective inhibition of ADAM10 is one and charges were added using UCSF chimera 1.9. The of the major approaches that is used to treat Hodgkin’s ligands and references were prepared using Spartan ’14 disease.1 However, there is still no synthetic selective and the equilibrium geometry at the ground level was inhibitor for ADAM10. This study focuses on the calculated with density functional (DFT) B3LYP and selective inhibitory activity of the 4,5- disubstituted-7- basis set 6-311+G** in vacuum. The hydrogen bonding, hydroxy coumarins on ADAM10 over ADAM17 and pi-pi stacked interactions and pi-alkyl interactions were MMP9 in the sub site S1´ −S3´ of the MMP like catalytic considered as favorable interactions. Abbreviations of site, using molecular docking approach. ligands are provided in Table 1. Docking software used were AutoDock Vina and Gold. The following crystal structures were obtained from PDB (Protein Data Base); extracellular

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 37 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Table 1: Ligands and their abbreviations Abbreviation IUPAC name of ligand LIG1 7-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-phenoxymethyl-chromen-2-one LIG2 4-(4-chloro-phenoxymethyl)-7-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-methyl-chromen-2-one LIG3 4-(2, 4-dichloro-phenoxymethyl)-7-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-methyl-chromen-2-one LIG4 4-(3-chloro-phenoxymethyl) -7-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-methyl-chromen-2-one LIG5 7-hydroxy-4-(4-nitro-phenoxymethyl)-chromen-2-one LIG6 7-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxy-phenoxymethyl)-chromen-2-one LIG7 7-hydroxy-4-(2, 4-dinitro-phenoxymethyl)-chromen-2-one Methyl (5S, 6S)-5-(hydroxycarbamoyl)-6-(4-phenyl3,6-dihydro-2H-pyridine-1-carbonyl)- REF1 7-azaspiro[2.5]octane-7-carboxylate (2R)-N-[(1S)-2, 2-Dimethyl-1-[(methylamino) carbonyl]-propyl]-2-[(1S)-1-[formyl REF2 (hydroxyl) amino] ethyl]-5-phenylpentanamide

Table 2: CHEMPLP scores of the highest scored docking complex poses CHEMPLP score of best docking complex poses extracellular cysteine rich extracellular human matrix Ligand domain of domain of domain of metalloproteinase ADAM10 ADAM10 ADAM17 MMP9 LIG1 57.50 39.23 77.31 65.35 LIG2 57.68 43.89 75.31 66.71 LIG3 55.40 43.89 66.47 63.31 LIG4 60.73 42.97 79.83 59.30 LIG5 57.72 51.33 78.80 64.94 LIG6 56.45 43.03 88.64 67.55 LIG7 57.59 40.14 78.75 60.19 REF1 58.04 52.15 84.50 80.23 REF2 65.35 51.49 79.26 51.96 of ADAM10 over MMP9. Xxneed to cite Figure 1, authors please indicate placexx We can conclude that all coumarin derivatives showed higher possibility of binding to sub site S1´ −S3´ of the MMP like catalytic site of ADAM proteins than to the substrate binding cysteine rich domain to form a stable complex. All seven coumarin derivatives showed the possibility of being dual inhibitors of ADAM10 and ADAM17. LIG 1, LIG2, LIG3, LIG4 and LIG7 showed higher affinity to ADAM10 over ADAM17 and MMP9. Figure 1. Interaction diagram for top scored docked pose for LIG2 with 1BKC References 1. Camodeca, C.; Nuti, E.; Tepshi, L.; Boero, S.; The scores given in Table 2 were derived using ‘Gold’ Tuccinardi, T.; Stura, E. A.; Poggi, A.; Zocchi, M. software. The results revealed that LIG1, LIG2, LIG3, R.; Rossello, Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2016. LIG5 and LIG7 showed high possibility of inhibiting 2. Stiller, C., Eur. J. Cancer 1998, 34 (4), 523–528. ADAM10 protein and that LIG1, LIG2, LIG5 and LIG7 3. BIOvIA, D. S. Discovery Studio Modeling showed selective inhibition of ADAM10 over ADAM17. Environment. San Diego, Dassault Syst. Release, 4. It was also revealed that LIG4 showed selective inhibition 2015. 38 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Technical Sessions : A - 32 A computational study on the inhibition of MCL-1 anti-apoptotic protein to activate apoptosis in cancer cells via commercially available natural product derivatives M S V Costa*, C N Ratnaweera, C S Udawatte College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon *Email: [email protected] Bcl-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 (Myeloid cell leukemia-1) by TIP3P cubic boxes and water box size was 8 x 8 x 8Å. are important anti-apoptotic proteins. The objective of Neutralization was done using tleap by adding required this research was to identify commercially available charges. A salt concentration of 0.10 M was maintained. natural product derivatives to inhibit MCL-1. Ligands System minimization was executed using sander module were obtained from the ZINC12 database which provides while heating, and equilibration and production were 30793 chemically modified, commercially available carried out using pmemd.cuda module. Molecular natural product derivatives. Compound S63845, which dynamics were performed on Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics binds with high affinity to the BH3 binding groove of processor. The system was minimized for 10000 steps MCL-1 was the reference. with a 500 kcal/molÅ2 force constant restraint, and Initial docking was carried out using GOLD Suite then minimized for another 4000 steps without any v5.3 with Hermes v1.7.0. Crystal structures for MCL-1, force constant limitation. Heating was under NVT Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL were obtained through RCSB PDB conditions from 0K to 300K with a weak force constraint server. The single ZINC database SDF file was split into 20 of 10 kcal/mol Å2. With pmemd module, the system was SDF files for the ease of docking using MayaChemTools equilibrated under NPT (number of molecules, pressure, with Perl scripts from Strawberry Perl. Protein was and temperature) conditions for 1 ns, and equilibrated prepared for docking by removing attached ligands until time vs. RMSD curve showed a stable horizontal and water molecules, and by adding hydrogen atoms. gradient. Production step was performed under NVT The binding pocket was defined by a predefined list of conditions with SHAKE algorithm applying hydrogen residues. CHEMPLP85 scoring function was selected for constraint. Blind docking was performed, and search docking. S63845 was optimized to obtain the equilibrium space of 100×100×100 Å box was defined. Three MCL- geometry with Spartan’14 v1.1.0 applying Hartree-Fock 1 specific ligands were identified; N-[[(2R,3S,4R)-4- 3-21G force field, and used for molecular docking with (dibenzylamino)-3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl] both GOLD Suite v5.3 and AutoDock Vina. 75 ligands methyl]-3,3-dimethyl-butanamide (ZINC77263702), were selected from initial docking and optimized using 7-benzyl-1-[[4-[(7-benzyl-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo- RESP ESP charge Derive Server (R.E.D. Server). Default purin-1-) methyl] phenyl] methyl]-3-methyl-purine- Project.config and System.config files were used for the 2,6-dione (ZINC33354648) and N-[[(2R,3S,4R)-4- optimization with Gaussian 2016 (B01) version, and (dibenzylamino)-3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl] docked with Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL to determine specificity methyl]benzamide (ZINC77263752). to MCL-1. Drug-like properties, absorption, distribution, These ligands have demonstrated the potential to be metabolism, and excretion, of ligands and reference used as selective inhibitors for MCL-1, and exhibit far compound were analyzed with SwissADME server and better drug-like and ADME properties compared to the DruLito software. Molecular dynamics simulations were reference compound. carried out using Amber 16 suite. The system was solvated

