It is our responsibility to set the environment and lay the foundation to produce budding scientists, researchers, and innovators – Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena
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Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena stated that it is a responsibility to set the environment and lay the foundation needed to produce budding scientists, researchers, and innovators. He made these remarks while joining the first phase of the National School Science Program, organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology along with its affiliated institutions, led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), as a step toward empowering the domestic science, technology, and innovation operation. The program was held yesterday (Sep.. 30) at the Gampaha Municipal Council Auditorium.
The National School Science Program is implemented with the objectives of encouraging scientific thinking in the young minds of school children, promoting creativity and inventions, developing practical knowledge and research skills, enhancing the entrepreneurial mindset of young inventors, and providing advance guidance for research and professional opportunities in science and technology fields by raising awareness. Its first phase was held centering the Gampaha educational zone of the Gampaha District.
As a prominent component of the program, 25 School Science Societies were officially registered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and 25 Young Inventors’ Clubs were officially registered by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC). Furthermore, financial grants of Rs. 50,000.00 each were awarded for future activities to 10 new invention project proposals capable of contributing to the domestic economy, which were submitted through previously established youth invention clubs.
Officials from the National Science Foundation, the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, the NERD Centre, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, and the National Institute of Fundamental Studies explained the vast potential in the science and technology field, elaborating extensively on current and future benefit opportunities generated through it and the support that respective institutions can provide for pursuing them.
Addressing the occasion, Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena stated:
“Our greatest asset is our young generation, led by school children. That young generation has the capability to make Sri Lanka a country advanced in science and technology, serving as an example to the world. For that purpose, it is our responsibility to set the environment and lay the foundation required to produce budding scientists, researchers, and innovators from among the school student community. Our objective is to provide the necessary stimulation to children with hidden talents by pointing out the vast treasury of knowledge in the science and technology field that lies beyond classroom knowledge.”
This occasion was attended by Ministry of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Roshani Dissanayake, Director General (Research) Geethani Kuruppuarachchi, National Science Foundation Chairman Specialist Dr. Saman Samarawira, Inventors Commission Director Nalin Dolawatta, officials from affiliated institutions, principals, teachers, and school children, among a large gathering.
Nithya Silva
Media Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Science and Tech