Ms.Kirushanthi Thangavel, a MPhil student in Faculty of Science & Technology, UWU, was awarded the best conference paper in the oral presentation category at the technical session of 3 rd Biennial International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology organized by Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura held at Golden Rose Hotel,Boralasgamuwa on 13 th – 15 th of July 2017. The symposium was organized in collaboration with scholars in various local and foreign universities, industries and institutions. This symposium provided a platform for academics and researchers to share and discuss recent discoveries related to polymers and advanced materials for sustainable development under four different themes:Polymer Science & Technology, Advanced Materials, Application of Polymers and Eco-Friendly Polymers. Ms. Kirushanthi received the award for presenting her research findings on “Crumb rubber and Silica Reinforced Composites for Outdoor Flooring Applications”. The project is focused to add value to two waste materials; automobile tyre and rise-husk by formulating a rubber-based composite flooring product. Dr. Thusitha Etampawala, a Senior Lecturer attached to the Department of Science & Technology of Uva Wellassa University supervised the project and UWU Capital Grant, UWU/RG/2016/11, funded the project.