a b c d Figure 1. Blind docked positions of ligands with MCL-1; S63845 (a), ZINC77263702 (b), ZINC77263752 (c) and ZINC33354648 (d)

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 39 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Fifteenth Convocation of the College of Chemical Sciences 25th February 2019 BMICH Welcome address by the President, IChemC Convocation address by the Chief Guest

Professor Sudantha Liyanage Emeritus Professor Deshabandu Tuley de Silva

Valedictory Speeches Shireen Jayasuriya Gold Medallist DLTC batch top

Ms. M A F Mushrifa Ms. M C Vidushani

Graduate Procession Academic Procession

DLTC Diplomates Graduate Chemists

40 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Fifteenth Convocation of the College of Chemical Sciences Convocation Address Emeritus Professor Deshabandu Tuley de Silva, C.Chem., F.I.Chem.C. Past President, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Chancellor, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka I am pleased to be amongst you on this 15th To have belief and trust in yourself and being true to Convocation Ceremony of the College of Chemical yourself are very important factors to success. You have Sciences of the Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon for two to choose between doing well in life or exceptionally well reasons. First of all because this College was established in life to make you great. It is also necessary to realize the during my tenure of Office as the President of the potential of what you can do in life and make yourself, Institute where Professor JNO Fernando who I consider your parents and our country proud. as the Founder Leader of the Graduateship Course was Those of you who will contribute to our scientific and appointed as the Honorary Dean. Secondly, because I technological manpower will be pleased to contribute could not refuse the kind invitation of my former student, to our national development by meeting the challenges Professor Sudantha Liyanage your present President, of industrial growth and development. In order to although it was a very belated invitation. Professor accomplish the responsibilities entrusted upon you, Liyanage, thank you very much for your invitation. Let you have to work hard with resoluteness, dedication, me also propose for your kind consideration that our perseverance, initiative and innovativeness. Distinguished Chemists be recognized in the future so The future of the country depends on you who are that our graduands would value them as models who expected to be leaders, professionals, and productive have pursued studies in Chemistry. scientists in the fields of chemistry and technology. The College has reached a major milestone as it is to Chemistry is considered as the central science be accredited to University status to offer the B.Sc. Special because it deals with the composition, properties and degrees in chemistry. I wish to pay tribute to Professor transformations of all types of matter, which are all JNO Fernando for steering this College admirably in its composed of chemical elements. Chemical knowledge formative years with dedication, tenacity and dynamism. of matter is essential to understanding of other branches Dear Graduands, congratulations on your successful of science. Chemistry includes numerous branches, some completion of one chapter of your career. Today you of which have a wide range of industrial and scientific will celebrate remembering the many challenges you applications. have overcome and the hard work put on to achieve this Some of you I am sure will undertake new ventures distinct success. Please remember with gratitude the with innovative programmes, follow the path of assistance and encouragement that you received from your dream with hard work, determination and total your dear parents, well-wishers, academic staff and commitment. I am sure you will make the best use of friends as you enter the world to make a success of your the knowledge you have gained here to attain career. Your parents and siblings have sacrificed a lot and professional success. Learning is a life-long process. encouraged, to contribute to what you are today. Remember that you will have the occasion to learn at Can I request everyone who is graduating today, to every stage of life and never miss this opportunity. stand up and give a big round of applause to your parents My special thanks to all the parents who have come as a grateful appreciation for all what they have done in from different parts of our country to share the joys of assisting you to get this achievement. Thank you. success. I am sure that these graduate chemists will go out Those of you who want to continue your to the world to reach new heights, with the determination postgraduate studies have yet to go through another to give their best service to Sri Lanka and the global round of determination and dedication. Presently, you community. may also have to reflect on the inspiring words of advice In order to hold your interest, I wish to share some given to you about the next stage of your career, to make insights from my own personal journey. As most of it to be successful. I wish that you will make the right you, I sat for the then University Entrance Examination choice so that you will be taking the path to a bright to pursue a career in medicine. There were no grades future. those days and the result was you pass or fail. Then

