By Divya Thotawatte 

Spark ’18, an innovation and invention exhibition organised by Royal College, kick-started yesterday, giving space for the students of the school to display their creative makings.  

The exhibition which was inaugurated by Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, is being held from 25 to 28 September at the Royal College premises. 

With over 700 innovations on display, Spark ’18 which is called the ‘largest innovation exhibition to take place in Sri Lanka’ will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on all exhibition days. 

Royal College Principal B. A. Abeyrathna stated, “This is an effort that we have taken to open the gates for students who are limited to the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to help them expand their innovative minds. Everything that is taught in the classroom is related to the syllabus, so at the end of the day we can’t be satisfied with the education. We need to have a very dynamic set of citizens in Sri Lanka and we need to produce creative people for the betterment of our country’s future.” 

Abeyrathna said that the exhibition would not only showcase the inventions of the students of Royal College, but also the creations of over 500 representing schools. Moreover, educational sessions will be held for the students with the partnership of the sponsors for the exhibition. 

Dialog Axiata PLC, the Principal Sponsor powering Spark ’18, will host a Future Pavilion at the exhibition, featuring the latest innovations and trends in the ICT arena, and will give visitors an opportunity to engage with new technology. 

The exhibition’s Technological Partner Microsoft Sri Lanka will also conduct a series of seminars for students on innovative technologies as well as present some of its breakthrough technologies.

Spark ’18 is endorsed by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara