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” (அறிவியல் மூலம் தேசத்தை மீண்டும் கட்டியெழுப்புவோம்)”. The webinar in Tamil Medium, 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 Innovation 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 Gowry Moorthy, Principal Scientific Officer of National Science Foundation highlighted the role of NSF in promoting a research culture in Sri Lanka and described the programmes initiated and implemented by the 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 Professor Sivalingam Sivananthan, Distinguished Professor of Physics and Director of Microphysics Laboratory University of Illinois at Chicago in USA explained “How to Become an Entrepreneur through Scientific Research?” and which provided much enthusiasm among school children on scientific thinking. Dr N. Karthikeyan, Head of Department of Physics of Open University of Sri Lanka talked about the Historical evolution of modern science, development, and its impact to the society. Prof. Gunasingham Mikunthan, Professor of Department of Agricultural Biology of University of Jaffna shared his experience on engagement of Students in Research. Prof. P. Ravirajan, Senior Professor in Physics and Dean, Faculty of Science of University of Jaffna explained about great inventions that changed the world.
Two participants of NSF Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) Mr Sooriyakumaran Thuvaragan of Hindu College, Jaffna and Mr Chithdassan Varatharajan of Paddirippu M.M. Vidyalaya, Kaluwanchikudy Shared their research projects with other school children. Mr A. Mugunthan, science teacher of Kalaimahal Maha Vidyalayam, Trincomalee also shared his views. Around 250 students, teachers and parents took part in this webinar which was concluded successfully.
