WORLD-CLASS EXTERNAL DEGREE FOR AN AFFORDABLE PRICE BSC (HONS) IN POLYMER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT

 

University of Sri Jayewardenepura Launches Sri Lanka's First External Honours Degree in Polymer Manufacturing

The Department of Polymer Science at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, is offering a new four-year external degree program: the BSc (Honours) in Polymer Products Manufacturing and Industrial Management. Delivered through the university's External Degrees and Extension Courses Unit (EDECU), the programme is described as Sri Lanka's first UGC-approved external honours degree (SLQF Level 6) in polymer manufacturing offered by a state university.

Program Design

The degree takes a hybrid approach to teaching, blending online instruction with mandatory on-campus components. Roughly half of taught content is delivered online on weekday evenings, while the rest is taught on-site during weekends — with all laboratory and practical work conducted in person. The curriculum spans eight semesters and 120 credits, moving from foundational chemistry, physics, and management courses in the first year toward specialized subjects like tyre manufacturing, plastic product manufacturing, dipping technologies, and polymer waste management in later years. The final year includes an eight-credit industrial research project and options for an internship or additional specialized coursework.

Who Can Apply

The programme targets a broad range of applicants: A/L Bioscience, Physical Science, and Engineering Technology students, as well as working professionals already in the polymer, plastics, and rubber industries. Entry requires three A/L passes (or an equivalent qualification) plus additional criteria involving foundation-level study, NVQ certification, or accredited work experience, depending on the applicant's background. Prospective students also sit an 80-minute, 40-question aptitude test covering basic science, mathematics, logical reasoning, and industrial awareness.

Career Outlook

Graduates are positioned for roles such as Polymer Production Engineer, Quality Assurance Officer, R&D Executive, Manufacturing Manager, and Process Engineer, with the programme also billed as a foundation for postgraduate study and entrepreneurship in the sector.

More information: https://science.sjp.ac.lk/pol/external-degrees/ 

Sri Lanka's Exports Hit US$9 Billion: What It Means for Process & Chemical Industries

 

Sri Lanka's export sector crossed the US$9 billion mark in the first half of 2026, posting 8% year-on-year growth — and several chemical-process-linked sectors were among the standout performers. Coconut-based products, a category heavily dependent on oil extraction, desiccation, and fibre/shell processing, grew 14.59% to reach US$614.93 million, with activated carbon — a product of controlled pyrolysis and thermal activation of coconut shells — up 44.59% and emerging as one of the sector's highest-value segments. Rubber and rubber-based products, spanning latex processing, vulcanization, and moulding operations, rose 5.24% to US$492.32 million, led by pneumatic and retreaded tyre exports. Processed food and beverages posted the strongest gains among agro-processing categories, climbing 24.45% to US$347.13 million, reflecting increased throughput in food formulation, preservation, and packaging lines. Meanwhile, exports of boilers, piston engines, pumps, and vacuum pumps — core unit operations equipment relevant to process plants — reached US$171.39 million for the half-year, signaling steady demand for process and mechanical engineering hardware. Spices and essential oils, dependent on extraction and distillation processes, saw a marginal 0.10% decline to US$208.32 million, weighed down by a sharp drop in pepper shipments. Together, these trends point to continued diversification of Sri Lanka's export basket toward higher value-added, processing-intensive product streams, even as traditional sectors like tea and apparel faced headwinds.

More: https://www.srilankabusiness.com/news/sri-lanka-s-exports-cross-us-9-billion-milestone-in-the-first-half-of-2026-reflecting-sustained-growth-momentum.html

Sri Lanka's Dairy Sector Expands: Pelwatte Launches Liquid Milk Facility in Kurunegala

 

Image Source: Daily FT 

Pelwatte Dairy Industries has begun construction on a new greenfield liquid milk manufacturing facility in Kurunegala, marking the company's expansion beyond its traditional strength in full cream milk powder and into fresh liquid dairy processing. Slated to come online in July 2027, the plant will produce plain and flavoured liquid milk products—including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and iced coffee variants—reflecting growing consumer demand for ready-to-drink dairy. From a process engineering standpoint, the project is notable for its emphasis on meeting international food safety and quality standards, positioning it to support the broader modernization of Sri Lanka's dairy supply chain, from raw milk collection and pasteurization through to flavoured product formulation and packaging. Company leadership framed the groundbreaking as a step toward strengthening local industry, creating value for farmers and communities, and improving access to nutritious, locally produced dairy for Sri Lankan households.