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 41 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon we were called for a viva voce examination where no despite having the finest brains with them. It is therefore subject knowledge was tested but whether you should necessary to improve your skills to work as teams to be selected to do medicine or bioscience. Although I contribute your best to the establishment. won both the Physical science and Bio science prizes Do not for ever lose faith. I am convinced that the in College, I was selected to do bioscience. My teachers only thing that kept me going was that I enjoyed my and I were disappointed but I took up the challenge with work. Job satisfaction and faith in yourself are very the determination of getting to the top of my unknown essential to success. Remember that despite setbacks future career. Here I am now after pursuing a university and disappointments do not give into peer pressure and academic career starting from being a probationary change, but be true to yourself and live your life with assistant lecturer, lecturer, senior lecturer, Professor, Head integrity and honesty. of Department, Dean of the Faculty and the President Let me complement the Rector, Dean and Staff of the of the Campus and then as a Professor Emeritus. My College of Chemical Sciences for their dedicated service aspiration to get to the top position was fulfilled when I in building up the scientific manpower requirements of was appointed by H.E. the President of Sri Lanka as the our nation and wish them to excel in all their academic Chancellor of a University. activities. I must confess that although I was first in class from Dear Graduands, you will now on, confront year to year up to the University entrance class, I never numerous challenges and encounter great opportunities, received such accolades during my University career. and it is for you to face them and succeed with resolve, Those who made judgements about me were proved hard work and diligence to make a rewarding and a wrong by lengths. My successes would give those who bright future. I wish you all every success. did not get first classes, a glimmer of hope that what matters is how you could set targets and steer with focus to attain them. It is also through failures, that I have learnt a lot about myself, my resilience, my strong will, my persistence and dedication, self-assurance etc. A lot of my notable successes have emerged from lessons learnt. Hard work, benevolence, resilience, persistence, eagerness to assist and not be jealous and being honest to oneself have contributed a lot towards achieving the set goals. These may be easy to preach but very hard to practice. Do not let fear of uncertainty and failure discourage you to recognize opportunities, but pursue them with passion until you achieve your goal. Whatever the context, keep on dreaming and work towards its achievement. Be aware that at times you may be attracted towards quick successes, short cuts and immediate wins, that could expose you to dishonesty in your search for success. Therefore, always be true to yourself and act with honesty. You must not simply try to get by in life leading to stagnation. Strive hard to excel in everything you undertake whether big or small. In your journey to success, you will face many challenges that should not discourage you but continue to your target with vigor and vitality. Failures could be the pillars of success. Hence when a project fails, learn from the mistakes and take the necessary remedial measures. My experience is that team work is more rewarding. Some companies have failed due to lack of team work 42 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

36TH BATCH OF 149 GRADUATE CHEMISTS PASS OUT IN 2018

First Class Honours (10) Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa, Mr. N. M. H. N. Thilakarathne, Ms. I. L. Hettige, Ms. W. S. S. Perera, Ms. W. H. K. Perera, Ms. W. D. S. R. Perera, Ms. J. A. S. Gayara, Ms. W. R. P. Somarathne, Mr. M. J. M. Afnan, Mr. M. S. V. Costa

Second Class Honours (Upper Division) (20) Ms. B. D. Perera, Ms. U. V. de S. Jayasekera, Ms. K. D. N. Rathnaweera, Mr. K. R. J. Manuda, Mr. K. K. A. S. Jayathilaka, Ms. S. M. S. Nishadya, Ms. A. A. D. T. Abeysinghe, Ms. M. M. G. Kaumini, Mr. R. D. U. S. Deshapriya, Ms. W. G. B. K. K. G. Gunawardana, Ms. R. W. Ranaweera, Ms. M. M. F. Mubeena, Mr. M. S. D. Fernando, Ms. V. Wijayasekera, Ms. G. V. D. Anuththara, Ms. S. N. Nawalage, Ms. P. V. N. Kaushalya, Ms. R. M. K. P. Jayathissa, Ms. M. N. A. Seneviratne, Mr. K. M. Wickramasinghe

Second Class Honours (Lower Division) (20) Ms. Y. D. Block Mapalagama, Ms.N. N. M. Mendis, Mr. M. R. A. Basith, Ms. F. N. Iqbal, Ms L. L. J. de Silva, Mr. H. M. O. K. Herath, Mr. S. H. P. P. Sanjeewa, Ms. S. H. Basnagoda, Mr. H. M. M. M. B. Herath, Mr. M. P. B. N. Serasinghe, Ms. B. I. Keerawelle, Mr. K. D. T. Kavinda, Ms. Y. K. G. D. S. Yatiwelle, Mr. W. P. D. de Silva, Ms. G. M. Kallegoda, Ms. N. U. Deraniyagala, Ms. K. D. C. Madhushika, Ms. S. R. Gunasekara, Ms. M. R. A. Maryam, Ms. B. B. R. Perera

