On 19 September 2025, Elsevier released its updated dataset titled “Updated science wide author databases of standardised citation indicators,” a globally recognised assessment developed by a team of experts led by Professor John P. A. Ioannidis of Stanford University, USA.
The updated analysis highlights the exceptional scholarly impact of 63 Sri Lankan scientists, including 10 distinguished researchers from the University of Colombo. The study presents two separate datasets: one for career long scientific influence and another reflecting recent year impact, with classifications spanning 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields, based on the Science Metrix system.
Career long metrics were updated using data up to end of 2024, while recent year metrics analysed citations specifically received during the year 2024. The selection process was highly competitive, recognising only those who ranked among the top 100,000 scientists by composite score (with and without self citations) or those who placed within the top 2% of their respective subfield.
The following University of Colombo researchers were listed among the Top Scientists for the year 2024:
- Emeritus Professor Kamini Mendis
- Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe
- Professor Senaka Rajapakse
- Professor Priyanga Ranasinghe
- Professor Nadira D. Karunaweera
- Professor Deepika Fernando
- Professor Ranil Jayawardena
- Professor Dakshitha Wickramasinghe
- Dr. Meran Keshawa Ediriweera
- Dr. Umesh Jayarajah
Additionally, four University of Colombo academics Emeritus Professor Kamini Mendis, Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe, Professor Senaka Rajapakse, and Professor Nadira D. Karunaweera were also recognised in the Career Long Top Scientists category, underscoring their sustained global research influence.
This recognition reflects the University’s continued excellence in research and its growing contribution to global scientific advancement.
