The PGIS Research Congress (PGIS RESCON) was initiated to promote and strengthen the research culture of the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, and in turn to contribute to the expansion of research activities of the country. After five extremely successful events from 2014 to 2018, this year its sixth Research Congress 'RESCON - 2019' was successfully held on 11th of October 2019. The event was organized jointly by the PGIS and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research. As a premier event in the academic calendar of scientists in the country, the PGIS RESCON 2019 provided the opportunity for researchers to disseminate their findings, and update their knowledge on the cutting-edge of scientific research in Sri Lanka.

Over three hundred and fifty participants registered at the congress and the event was inaugurated ceremonially by the Chief Guest, His Excellency Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka on Friday, 11th October 2019 at the Postgraduate Institute of Science. Mr. Dhirendra Singh, the Assistant High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka also graced the occasion. The Guest of Honor for the occasion was Prof. S. H. P. P. Karunaratne (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Peradeniya) representing Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, the Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya. Mr. H M B C Herath (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Research) representing the Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Research also graced the occasion. Professor Alan Lyons of the College of Staten Island and Graduate Center of CUNY, USA delivered the keynote address at the inauguration. The inauguration ceremony was followed by Technical Sessions, and the Congress Dinner was held at Amaya Hills Hotel, Kandy on the same day.

Technical sessions of the PGIS Research Congress were held on the same day at the Postgraduate Institute of Science premises. PGIS RESCON 2019 provided an excellent platform for researchers from many disciplines and promoted the interaction among postgraduate students and researchers while providing an opportunity for them to develop relationships with scientists having diverse background. A total of 145 abstracts were selected following a peer review process. These presentations were categorized into five broad themes: Earth and Environmental Science; Information & Communication Technology, Mathematics and Statistics; Life Sciences; Physical Sciences; and Science Education. Of the selected 145 abstracts presented, 117 were oral presentations and 28 were poster presentations. Oral presentations were held in 9 parallel sessions, while poster presentations were also displayed throughout the day.

Sponsors who have extended financial support for the RESCON 2019 include the following: Ministry of Science Technology and Research, ATG Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Biomedite (Pvt) Ltd, Thisaru Lanka Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd, People’s Bank (Peradeniya), Bank of Ceylon (Peradeniya), Rotak Instruments (Pvt) Ltd and INSEE Ecocycle Lanka Pvt Ltd.

The dedication, support and hard work of the organizing committee, backed by the Director of the PGIS, contributed immensely towards making PGIS RESCON 2019 another significant landmark in our pursuit of excellence.