Pass (99) Ms. B. M. N. N. Basnayake, Ms. B. M. A. U. Amarathunga, Ms. C. N. A. Wijenayake, Ms. P. W. D. C. Asanthi, Ms. M. N. Jayathilake, Ms. S. N. D. De C. Dassanayake, Ms. D. M. G. H. K. Dissanayake, Ms. K. M. U. K. Kulasekara, Ms. C. K. Malaarachchi, Ms. W. V. D. S. D. Ranasinghe, Mr. E. U. H. Senavirathne, Ms. P. G. I. Lakmali, Ms. A. A. M. N. Amarasinghe, Ms. C. T. P. Liyanage, Ms. B. M. Samarakoon, Ms. R. S. K. Dharmaratne, Ms. A. A. D. N. Amarasinghe, Ms. T. M. H. Tennekoon, Ms. P. A. D. S. A. Wijayathilaka, Ms. U. M. N. Y. Alahakoon, Ms. R. A. S. H. Ranasinghe, Ms. N. P. K. Ranathissa, Ms. J. W. A. Udani, Ms. V. Lavanya, Mr. M. R. A. Shazvi, Mr. B. Venthan, Ms. B. M. D. T. Balasooriya, Ms. K. K. D. Chilki, Ms. A. A. N. Darshani, Mr. D. M. P. S. Dissanayake, Ms. M. N. S. de S. Goonetilleke, Ms. S. E. Herath, Ms. J. A. U. Heshini, Ms. H. D. Hettiarachchi, Ms. W. A. Jayasiri, Mr. S. P. H. S. Jayasuriya, Mrs. S. B. R. Keshika, Ms. S. Krishnamoorthy, Mr. N G Kodikara, Mr. R. R. T. W. W. M. R. N. D. B. Madawala, Mr. M. H. I. Mapatuna, Ms. P. A. R. T. Pamunugama, Mr. H. K. S. N. Perera, Ms. H. L. T. Perera, Mr. K. H. K. Perera, Mr. C. J. Premathunga, Ms. R. M. D. D. Rathnayake, Ms. B. A. D. S. Rathnapala, Mr. U. Sindhujan, Ms. W. M. C. M. Abeysekera, Ms. W. S. N. Alwis, Ms. M. N. B. Dharmasiri, Ms. G M S T Gallaba, Ms. M. M. F. Hassana, Mr. D. T. Kodisinghe, Ms. H. N. Maussawa, Ms. D. Ravishanker, Mr. K. Sasitharan, Ms. G. D. B. H. T. Senadeera, Ms. D. S. L. Sumanathilake, Mr. I. U. Thenabadu, Ms. K. S. Wijayanarayana, Ms. T. S. Shilpeswarage, Ms. S. R. H. Kandamby, Ms. M. R. A. I. C. Samaraweera, Ms. G. G. L. L. Gunarathne, Ms. K. A. V. N. Keenawinna, Ms. L. D. S. P. Rathnasekara, Ms. N. H. V. U. B. Nanayakkara, Ms. K. D. H. D. Ishara, Ms. B. S. S. Perera, Ms. M. B. S. S. Mendis, Ms. N. D. Jayasinghe, Ms. I. M. S. A. Illangakoon, Ms. D. G. C. S. Karunarathne, Mr. J. J. Jeevanantham, Ms. V. M. Egodage, Mr. S. Nigeathan, Ms. K. R. S. N. Fonseka, Mr. K. G. D. Dilhan, Ms. W. D. D. Prabodha, Ms. B. G. W. T. S. Piyasena, Mr. L. N. D. Silva, Mr. K. D. B. Dissanayake, Mr. D. M. B. S. B. Dissanayake, Ms. F. R. Ismath, Ms. W. G. K. Fonseka, Ms. S. K. M. N. Chathurika, Ms. S. S. Palihakkara, Ms. D. K. G. P. D. T. Kumari, Ms. K. A. D. E. B. Purnima, Ms. M. H. K. P. P. Maduratharangi, Ms. G. W. U. E. Nawarathna, Ms. K. M. N. P. Karunanayake, Mr. U. R. B. Weerasinghe, Ms. G. O. Jeewangika, Mrs. C. H. C. Anthony, Ms. F. R. Lafir, Mr. U. D. S. Dhilanka

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 43 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon FIFTEENTH CONVOCATION AWARDS LIST 2018 Graduateship Programme (Overall) Awards First Shireen Jayasuriya Memorial Gold Medal 2018, for the Best overall Performance Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Second Graduateship Programme Silver Jubilee Commemoration Award Mr. N. M. H. N. Thilakarathne Third Graduate Chemist (25th passing out batch) Silver Jubilee Commemoration Award Ms. I. L. Hettige

Awards for Overall Excellence in Principal Areas in all Levels of Study (Theory) Professor J K P Ariyaratne Memorial Award for Inorganic Chemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Professor Leslie Gunathilake Award for Organic Chemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Haniffa Award for Physical Chemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Professors Saman & Asoka Pathiratne Award for Analytical Chemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa

Level 3 & 4 Overall (Theory) Awards First Royal Society of Chemistry (Sri Lanka) Section Award Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Second Professor & Mrs. H W Dias Award Ms. W. H. K. Perera Third Rasanthika Nayomi Jayathissa Memorial Prize Ms. I. L. Hettige

Level 3 & 4 Overall (Practical) Awards Best Performers Professor R S Ramakrishna Memorial Award Ms. W. G. B. K. K. G. Gunawardana Mr. & Mrs. K Sivarajah & Family Award Ms. R. M. K. P. Jayathissa B A Jayasinghe Memorial Award Mr. N. M. H. N. Thilakarathne Good Performance Awards (donated by CCS) Ms. U. V. de S. Jayasekara, Ms. J. A. S. Gayara, Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa, Ms. B. D. Perera, Ms. G. V. D. Anuththara, Ms. Y. D. Block Mapalagama, Ms. I. L. Hettige, Mr. K. R. J. Manuda, Mr. M. J. M. Afnan, Mr. W. P. D. de Silva, Mr. K. K. A. S. Jayathilake

Graduateship All Rounder Awards Dr. R O B Wijesekara Felicitation Fund Award for the Best All Rounder Mr. M. J. M. Afnan Prof. Noel G Baptist Memorial Prize for the Second Best All Rounder Mr. K. D. T. Kavinda, Mr. M P B N Serasinghe Chamikara Wijesinghe Award for the third Best All Rounder Ms. N S Nawalage, Ms. W S S Perera Certificates of Honourable Mention Mr. N M H N Thilakarathne, Mr. S H P P Sanjeewa, Ms. L L J de Silva

Subject Prizes For Individual Courses Dr. Lakshman Ponnamperuma Prize for Special Topics in Inorganic Chem. I Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Dr. Sudath Kumarasinghe Memorial Prize for Special Topics in Physical Chemistry I Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Mr. & Mrs. N. I. N. S. Nadarasa Prize for Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Microchem Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd Prize for Environmental Chemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Dr. Rohan Perera Prize for Chemical and Molecular Toxicology Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa Mr. Cyril Suduwella Prize for Petroleum and Petrochemistry Ms. M. A. F. Mushrifa, Ms. K. D. N. Rathnaweera Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Alumni Association North American Chapter Prize for Special Topics in Physical Chemistry II Ms. W. H. K. Perera, Ms. A. A. D. T. Abeysinghe Professor P. P. G. L. Siriwardena Prize for Special Topics in Inorganic Chem. II Ms. W. H. K. Perera

44 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

Dr. S. Lakshman De Silva Memorial Trust Prize for Physical Organic Chemistry Ms. W. H. K. Perera Dharmachandra & Thamarasa Gunawardhana Memorial Prize for Analytical Chemistry: Instrumental Analysis II Ms. W. H. K. Perera Pincock Prize for Photochemistry Ms. W. H. K. Perera Dr. Chandani Udawatte Prize for Clinical Herbal Products Development Ms. W. H. K. Perera Dr. Premaratne Family Prize for Nanotechnology Ms. W. H. K. Perera W. R. O. Fernando Memorial Prize for Energetics & Kinetics Ms. I. L. Hettige Dharmarathne Wasala Prize for Computational Chemistry Ms. I. L. Hettige Mr. & Mrs. Gamini Gunasekara and Family Prize for General Chemistry Paper Ms. I. L. Hettige E. G. Somapala Prize for Food Chemistry and Technology Ms. I. L. Hettige Mr. A G Gunarathna and Mrs. I K S R Ratnakalyani Prize for Research Methods Ms. A. A. D. T. Abeysinghe Mr. A. M. Jayasekara & Mrs. Kusum Aththanayaka Family Prize for Literature Survey in Chemical Sciences Ms. A. A. D. T. Abeysinghe Rex Jayasinha Prize for Analytical Chemistry: Instrumental Analysis I Mr. N. M. H. N. Thilakarathne Professor Eugene De Silva Prize for Industrial Chemistry and Technology Mr. N. M. H. N. Thilakarathne Prof. Namal P Heenkenda and Prof. Ayanthi Navaratne Prize for Chem. Edu. Ms. L. L. J. De Silva K. G. Karunasena Memorial Prize for Quantum Mechanics Mr. R. D. U. S. Deshapriya Dr. & Mrs. Swaminathan Memorial Prize for Information Technology Mr. S. Kalaivanan, Mr. M. J. M. Afnan Vasanthan & Menaka Prize for Further Management, Economics and Finance Ms. S. M. S. Nishadya Marina & R. O. B. Wijesekera Prize for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Ms. N. U. Deraniyagala Mr. & Mrs. E. Gajanayake Prize for Atomic Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis Mr. K. D. T. Kavinda Mrs. Mary Antoinette de Zoysa Prize for Materials Chemistry Ms. G. G. L. L. Gunarathne N. M. S. Hettigedara Family Prize for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Ms. W. R. P. Somarathne Mevan Pieris Prize for Polymer Chemistry and Technology Ms. B. D. Perera Denzil & Christobel Fernando Commemoration Prize for Agro Industries Ms. G. O. Jeewangika Susila Jayaweera Memorial Prize for Biochemistry II Ms. S. N. Nawalage Dr. Lakshmi Arambewela Prize for Research Project Beneficial for the Country Ms. W. S. S. Perera Thambipillai Kandasamy Memorial Prize for Industrial Safety, Health and Environmental Technology Ms. G. M. Kallegoda

44TH BATCH OF 131 DLTC DIPLOMATES PASS OUT IN 2018

Clinical Laboratory Technology

Honours Pass (20) Ms. M T M Somathilaka, Ms. A Kantharatnam, Ms. N Abiramy, Ms. M M F Mifra, Ms. S A U C Senanayake, Ms. F N Nazar, Ms. B P Udani, Ms. M Y F Sumaiya, Mr. R J Anuradha, Ms. T G S Harshamali, Ms. A F Shahdiya, Ms. B C D Perera, Ms. H G D Wasana, Mr. J A D V L Ranasinghe, Ms. P U Kamanee, Mr. E P P Kumara, Ms. R Tharika, Ms. I M I Begum, Ms. R H A L Silva, Ms. M P M I Dayarathne

Merit Pass (37) Mr. M Z M Asmal, Ms. M T F Fahmidha, Ms. C D M Karunathilake, Ms. M A Shazrinnija, Ms. M B L F Shukriya, Mrs. L M S Madhupathumi, Ms. M I I Ihsana, Mrs. M A F Nufla, Mrs. H W K S Sandaruwani, Mr. M N M Bilaldeen, Ms. S B S Jootha, Ms. S N Hettige, Mr. P A B P Wimalarathne, Mr. W M C N Wickramasinghe, Ms. J M D H A Appuhami, Mr. M D I M Premasiri, Ms. H P U S Alahakoon, Ms. D L Hettiarachchi, Ms. A Nadaraja, Mr. H M N N Herath, Ms. T M Nagahawatta, Mrs. K H M S De Silva, Ms. K G J D Dassanayaka, Mr. R U C A De Silva, Mr. M M M Nifras, Ms. U L Sanjeewani, Ms. C Dusyanthy, Mr. W A H S Kumarasiri, Ms. M T Thahira Farwin, Ms. G W Madhusarani, Ms. M R F Mushrifa, Ms. B A I S Guyes, Ms. J D M Iresha, Mr. D M D P Dissanayake, Mr. M M M Fazly, Mr. M B Fazlan, Mr. P N K Manamperi

