AFOB Sri Lanka Emblem
17TH AFOB REGIONAL SYMPOSIUM

ARS 2027 SRI LANKA

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo · Jan 27–30, 2027
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17th Edition January 27 – 29, 2027 | Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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DEADLINE EXTENDED
Abstract submission deadline has been extended to 12th November 2026. Notification of acceptance will be announced on 30th November 2026.
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STRATEGIC BIO-HUB • ASIA-PACIFIC

Regional Biotechnology Hub

Positioning Sri Lanka and the AFOB Regional Branch as the central South Asian gateway for advanced genomic breakthroughs, biodiversity conservation, and multinational bio-partnerships.

Genomic Frontiers Bio-Diversity AFOB SL-RB
Register for ARS 2027 Submit Abstract
DISCOVERY TO ENTERPRISE • LINKAGE

Academia-Industry Translation

Bridging laboratory discoveries into commercial bio-enterprises through the dedicated Industry Linkage Forum, enterprise exhibitions, and technology commercialization accelerators.

University R&D Industrial Linkage
Explore Programme Submit Abstract
GLOBAL DELEGATE NETWORK • COLOMBO 2027

International Participation

Convening 100+ distinguished biotechnology authorities, keynote plenary speakers, and AFOB delegates at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo across 6 parallel frontier technical sessions.

100+ Global Delegates 6 Parallel Tracks Marriott Colombo
Register for ARS 2027 Venue & Excursion
Symposium Opening
Colombo 2027

Countdown to Opening

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6 Parallel Frontier Sessions
Industry Linkage Forum
Excursion Tour
100+ Delegates
6 Sessions
1 Linkage Forum
10 Exhibitors
Courtyard by Marriott Colombo • 917 m² Event Venue
REGISTER SUBMIT ABSTRACT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME MARRIOTT VENUE TECHNICAL TOUR
A Milestone Event • Asian Biotechnology Frontiers

The 17th AFOB Regional Symposium

For the very first time in history, Sri Lanka hosts the prestigious Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB) Regional Symposium, connecting regional researchers with innovators, policymakers, and global academic networks.

Regional Biotechnology Hub

Regional Biotechnology Hub

Organizing ARS in Colombo provides a vital platform to strengthen collaboration among biotechnology researchers, industry, and policymakers, establishing Sri Lanka as an emerging regional center for tropical biotechnology.

Academia-Industry Translation

Academia-Industry Translation

Biotechnology innovations from universities require industrial partnerships, commercialization pathways, and policy frameworks to reach society. ARS directly links inventors with corporate stakeholders and investors.

International Participation

International Participation

Welcoming 60+ international delegates and 40+ local participants from across Asia, promoting scientific exchange, technology transfer, and joint international research consortiums.

Academic Scope & Sub Themes

8 Core Scientific Sessions

Parallel technical tracks featuring oral presentations, invited plenary lectures, and poster sessions across frontier biotechnology disciplines.

Session 01 • Parallel Track Food and Agricultural Biotechnology

Food and Agricultural Biotechnology

Genomics and molecular breeding for climate-resilient crops, soil microbiome engineering, sustainable biofertilizers, tropical post-harvest preservation, and nutritional biofortification.

Session 02 • Parallel Track Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Bioseparation Engineering

Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Bioseparation Engineering

Microbial cell factories, fermentation technologies, bioreactor design, continuous downstream bioseparation, biocatalysis, and green bio-manufacturing for industrial scalability.

Session 03 • Parallel Track Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials

Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials

Advanced polymeric and bioceramic scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, regenerative medicine, stem cell differentiation microenvironments, biocompatible implants, and extracellular matrix engineering.

Session 04 • Parallel Track Biopharmaceutical and Biomedical Science

Biopharmaceutical and Biomedical Science

Recombinant therapeutics, monoclonal antibodies, vaccine platforms, precision diagnostics, herbal pharmacognosy, bioactive drug discovery, and targeted nano-delivery formulations.

Session 05 • Parallel Track Nanobiotechnology and Biosensors

Nanobiotechnology and Biosensors

Point-of-care diagnostic biosensors, electrochemical and optical sensing devices, bionanomaterials, cellular imaging probes, and lab-on-a-chip microfluidic platforms.

Session 06 • Parallel Track Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental Biotechnology

Bioremediation of contaminated ecosystems, industrial effluent treatment, circular bioeconomy strategies, bioenergy conversion, waste valorization, and carbon capture bioprocesses.

Session 07 • Parallel Track Marine and Animal Biotechnology

Marine and Animal Biotechnology

Tropical marine bio-prospecting, oceanic bioactive metabolites, aquaculture disease control, animal reproductive biotechnology, veterinary diagnostics, and aquatic conservation genomics.

Session 08 • Parallel Track Bioindustry Promotion and Bioeducation

Bioindustry Promotion and Bioeducation

Biotechnology curricula innovations, academic-industry incubation frameworks, bio-entrepreneurship, public science literacy, regulatory science education, and workforce development in life sciences.

FLAGSHIP FEATURE

Biotechnology Research-Industry Linkage Forum

Special panel discussion on "Policy, Regulation and Industry–Academia Partnerships for Advancing Biotechnology in Asia". Bringing together policymakers, regulatory authorities, corporate leaders, and academic researchers to identify commercialization pathways.

View Forum Details
World-Class Hospitality

Conference Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Colombo

Located in Colombo City Centre, offering state-of-the-art pillarless ballrooms, 5 meeting rooms, and seamless conference flow.

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo Hotel & Conference Venue
OFFICIAL SYMPOSIUM HOTEL & VENUE
Courtyard by Marriott Colombo • City Centre
Dawson St & Beira Lake, Colombo 02

A Complete Venue Solution

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo provides 917 m² of flexible event space, modern audiovisual infrastructure, and international hospitality standards tailored for the 17th AFOB Regional Symposium.

  • Grand Sapphire & Emerald Ballrooms

    Grand Sapphire Ballroom accommodates up to 300 delegates for plenary sessions; Emerald Ballroom hosts parallel technical tracks.

  • Biotech Industry Exhibition & Posters

    Expansive pre-function gallery with high visibility for corporate booths, research displays, and networking coffee breaks.

  • 300+ Guest Rooms & Rooftop Pool

    Premium on-site accommodation with negotiated conference room rates, city skyline views, and international dining outlets.

Explore Venue & Location Details
World-Class Scientific Leadership

Distinguished Keynote & Plenary Speakers

Eminent international authorities, Asian biotechnology leaders, and pioneering researchers delivering visionary addresses across 8 specialized scientific tracks at the 17th AFOB Regional Symposium.

1 Apex Plenary Address 8 Core Scientific Track Keynotes International & Regional Faculty

Apex Plenary Address (1 Plenary Address for All Delegates)

Day 1 Official Symposium Opening
Apex Keynote
TBA
Plenary Speaker

Plenary Speaker (To Be Announced)

Distinguished International Biotechnology Authority
Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB) • International / Asia-Pacific
Inaugural Plenary Lecture

"Plenary Address: Frontiers of Asian Biotechnology & Cross-Border Bio-Innovation [Topic TBA]"

Visionary keynote addressing regional biotechnology development, academic-industry translation, and Asian scientific cooperation.

Scientific Session Keynotes (8 Dedicated Track Keynote Speakers)

8 Core Scientific Tracks
TBA
Track Keynote 1

Keynote Speaker 1 (To Be Announced)

Specialist in Food & Agricultural Biotechnology
Leading Agricultural Research Center
Track 1 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Climate-Resilient Crops, Molecular Breeding & Sustainable Food Security [Topic TBA]"

Breakthrough research in plant molecular breeding, genome editing, sustainable biofertilizers, and tropical food security.

TBA
Track Keynote 2

Keynote Speaker 2 (To Be Announced)

Senior Authority in Bioprocess & Bioseparation Engineering
Center for Industrial Bioprocess Engineering
Track 2 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Industrial Fermentation, Bioreactor Scale-Up & Continuous Downstream Bioseparation [Topic TBA]"

Technological advances in microbial cell factories, continuous biomanufacturing, enzymatic biocatalysis, and downstream processing.

TBA
Track Keynote 3

Keynote Speaker 3 (To Be Announced)

Expert in Regenerative Medicine & Biomaterials Engineering
Center for Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering
Track 3 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: 3D Bioprinting, Polymeric Scaffolds & Stem Cell Microenvironments [Topic TBA]"

Advanced biocompatible scaffolds, extracellular matrix engineering, stem cell differentiation, and regenerative implants.

TBA
Track Keynote 4

Keynote Speaker 4 (To Be Announced)

Pioneering Scientist in Biopharmaceuticals & Precision Biomedicine
Institute of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Track 4 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Recombinant Biologics, Monoclonal Antibodies & Targeted Drug Delivery [Topic TBA]"

Novel therapeutic modalities, vaccine platforms, precision diagnostics, herbal pharmacognosy, and nanomedicine formulations.

TBA
Track Keynote 5

Keynote Speaker 5 (To Be Announced)

Authority in Nanobiotechnology & Optical/Electrochemical Biosensors
Advanced Nanobiotechnology & Sensor Technology Laboratory
Track 5 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Point-of-Care Biosensors, Lab-on-a-Chip Microfluidics & Nanoscale Diagnostics [Topic TBA]"

Engineering portable diagnostic sensors, nanomaterial bio-interfaces, cellular imaging probes, and clinical detection devices.

