The inaugural ceremony of the 71st Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) was held at Committee Room B, BMICH on 30th November 2015. Hon.Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology & Research was the chief guest. A large number of scientists and academics were present at the occasion.
In addressing the audience, Minister Premajayantha congratulated SLAAS on their achievements and stated that science education in the island has been given more recognition by the present officials. The General President of SLAAS, Prof. Deepal Mathew delivered the inaugural speech which consisted of a strong message to the community about the role of science in development of a country. He stressed that science could open many opportunities for Sri Lanka in various fields, only if it is given the chance to do so.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to those who excelled in research and also the winners of school science projects carried out by SLAAS.
SLAAS commenced this year’s sessions with the Theme Seminar held on 01st December 2015 at the auditorium of the Ministry of Disaster Management. A total of seven presentations were made by prominent figures in different fields of science. The speeches were conducted under the theme ” Wealth creation through science “, and the focus was principally upon the available resources in Sri Lanka and innovative uses of science that could give economic boost. The presentations also discussed the current global trends and creations that have taken human activities to greater extents, to explain what we need to look forward to in our own progress. The Theme Seminar intended to shed light upon wonders of science and technology at present and also about future prospects. Following were the titles under which the speakers staged their views.
‘Sustainable Innovation for Creating National Wealth with Sri Lankan Resources’ by Mr.Ravi Fernando (Operations Director – Malaysia Blue Ocean Strategy Institute)
‘Wealth Creation through Power and Technology’ by Hon.Patali Champika Ranawaka (Minister – Megapolis and Western Development)
‘Enabling Interfaces for Smart Health and Well-being’ by Prof.Suranga Nanayakkara (Asst.Professor – Singapore University of Technology and Design , Director – Augmented Human Lab)
‘Technology enabled Apparel’ by Mr.Ranil Vitharana (Director – MAS Research and Innovation Centre)
‘Wealth Creation through Agriculture’ by Mr.Rizvi Zaheed (Managing Director – Hayley’s Agricultural Holdings Ltd)
‘Wealth Creation through Electronics’ by Mr.Rohan pallewatta (CEO – Lanka Harness)
‘Functional Carbon Materials: Translating Fundamental Interfacial Science into New Application’ by Paula E.Colavita (Associate Professor – Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland)