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 45 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Ordinary Pass (59) Ms. M F F Nimza, Ms. P A C N Ponnamperuma, Ms. H K S M R Fernando, Mr. S A C M Anas, Mr. W A S P Chathuranga, Ms. M M Najila Begum, Ms. R M D P S Rajapaksha, Mr. D C Baddagama, Ms. P D P P Kumari, Mrs. P Y Anuradha, Ms. C N Ranasinghe, Mr. P W I Erandika, Ms. A F Infa, Mr. P M C R Dissanayake, Ms. G K M R Malkanthi, Mr. S L A I Chathuranga, Mr. M A I Mohamed, Mr. M A A Mohammed, Mrs. N S D Kumari, Ms. G S K Dayarathna, Ms. K G N Kaumadi, Mr. T G S Jeewantha, Ms. R A N Chathurika, Mr. R D R T Wijithajeewa, Mr. T Srithevapriyan, Ms. G G P Sewwandi, Ms. N N M Jayathilaka, Mr. K W Hettihewa, Mr. C M Niriella, Ms. L C Christopher, Ms. D M S P Dassanayake, Mr. H M R T Priyadarshana, Ms. P V D Thanuja, Ms. V P C D Wickramasinghe, Mr. H S A Fernando, Mr. L M S S Gunasekara, Ms. M Kansa, Mrs. W A K R Swarnamali, Ms. M D Wickramasinghe, Mr. A P M Anas, Ms. M M F Azrah, Mr. P H K G P Deshappriya, Mr. M F M Fashan, Mr. C T E H M R R Herath, Mr. M M Ishaq, Mrs. P Keerthiga, Ms. R M S Kumari, Ms. D L A G N Liyanaarachchi, Mr. H A D S Logus, Mr. L H Madusanka, Ms. C N Nimalsiri, Ms. M T B De Silva, Ms. H M W P Premarathne, Mr. M F A Rahman, Ms. R M A C Rathnayaka, Mr. R M A I P Rathnayaka, Mr. I V A N Sanjeewa, Mr. T M R T B Tennakoon, Ms. W K A I L Wijesinghe

Industrial & Food Chemistry

Honours Pass (03) Ms. M C Vidushani, Mr. J H C R Jayamaha, Ms. M S G Perera

Merit Pass (04) Ms. C B Baranasooriya, Mr. M M L P Weerasekara, Ms. W G L K Walpola, Ms. N M M Nawarathna

Ordinary Pass (08) Ms. A I Angahawatte, Mr. B N Chandrasena, Ms. M D S K Mahabalage, Ms. L W Senanayake, Mrs. S M I C Senadipathi, Mr. K A C Ashoka, Mr. U K D H Udayanga, Ms. M R K J M M N D Madugalle

DIPLOMA IN LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY IN CHEMISTRY PROGRAMME – 2016/18

First in batch Dr. G C N Jayasuriya Award Ms. M C Vidushani Second in batch Dr. Shenthe Shanmuganathan Appreciation Award Ms. M T M Somathilaka Third in batch MicroChem Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd. Award Mr. J H C R Jayamaha

Prizes for Specialization Areas of Study Mr. Rohan K Fernando Prize for the best performance in Industrial and Food Chemistry Ms. M C Vidushani P D Luckmal De Zoysa Memorial Prize for the best performance in Clinical Laboratory Ms. M T M Somathilaka Diploma in Laboratory Technology in Chemistry Award for the overall outstanding performance Mr. J H C R Jayamaha

46 Chemistry in Sri Lanka Tenth Inaugural Professorial Lecture Professor Hema M K K Pathirana, Senior Professor in Chemistry and the Chair Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry of University of Ruhuna delivered the Tenth Professorial lecture on Classical Inorganic Chemistry for Challenges in the 21st Century at the P P G L Auditorium on 24th January 2019.

Synopsis of the lecture Some of the major challenges in the 21st century aggravates this situation. Therefore, the development are the demand for energy, climate change, clean water of non-persistent pesticides and the development of scarcity, solid waste pollution and drugs for cancer and efficient degradation methods for persistent pesticides HIV. All the 118 elements in the periodic table come are desirable. Inorganic Chemistry has immensely under inorganic chemistry and therefore it is impossible contributed in these areas. to visualize solutions to these problems without Inorganic Development of drugs for cancer and HIV are two Chemistry. significant challenges we face today. cis-platin has been Fossil fuel has been the major source of energy an expensive drug used in the treatment for cancer. to date and demand for energy is increasing. Limited Synthesis of novel coordination complexes as alternatives availability of fossil fuel prompts the search of new for cis-platin is important. energy sources. The environmental issues arising during Prof. Hema M K K Pathirana presented how her energy production require urgent solutions. The use of research findings in classical inorganic chemistry environmentally friendly renewable energy sources such could be applied as solutions for above mentioned as solar energy and biofuels have been identified as viable challenges in the 21st century. This included production solutions in this regard. However, the low efficiency and characterization of thin films of inorganic of solar cells and high production cost of biofuels are semiconductors for solar cells and smart window problems to be solved and can be clearly benefited from applications, development of degradation methods inorganic chemistry. for persistent pesticides, production of fish oil and Finding potable water has been a major challenge biodiesel from solid wastes and, synthesis of coordination in many countries in today’s world. Contamination of complexes of tellurium and selenium ligands and their available water resources by manmade chemicals further potential applications.

Professor Hema M.K.K. Pathirana

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 47 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Chemistry Olympiad Sri Lanka 2019 The third Chemistry Olympiad Sri Lanka (COSL) competition and training sessions were conducted on 23rd and 24th May 2019 at Adamantane House, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya. Thirty finalists were chosen for COSL-2019 after conducting a preliminary round on 27th January 2019 at twelve centers across the country. The theory and practical sessions were conducted prior to the final examination by academics attached to the College of Chemical Sciences of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. The winners of the COSL-2019 will be awarded at the 48th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon scheduled to be held at the Sri Lanka Foundation on 10th June.