TBA
Track Keynote 6

Keynote Speaker 6 (To Be Announced)

Leader in Environmental Biotechnology & Circular Bio-Economy
Regional Ecological & Environmental Science Institute
Track 6 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Microbial Bioremediation, Effluent Valorization & Circular Carbon Bio-Economy [Topic TBA]"

Innovative bioremediation consortia, waste-to-resource valorization pathways, and ecological conservation strategies.

TBA
Track Keynote 7

Keynote Speaker 7 (To Be Announced)

Specialist in Marine Bioprospecting & Animal Biotechnology
Oceanic & Animal Biotechnology Research Institute
Track 7 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Marine Natural Products, Aquaculture Genomics & Aquatic Health Management [Topic TBA]"

Marine bioactive metabolites, disease mitigation in aquaculture, livestock genomics, and aquatic conservation.

TBA
Track Keynote 8

Keynote Speaker 8 (To Be Announced)

Leader in Bio-Entrepreneurship & Biotechnology Education
Bioindustry Innovation Hub & Educational Consortium
Track 8 Keynote Address

"Keynote Address: Academic-Industry Translation, Bio-Incubation & Next-Generation Bioeducation [Topic TBA]"

Fostering bio-entrepreneurship, university-industry technology transfer, regulatory literacy, and workforce development in Asia.

Executive Governance & Hierarchy

Organizing Leadership & Secretariat

Hierarchical leadership structure of the AFOB Sri Lanka Regional Branch (AFOB SL-RB) orchestrating the 17th AFOB Regional Symposium (ARS 2027).

Apex Leadership
Conference Chair

Dr. P. Nevile R.J. Amunugoda

Vice President, AFOB SL-RB & Board Member, AFOB
Research Fellow / Director, Food Technology Section, ITI
Consultants
Consultant

Prof. SDA Sadanayake

Director General
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka
Consultant

Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi

President, AFOB SL-RB
Director General, Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka
Consultant

Prof. Wen-Chien Lee

Former President of AFOB
National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan
Consultant

Prof. Duk Jae Oh

Former Secretary General of AFOB
Sejong University, South Korea
Conference Co-Chairs
Co-Chair

Prof. Jagathpriya Weerasena

IBMBB, University of Colombo
IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Co-Chair

Dr. Menuka Arawwawala

Additional Director General (R&D)
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka
Co-Chair

Prof. Suraini Abd-Aziz

President, AFOB
Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Co-Chair

Prof. Sung Ok Han

Secretary General, AFOB
Dept. of Biotechnology, Korea University (SEOUL, Graduate School)
Executive Secretariat & Treasury
Secretary

Dr. D. R. Gimhani

Secretary, ARS 2027 Secretariat
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Assistant Secretary

Dr. Niranjan Mahadevan

Assistant Secretary, ARS 2027 Secretariat
Tea Research Institute, Sri Lanka
Treasurer

Dr. Chandima Wijesiriwardane

Treasurer, ARS 2027 Secretariat
Research Fellow, Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka
Administration Committee
Administration

Dr. W. A. R. T. Wickramarachchi

Director General, DOA • President, AFOB SL
Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka
Administration

Dr. P. Neville R. J. Amunugoda

Research Fellow / Director, ITI • Vice President, AFOB SL
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI)
Administration

Dr. Menuka Arawwawala

Additional Director General (R&D)
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI)

Conference Advisory Committee

Distinguished academic and national advisory council guiding the scientific integrity, strategic vision, and governance of ARS 2027.

Emirates Prof. Athula Perera

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Chair Prof. C.M. Nanayakkara

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Senior Prof. Sagarika Ekanayake

University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Prof. Renuka Attanayake

University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Prof. Jagathpriya Weerasena

IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Prof. Sirimal Premakumara

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

Prof. Amila P. Henagamage

Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka

Dr. D. G. C. Jeewani

Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), Department of Agriculture

Ms. Amali Ranasinghe

Chief Operating Officer, Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC)

Mr. H.P. Somathilaka

Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

Conference Subcommittees

Official operational committees leading program curation, finance, industry linkage, event orchestration, publicity, awards, registration, and logistics.

