The Duke–Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre is delighted to announce that Senior Prof. Ajith de Silva Nagahawatte (Former Head / Co-Director of RDCID) has been honored with the prestigious UOR Tier 4 Star Award 2025 for Research Excellence at the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony 2026, University of Ruhuna held on 4th March 2026.

This distinguished award was presented during the University’s Academic Sessions to recognize and honor academic and administrative staff members who have achieved the highest (Tier 4 Star) status in research output. Selection for this recognition was based on meeting the minimum h-index (>20) threshold in accordance with the University Grants Commission approved research performance evaluation.

Prof. Nagahawatte was selected for this award in recognition of his outstanding research excellence, reflected by an h-index of 21 (Google Scholar). His sustained contributions to scholarly research, along with his significant role as the former Head in strengthening and advancing research activities at the Duke Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre, have been instrumental in enhancing the Centre’s overall impact.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Nagahawatte on this well-deserved achievement and commend his continued contributions to advancing research excellence.