All Island Inter School Chemistry Quiz Contest - 2019 The All Island Inter School Chemistry Quiz Contest was conducted on 29th May 2019 at Adamantane House, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya. Eleven students were chosen out of 475 students from nine provinces in the country who participated in the first round which was held on 27th January 2019. The three finalists of this contest will be awarded at the 48th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

48 Chemistry in Sri Lanka

GRADUATESHIP EXAMINATIONS IN CHEMISTRY, 2018

LEVEL 1 - OVERALL AWARD LIST

First Prize & Nandawathie Jayaweera Memorial (open) Scholarship Ms. N A Seneviratne Bandara Second Prize & Charles Jayaweera Memorial (open) Scholarship Ms. A N N Mendis Third Prize & Professor R S Ramakrishna Memorial Scholarship Mr. D M Jayasinghe Fourth Prize & Dr Dilanjan & Ms Gowrie Soysa Scholarship Ms. I W M L I Wanigasooriya Second Charles Jayaweera Memorial (Southern Province) Scholarship Mr. R K A I A Rathnayake

MERIT BURSARIES Mr. R K A I A Rathnayake, Mr. S A P H Samaraweera, Ms. H M D S D Heenkenda, Ms. K D U Kalpani, Ms. T J Ranasinghe, Ms. A P W Sulochana, Ms. K L H S Perera, Ms. M M Narayanan

SUBJECT PRIZES Emerine Fernando Memorial Prize for Principles of Physical Chemistry Ms. N A Seneviratne Bandara Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Ranasinghe Banda Prize for Mathematical Applications for Chemists Ms. N A Seneviratne Bandara Graduate Chemist Alumni Prize for General & Inorganic Chemistry Mr. B V C M Benaragama Somawathi Mathew Memorial Prize for Biology for Physical Science Students Mr. B V C M Benaragama Professor & Mrs. S. Sotheeswaran Prize for Principles of Organic Chemistry Mr. B V C M Benaragama Benette & Wimalin Prize for Mathematics for Biological Science Students Mr. B A M M Wijesiri Abdul Salam Memorial Prize for Fundamentals of Physics for Chemists Mr. D M Jayasinghe Dr. M. N. Kaumal Prize for Analog and Digital Electronics for Chemists Ms. M A I J Munasinghe, Ms. J P Usliyanage Dr. Infas and Family Prize for Basic Concepts Ms. I W M L I Wanigasooriya

LEVEL 2 - OVERALL AWARD LIST

First Prize & W F Peiris Memorial Trust Scholarship Ms. L P L Jayasinghe Second Prize & Prof W Pearlyn D Pereira Commemoration Trust Scholarship Ms. N D Lokuge

SUBJECT PRIZES Professor J. N. Oleap Fernando Prize for Physical Chemistry Ms. J A D I Ranasinghe Professor Samitha P. Deraniyagala Prize for Inorganic Chemistry Ms. N D Lokuge Professor Siromi Samarasinghe Prize for Organic Chemistry I Mr. K M D I Rodrigo Mrs. Deepika Senaviratne and Family Prize for Titrimetric and Gravimetric Methods of Analysis Mr. M S V Costa Professor Jayantha Welihinda Prize for Biochemistry Mr. M A Udayanga Nureshan Dias Prize for Principles of Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy Ms. B A L C Wimalarathne Mrs. Yasawathie Satharasinghe Memorial Prize for Organic Chemistry ΙΙ Ms. P A U I Wijesinghe Mikhail Tswett Prize for Separation Method and Applications of Spectroscopic Methods in Analysis Ms. A Ganeshalingam Henry Ashmore Pieris Memorial Prize for Introduction to Management, Economics and Finance Ms. K K Nadeeshani

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 49 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon LEVEL 3 - OVERALL AWARD LIST

First Prize and Mandrupa & Oleap Fernando Hall Opening Scholarship Mr. P L Y V Alwis Second Prize and Susila Jayaweera Memorial Scholarship Mr. M A Udayanga Third Prize and Graduateship Silver Jubilee Scholarship Ms. C J Lekamwasam

MERIT BURSARIES (in order of merit) Ms. U P Welikala, Ms. H K Medagedara, Ms. D H Thanipulli Arachchi, Mr. E A D N Mudujith, Ms. A. N. Wethalawe, Ms. D. N. Wijesekara

LEVELS 1, 2 & 3 BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE, 2018

Institute of Chemistry President's Scholarship Mr. P L Y V Alwis

J N OLEAP FERNANDO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

J N Oleap Fernando Memorial Scholarship for Level 1 Ms. N A Seneviratne Bandara J N Oleap Fernando Memorial Scholarship for Level 2 Ms. L P L Jayasinghe

ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES - 2019

First – CIC Charitable & Educational Trust Fund Entrance Scholarship Ms. K I L Perera Second – Dr. Sudath Kumarasinghe Commemoration Scholarship Mr. W G K Kumara

Merit Bursaries I (in order of merit) (full) Ms. L C Atapattu, Ms. K R D H Wickramasinghe, Mr. A B Ranaweera, Mr. B D D K Budagoda, Ms. M P R Perera, Ms. A U Dharmarathne, Mr. M K S Jayasinghe, Ms. S N I Fernando, Ms. R G B M Ranatunga

Merit Bursaries II (in order of merit) (partial) Mr. M A N U Malaweera Arachchi, Ms. A G H N Seneviratne, Ms. S S D Fernando, Ms. A M H R S Karunarathne, Mr. M W K P A De Silva, Ms. S H Liyanage, Ms. T A U S Jayathilake, Mr. D M Jayasuriya

