A captivating public lecture by world-renowned astrophysicist and astrobiologist Professor Chandra Wickremsinghe was held on Thursday, 7th August, at the SLAAS Auditorium, Colombo 7. The event, titled “Encounter with Aliens: From Stone-Age to Space-Age”, was jointly organized by Sections E1 (Physical Sciences) and D (Life & Earth Sciences) of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL).
Prof. Wickremsinghe, an eminent scientist with a distinguished career spanning decades, shared his insights on humanity’s quest to understand the origins of life and the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations. He highlighted how cosmic dust and interstellar material may hold the key to life’s beginnings, offering the audience a rare opportunity to explore these profound scientific questions from one of the leading authorities in the field.
The audience included SLAAS President Dr. Udeni Navagamuwa, academics, researchers, and students from across the country. The interactive session following the lecture allowed participants to pose thought-provoking questions, which Prof. Wickremsinghe answered with both scientific depth and personal anecdotes.
In addition to his remarkable academic achievements, including collaborations with the late Sir Fred Hoyle, numerous scientific publications, and prestigious awards such as the Dag Hammarskjöld Gold Medal for Science, Prof. Wickremsinghe has played a pivotal role in advancing science in Sri Lanka, notably through his contributions to establishing the Institute of Fundamental Studies.
The evening concluded with a fellowship session, where attendees enjoyed informal conversations with the distinguished speaker.
Sri Lankan Scientist extends sincere thanks to SLAAS and NASSL for hosting this enriching event and wishes Prof. Chandra Wickremsinghe continued success in his work, which continues to inspire scientists and dreamers alike around the world.
