Celebrating World Science Day 2020
The National Science Foundation (NSF) celebrated the World Science Day (WSD) on 20th November 2020. Theme this year was “Let’s Apply Science to Rebuild the Nation” (විදු නැණ යොදවමු: යලි රට නංවමු)”. The webinar, jointly organized with the Open University of Sri Lanka, was indeed a success. As in normal physical events conducted in previous years school children and teachers were the main participants. Promoting research and innovative culture in school system was the purpose. Dr Seetha Arambepola, Hon. State Minister, Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Development was the chief guest.
Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Chairman of the National Science Foundation began the webinar with introductory remarks. He highlighted the impact of science and technology to the development of humankind. The Hon. Minister in her message stressed the importance of science and scientific thinking in day to day life. She informed that all institutions under her ministry are working as one team to build a scientifically literate community. Dr Thamara F. Dias, Acting Director General of the National Science Foundation highlighted the role of NSF in promoting a research culture in Sri Lanka. Dr P. R. M. P Dilrukshi, Head of Science Communication and Outreach Division of NSF described the programmes initiated and implemented by NSF to enhance the scientific literacy of the country.
There were many eminent speakers who addressed the school children at the webinar. The keynote address of the eminent scientist Dr Bandula Wijay, CEO of LeoMed LLC (Manufacturer of Cardiovascular Devices), Houston, Texas, USA (TBC) and Ambassador to Science and Technology in USA provided much enthusiasm among school children on scientific thinking. Dr Jayantha Wattavidanage, Chairman of NSF Working Committee on Science Popularization talked about the Historical evolution of modern science, development, and its impact to the society. Dr P. B. Dharmasena, Visiting Lecturer of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka shared his expertise in agriculture focusing on science & technology related to ancient agricultural systems in Sri Lanka. Dr Sirimal Premakumara, Chairman of the Industrial Technology Institute of Sri Lanka explained the role of a scientist and the social need of scientists. Mr Manju Gunawardhana, Senior Scientist at Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology enlightened on how to become an inventor.
Two award winners of NSF Science Research Project Competition (SRPC); Mr. Lochana Fernando of Senanayake National College, Madampe and Ms Yenuli Fernando of Colombo International School shared their winning research projects with other school children. Mrs Upeksha Abeysekara, science teacher of Nalanda College Colombo who won the NSF Award for Teachers in Promoting Science in 2019 also shared her views. Around 300 students, teachers and parents took part in this webinar which was concluded successfully.