50 Chemistry in Sri Lanka PUBLICATIONS OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY CEYLON Monograph Title Author Price 01 Textile Fibers Mr T Rajasekeram Rs. 50/- 02 Principles of Food Preservation Prof U Samarajeewa Rs. 75/- 03 Biotechnology Prof C P D W Mathew Rs. 75/- 04 Recombinant DNA Technology Prof J Welihinda Rs. 75/- 05 *Natural Toxins in Foodstuffs Prof E R Jansz & Ms A S Perera Rs. 50/- 06 Fat Soluble Vitamins Prof E R Jansz & Ms S Malavidana Rs. 50/- 07 Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis Prof J Welihinda Rs. 75/- 08 Extraction of Energy from Food Prof J Welihinda Rs. 50/- 09 Corrosion of Materials Dr A M M Amirudeen Rs. 75/- 10 Vitamin C-Have all its mysteries Prof E R Jansz & Ms S T C Mahavithanage Rs. 75/- been Unravelled ? 11 *Environmental Organic Chemistry Prof S Sotheeswaran Rs. 150/-(US $3) 12 Enzyme Kinetics and Catalysis Prof (Mrs) S A Deraniyagala Rs.1 00/- 13 Insecticides Prof (Mrs) Sukumal Wimalasena Rs. 95/- 14 Organotransition Metal Catalysts Prof S P Deraniyagala Rs. 110/- & Prof M D P De Costa 15 Some Important Aspects of Prof L Karunanayake Rs. 75/- Polymer Characterization 16 *Hard & Soft Acids & Bases Prof (Mrs) Janitha A Liyanage Rs.100/- 17 Chemistry of Metallocenes Prof Sarath D Perera Rs. 65/- 18 Lasers Prof P P M Jayaweera Rs. 65/- 19 *Life and Metals Prof (Mrs) Janitha A Liyanage Rs.110/- 21 *Silicones Prof Sudantha Liyanage Rs. 65/- 22 *Pericyclic Reactions: Theory and Dr M D P De Costa Rs. 100/- Applications 23 Inorganic NMR Spectroscopy Prof K S D Perera Rs. 65/- 24 Industrial Polymers Prof L Karunanayake Rs. 75/- 25 *NMR Spectroscopy Dr (Mrs) D T U Abeytunga Rs. 65/- 26 Mosquito Coils and Consumer Ms D K Galpoththage Rs. 100/- 27 *Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Prof K A S Pathiratne Rs. 100/- 28 Iron Management on Biological Systems Prof (Ms) R D Wijesekera Rs. 100/- 29 Nutritional Antioxidants Prof. (Mrs) Sukumal Wimalasena Rs. 100/- 30 *f-Block Elements Prof Sudantha Liyanage Rs. 65/- 31 *Scientific Measurements and Calculations Prof (Mrs) S A Deraniyagala Rs. 120/- 32 Applications of Organometallic Dr. (Mrs.) Chayanika Padumadasa Rs. 60/- compounds in Organic Synthesis 33 Organosulfur Compounds in Nature Prof. S Sotheeswaran Rs. 200/- 34 Chemistry in the Kitchen Prof. S Sotheeswaran Rs. 200/- * - Second Edition /new print published on popular demand CCS PUBLICATIONS 01 Functional Group Analysis in Prof A A L Gunatilake & Organic Chemistry Prof S Sotheeswaran Rs. 175/- 02 Zinc Metalloproteins Prof (Ms) R D Wijesekera Rs. 175/- 03 Conformational Analysis and Reactivity Prof S Sotheeswaran & Rs. 175/- of Organic Molecules Dr. (Ms) H I C de Silva 04 Marine Organic Chemistry Prof S Sotheeswaran Rs. 175/- 05 Molecular Rearrangements in Organic Dr. (Mrs.) Chayanika Padumadasa Rs. 175/- Synthesis 06 Principles of Classical Titrimetry Prof. H D Gunawardhana Rs. 175/- - Volume I Acid-Base Titrimetry 07 Principles of Classical Titrimetry Prof. H D Gunawardhana Rs. 175/- - Volume II Complexometric Titrimetry 09 Structure Elucidation of Organic Compounds Dr. S Wickramarachchi Rs. 175/- Using Spectroscopy: A work book 10 Chemistry of Five- and Six-Membered Dr. Chayanika Padumadasa Rs. 175/- Heterocyclic Compounds and their Benzo Derivatives

Vol. 36 No. 2, May 2019 51 The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

RSC NEWS THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY SRI LANKA SECTION

1. Membership 3. Activities According to the records sent to us from the parent • Contributions to Activities of the Institute of body, a breakdown of the membership is as follows:- Chemistry Ceylon (a) Full page advertisement of “Chemistry in Sri Category Number L a n k a”. CChem, FRSC 09 (b) Contribution for the Interschool Chemistry FRSC 03 Quiz Chem, MRSC 07 (c)Award for the Best Performance at the MRSC 27 Graduateship Examination in Chemistry Levels AMRSC 18 3/4 Theory Examination Affiliate /Under Graduate. 10 Total Membership as at July 2018 74 • All - Island Inter School Chemistry Essay Competition. 2. Committee of Management • Inter University Chemistry Essay Competition th The following were elected to the Committee at the 57 • Book donation programme Annual General Meeting held in July 2018. • A/L Teacher training workshop • Advanced Level Chemistry Seminar Hony. Chairman - Mr. I M S Herath • ndustrial Visit for B.Sc. Special degree students, Hony. Secretary - Mrs. Aruni Wickramanayake M.Sc. students and RSC Members Hony. Treasurer - Dr. P Iyngaran • Collaboration with SLAAS E-2 workshop and Committee Members seminars Mr. R.M.G.B. Rajanayake Dr. W.G. Piyal Ariyananda • Supporting Chemical Societies of Universities in Prof. Sudantha Liyanage Ms. M.N. Withanage Sri Lanka Ms. G. M. Fonseka Dr. M. Sirimuthu Mr. Susil Kathriarachchi Mr. Sulith Liyanage Mr. Subodha Hemathilaka Mrs. Aruni Wickramanayake Hony Secretary Co opted Members Mr. S. Perasiriyan Dr. M.P. Deeyamulla Dr. Poshitha Premarathne Mr. Viraj Jayalath Mr. Ayal Perera Mr. Thisath Alahakoon Mr. Wasantha Samarakoon

52 36TH BATCH OF GRADUATE CHEMISTS WITH OFFICIALS

44TH BATCH OF DLTC DIPLOMATES WITH OFFICIALS