Sri Lanka's science is slowly gaining international recognition
* This recognition, based on a comprehensive citation analysis by Stanford University and Elsevier, places them among the world's 100,000 most influential researchers
* This recognition not only honours individual excellence, but also underscores the growing international relevance of Sri Lanka's scientific community
By Sugathpriya Kulathunga Arachchi
In a landmark achievement for Sri Lanka, four Science researchers affiliated to the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) have been named among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2025. This recognition, based on a comprehensive citation analysis by Stanford University and Elsevier, places them among the world's 100,000 most influential researchers.
The scientists who were honoured are Prof. Kirthi Tennakone (Theoretical Physics), Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake (Developmental Science and Solid-State Physics), Prof. Suresh P. Benjamin (Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, and Biodiversity) and Prof. Gamini Seneviratne (Microbial Biotechnology and Agriculture).
Their inclusion reflects the international impact of NIFS research and the outstanding contributions of Sri Lankan scientists to both fundamental and applied science.
Profiles of the Honourees:
Prof. Kirthi Tennakone is a pioneering physicist born in Matikotumulla, Gampaha. He earned his BSc in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Colombo in 1964 and later completed a PhD in Theoretical Physics at the University of Hawaii. He served as Director of NIFS for over a decade and currently holds an adjunct professorship at Georgia State University. With over 300 publications, he has mentored numerous postgraduate researchers and held research positions across the US, Europe, and Japan.
Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake is an expert in solid-state physics. Prof. Dissanayake graduated from the University of Peradeniya and earned his MS and PhD from Indiana University, USA. He served as a senior professor and director of the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), chaired the Asian Physics Education Network (ASPEN), and contributed to international physics education committees. He is also the author of seven widely used Sinhala-language physics textbooks for A/L students, and recipient of Sri Lanka's prestigious "Vidya Nidhi" award.
Prof. Suresh P. Benjamin is currently heading the Environmental Science and Ecology Division at NIFS, Prof. Benjamin holds degrees from the University of Innsbruck (Austria) and the University of Basel (Switzerland). He has conducted postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley, George Washington University, and the Smithsonian Institution. A member of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, his work bridges global biodiversity and environmental science.
Prof. Gamini Seneviratne is a senior research professor at NIFS. Prof. Seneviratne earned his PhD in Plant Science from the University of Peradeniya. His doctoral research focused on enhancing traditional rice farming in Sri Lanka's dry zone. He has received multiple Presidential Research Awards and was ranked among the country's most productive scientists by the National Research Council. Internationally recognised for introducing microbial biofilm fertiliser systems, he has held visiting positions in Australia and Italy.
AI-Driven Selection
The Stanford-Elsevier ranking uses artificial intelligence to analyse citation data from peer-reviewed publications. The 2025 list was compiled based on research output from 2024, highlighting scientists whose work has had significant global influence.
This recognition not only honours individual excellence, but also underscores the growing international relevance of Sri Lanka's scientific community. Several other scholars from local universities have also been included in this rare AI-driven selection.