Scientific Program

Technical Program & Publication Committee

Chair Prof. Jagathpriya Weerasena IBMBB, University of Colombo
Co-Chair Prof. C. M. Nanayakkara University of Colombo
Co-Chair Prof. Amila P. Henagamage Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Members Dr. Menuka Arawwawala (ITI) • Prof. R.M. Dharmadasa (Former Director / Research Professor, ITI Alumni) • Dr. P.K.G.S.S. Bandara (Sabaragamuwa Univ.) • Dr. Wasundara Divisekara (ITI) • Dr. Ranjith Fernando (Deputy Director, Food Research Unit, DOA) • Dr. Upeka Rajawardane (ITI) • Dr. Kasun M. Thambugala (Univ. of Sri Jayewardenepura)
Treasury & Budget

Finance Committee

Chair Dr. Chandima Wijesiriwardane Industrial Technology Institute (ITI)
Members Prof. Kalpa W. Samarakoon (General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Univ.) • Dr. Hiruni Harishchandra (Univ. of Sri Jayewardenepura) • Mr. Saminda Ranatungage (Industrial Development Board) • Ms. Malshani Jayasinghe (Farmchemie Pvt Ltd / Dyvesta Group)
Industry & Commercialization

Industry Linkage Committee

Chair Research Prof. Jayantha Senanayake Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC)
Co-Chair Mr. Ajith Gunasekara Chairman / Managing Director, Agrinova Pvt Ltd
Co-Chair Former Chair Prof. P.A. Nimal Punyasiri IBMBB, University of Colombo
Co-Chair Mr. Vimukthi Edirisooriya Lankem Ceylon PLC
Members Dr. Lalith Amarathunga (Uva Wellassa Univ.) • Dr. Sumudu N. Warnakulasuriya (Univ. of Peradeniya) • Dr. Asha Wijegunawardana (Rajarata Univ.) • Dr. (Mrs.) U.I.P. Perera (Fruit Research and Development Institute, DOA, Horana) • Ms. Malshani Jayasinghe (Farmchemie Pvt Ltd / Dyvesta Group)
Venue & Orchestration

Event Management Committee

Chair Dr. Niranjan Mahadevan Tea Research Institute, Sri Lanka
Co-Chair Dr. Sumudu N. Warnakulasuriya University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Members Dr. Vindhya Basnayake (Director Agri Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation) • Dr. Janith V. S. Aluthmuhandiram (Wayamba Univ.) • Dr. U.A.K. Udawela (Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya) • Ms. H. M. U. I. Medawatta (Industrial Technology Institute)
Media & Outreach

Publicity Committee

Chair Ms. Manori Wijemanne Industrial Technology Institute (ITI)
Members Prof. Dhanushka Udayanga (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology) • Dr. Niranjan Mahadevan (Tea Research Institute) • Dr. Chanuka Hanchapola (Wayamba Univ.) • Ms. Malshani Jayasinghe (Farmchemie Pvt Ltd / Dyvesta Group)
Recognition & Kits

Souvenirs & Awards Committee

Chair Dr. D. G. C. Jeewani Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka
Co-Chair Prof. Anushka Alvitigala University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Members Dr. M.J.M.S. Kurera (Wayamba Univ.) • Dr. Dileepa Liyanage (Wayamba Univ.) • Ms. H. M. U. I. Medawatta (Industrial Technology Institute)
Delegate Check-In

Registration Committee

Chair Dr. D. R. Gimhani Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Members Ms. Malshani Jayasinghe (Farmchemie Pvt Ltd / Dyvesta Group) • Dr. W.K.M. Omeka (Ocean University of Sri Lanka) • Dr. Chanuka Hanchapola (Wayamba Univ.) • Dr. M.A. Poorna C. Piyathilaka (Univ. of Colombo) • Dr. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya (Univ. of Ruhuna)
Operations

Logistics Committee

Lead / Chair Mr. Ajith Gunasekara Chairman / Managing Director, Agrinova Pvt Ltd
View Executive Leadership Tree & Committee Profiles
Mark Your Calendar

Important Deadlines (ARS 2027)

Official submission and registration cut-off dates announced by the secretariat.

Abstract Submission Deadline EXTENDED
Submission of 300-word abstracts across all 8 scientific sessions
12 November 2026
Notification of Abstract Acceptance
Peer-review decisions and oral/poster assignment announcements
30 November 2026
Early Bird Registration Cut-Off
Special discounted fee deadline for international and local delegates
15 December 2026
Standard Registration Deadline
Final delegate registration and banquet reservation
30 December 2026
Late / On-Site Registration
Late registrations subject to seat and banquet availability (Cut-off: 10th Jan 2027). For on-site registration, please contact via the website (Contact Secretariat) or email to ars2027@afobslrb.lk / info@afobslrb.lk.
10 January 2027
17th AFOB Regional Symposium (ARS 2027)
3-Day Program: 27 Jan Desk & Welcome Reception; 28 Jan Main Symposium & Gala; 29 Jan Excursion
27 – 29 January 2027
Excursion Tour
Full-day technical laboratory tour and cultural heritage excursion (Explore Destinations • $50 USD / LKR 16,000)
29 January 2027