Sri Lankan students to showcase healthcare innovations at IntelInternational Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2016
Minister of Education, Hon. AkilaVirajKariyawasam met with the winners of the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2016 recently, who will be representing Sri Lanka at the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) that will be held in Phoenix, Arizona this year. ChaminduJayasanka from HanwellaRajasinghe Central College, AbishekStenush Gomes from Belvoir College International, Colombo and P.M. LochanaPiyumantha from MadampeSenanayake Central College will be travelling to Intel ISEF 2016 that is being held from 8th to 13th May 2016.
At the fair, Chamindu will showcase his project called ‘Modified and adjustable crutches’, a pair of crutches integrated with a seat that is height adjustable and offers the users the convenience of a seat when he or she finds it difficult to stand up for a long time period. Abishek will demonstrate a pair of specially-designed wearable gloves to assist the hearing and speech impaired which has the capability to convert sign language into text and speech. Lochana will showcase the effectiveness of a new nano-drug to use against Chemo-Endocrine Resistant Endometrial Cancer cells.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. AkilaVirajKariyawasam stated, “Since its inception, SLSEF has produced some brilliant school-aged inventors who have excelled with their ingenuity and creativity. Over the years, Sri Lankan participants have won grand prizes and special awards which were significant achievements for them as well as the country. Intel’s support over the last few years in assisting SLSEF winners to showcase their innovations in the global arena has been commendable. I thank them and wish this year’s team the very best of luck.”
“This event is a great occasion for Lankan students to meet with and exchange ideas with their peers from around the world. I have no doubt that this exposure will help them grow and serve their country in numerous ways through science and innovation in the coming years. I wish the finalists the very best of luck for the upcoming ISEF competition,” said [NAME], Secretary, Ministry of Education.
Eng. JayavilalMeegoda, Vice President, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) said, “IESL has been organizing the Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition for the last three decades, mentoring many students to win at an international level. IESL is very happy to be a part in this cultural change that drives the next generation of Sri Lankan students to be innovative. I wish this year’s participants the very best of luck.”
Mrs. AnushaAmarasinghe, Director General, National Science Foundation said, “National Science Foundation’s Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) has been a critical component over the years in nurturing intellectual Sri Lankan students. In a time where Sri Lanka is progressing towards a knowledge-based economy, research-based learning will become more important as it develops critical-thinking, perceptiveness and innovativeness of students. I wish this year’s participants the very best of luck.”
Indika de Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison office said, “Intel believes that young people are the key to future innovation, and a solid education in science, technology, engineering and math combined with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy are crucial for their success as well as Sri Lanka’s growth. We are very proud to work alongside the Ministry of Education, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and IESL to provide this opportunity for our students. I wish this year’s participant the very best of luck.”
Over the past seven years, 33 Sri Lankan students have participated at Intel ISEF, and over 13 officials have attended the Intel Educator Academy. Sri Lanka has won six grand awards and seven special awards to date at the event.
As the world’s largest pre-college science fair, and the only global science competition for students in grades 9-12, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and solve the problems of tomorrow. Each year, more than 6 million students worldwide, from local and regional science fairs across 70 countries vie to attend the Intel ISEF. This year over 1,600 finalists have been selected to share breakthrough scientific research and compete for nearly $4 million in scholarships and awards at the event.
