SLIIT Reasserts Its Global Research Excellence with 6 Academics Ranked Among the World’s Top 2%

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) has once again solidified its growing global research presence, with six of its academics recognized among the world’s top 2% of researchers in the 2025 Stanford-Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists Rankings. This milestone not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights SLIIT’s evolution as a hub for high-quality, impactful research.

The media briefing celebrating this recognition was held on the 22nd of October 2025 at the NH Collection Colombo. The event marked a significant moment of pride for the institution, showcasing SLIIT’s growing research strength and global academic impact. Organised by SLIIT, the briefing brought together over 100 guests, including academics, representatives from the corporate sector, SLIIT staff and media personnel, to honour this outstanding achievement. 

The Stanford-Elsevier Top 2% list, compiled using data from Elsevier’s Scopus database and the Science-Metrix classification system, identifies scholars worldwide who have made significant contributions to their fields. The rankings account for both single-year achievements and career-long impact, reflecting the breadth and longevity of a researcher’s influence on global scientific advancement.

In the single-year list for 2024, SLIIT is represented by Prof. Charitha Jayaruk from the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Dr. Bhagya Nathali Silva from the Faculty of Computing, Prof. Dhanushka Udayanga also from the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Prof. Dush Jayakody from the Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Faculty of Engineering. Further reinforcing the university’s research credentials, both Prof. Rajapakse and Prof. Priyan Dias of the Faculty of Engineering are featured on the career-long list, recognizing sustained contributions over time. Notably, Prof. Rajapakse is also ranked among the world’s top 100,000 researchers, a testament to his enduring global impact.

The event featured a panel discussion that included the recognised researchers alongside Professor Lakshman Rathnayake, Chancellor of SLIIT, and Professor Rahula Attalage, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic). During the discussion, the panelists reflected on their research journeys, the importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary work, and the vital role universities play in advancing scientific inquiry and innovation. The event also highlighted SLIIT’s commitment to fostering a strong research culture, encouraging knowledge creation that addresses both national priorities and global challenges.

Commenting on this achievement, Professor Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor of SLIIT said,
“This recognition showcases the remarkable talent of our academics and the strength of SLIIT’s research ecosystem. Our institution is dedicated to producing research that carries global significance while also addressing local and regional challenges. We are proud that our scholars’ work is being acknowledged on the world stage, reflecting SLIIT’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact. These recognized researchers are truly setting an example for others to follow. Importantly, this achievement continues to grow year by year, with more of our academics being added to this prestigious world-recognized listing. It not only strengthens SLIIT’s global research profile but also highlights the progress of our academics in building impactful and internationally respected careers. Wishing them all the best!”

These accomplishments reflect more than individual success; they are indicative of SLIIT’s institutional commitment to nurturing a research culture that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and international visibility. By supporting scholars across disciplines and fostering high-quality research, SLIIT continues to strengthen its profile as a leading academic and research institution in Sri Lanka and the wider region.