The Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture (FASEA), Uva Wellassa University, proudly hosted the 4th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on January 23, 2025 at the Technology Lecture Theater, Uva Wellassa University. This signature event provided a platform for final-year undergraduates from the 2019/2020 batch across all five-degree programmes of FASEA to showcase their research findings in a concise and engaging format.
From an impressive pool of 63 initial applicants, six outstanding finalists emerged through two rounds of rigorous selection. These finalists captivated the audience with their dynamic three-minute presentations, each highlighting the essence, significance, and potential impact of their research.
The Grand Finale was held in the esteemed presence of Senior Professor Kolitha B. Wijesekara, Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Professor Saman K. Herath, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Deans of the other faculties, academic staff members, and over 100 final-year undergraduates representing FASEA.
An eminent panel of judges – Prof. K.G.C. Senarathna, Prof. A.P. Henagamage, Mr. Jagath Kulathilaka, Ms. Jayani Kalinga, and Mr. Lasantha De Silva – evaluated the finalists, bringing their extensive expertise and prior 3MT experience at both national and international levels. The Winner was selected based on the judges’ evaluations whereas the People’s Choice Award was determined through audience’s votes.
Winners
Ms. Tharushi Rodrigo achieved an exceptional milestone by securing both prestigious titles at the Grand Finale:
- Winner of the 3MT Competition 2025
- People’s Choice Award Winner
She earned these honors for her outstanding research study titled:
“Development of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) incorporated nutritious cracker by enhancing the textural properties of sea cucumber incorporation.”
In addition, following two were recognized as the runners-up:
- Ms. S.H.S.K. Gunarathna as the First Runner-Up
- Ms. T. Ramachandran as the Second Runner-Up
Pelwatte Dairy Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. sponsored the cash prizes awarded to the winners.
Preparation and Training
To support the competitors in delivering impactful presentations, the faculty organized a series of preparatory events: An Introductory Webinar conducted by Dr. Devmini Halwathura, Ms. Jayani Kalinga, Mr. N. Fransis, and M. P. Kumaradasa as resource persons. Specialized training sessions:
- Public Speaking by Professor Saman K. Herath
- Presentation Skills Development and 3MT Slide Preparation by Mr. Jagath Kulathilake, held on 10th January 2025.
Screening Rounds
The journey to the Grand Finale involved two screening rounds:
- First Screening: From 63 applicants to 30 semifinalists as judged by Dr. G.G.N. Thushari, Mr. D.B.O. Malaweera, Ms. K.P.M. Kahandage, Dr. T.S.R. Fernando, Dr. G.A.A.R. Perera, Mr. E.P.D.N. Thilakarathna, Dr. Apekshika Premathilake, Dr. G. Abhiram, and Ms. Vidarshani Ellepola.
- Second Screening: Selection of the final six out of 30 semifinalists, evaluated by Dr. Sampath Dharmadasa, Dr. Chandima Ranawana, Dr. Ranjith Perera, Dr. R.M.H. Tharangani, and Dr. Duminda Senevirathna.
Organization
The 3MT Competition 2025 was organized under the leadership of Dr. Niluni M. Wijesundara, Coordinator of the 3MT Competition, together with team leaders Dr. A.M.N.L. Abesinghe, Dr. Achala Alakolanga, and Ms. Piyumi Guruge, and a dedicated organizing committee.
The Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture warmly congratulates all the finalists and participants for their hard work, enthusiasm, and brilliant presentations, making the 4th Annual 3MT Competition an outstanding success.
