The official inauguration ceremony of the 5^th International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS 2024), organized by the Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 11^th of October 2024, at the A8 Auditorium of the Faculty of Science.

The ICAPS 2024 conference was a cornerstone for researchers in the fields of Biological Sciences, Software Intensive Systems, Physical Sciences, and Multidisciplinary research and attracted nearly 300 abstract and full-paper submissions, drawing academics and industry experts from both local and international spheres. With the theme, "Fostering Multidisciplinary Research towards Innovation, Invention, and Commercialisation," ICAPS 2024 provided a global platform for showcasing the latest advancements while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The conference day was filled with Plenary Sessions, followed by Technical Sessions held in 17 parallel venues. Furthermore, this year’s ICAPS introduced new dimensions that left attendees inspired. For the first time in the conference’s history, an Undergraduate Symposium and Innovation Exhibition and an exhilarating Robotic Battle competition took place, in parallel to the main conference.  

Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest, while the Guest of Honour, Professor Pradeepa Bandaranayake, Professor in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Peradeniya, delivered a captivating talk titled "Bridging Disciplines, Igniting Innovation: The Path from Research to Real-World Impact" delving into the commercialisation of scientific discoveries. The keynote address was given remotely by Professor Nihal Kularatna, Associate Professor at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, whose presentation was on “From Simple Theory to Innovation and Commercialization”. The e-proceedings of ICAPS 2024 were launched by the Chief Guest, and the stage was further set by insightful remarks from Senior Professor Sudath Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Sachith Mettananda, Chairman of the Research Council.

Additionally, Prof. M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof. Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Heads of the departments and Units; Dr. Ruwan Wickramarachchi, Director of the Information & Communication Technology Centre; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilake, Registrar; Conference Chair; Secretary; Chief Editor; Track Chairs; academic and non-academic staff of the Faculty of Science; and the researchers participated in the occasion.  

The main sponsor of ICAPS 2024 was the Research Council of the University of Kelaniya. Indo East Engineering and Construction (Pvt) Ltd, People’s Bank (Kelaniya Branch), and Velaris served as the bronze sponsors of the event while additional sponsorships were provided by Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd, D.B. Gangoda Associates International (Pvt) Ltd, PPG Indonesia, and Rantek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.