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Science, Technology and Research Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe and State Minister Prof. Ashu Marasinghe
By Nuwan Senarathna
Aiming to bring the public closer to science, technology and innovation, the Shilpasena Exposition organised by the Science, Technology and Research Ministry will be opened by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the BMICH today.
This exposition will be the first in a series of expositions, which are scheduled to be hosted in all 25 districts to raise awareness on the importance of science and technology. The Shilpasena Exposition consists of five clusters, which have been titled as the Technology Zone, Entrepreneurship and Job Fair, Innovation, Blue-Green economy and Edutainment.
In the technology cluster science, technology and research knowledge will be disseminated under 12 themes with the inclusion of STEM education. The technology cluster is aimed at imparting the latest technological knowledge to school students.
In the innovation cluster, innovations of local investors will be displayed and the program to commercialise their innovations will also be implemented. Under the Entrepreneurship cluster, 1,000 technology packages will be introduced to those already engaged in small and medium scale industries.
The Blue and Green economy cluster will include stalls of other line Ministries, institutions and the Armed Forces and Sri Lanka Police. Under the Edutainment cluster, commercial stalls including a book fair, food stalls, creative mind games and fun activities will be available.
Speaking to media at the Government Information Department, Science and Technology Non-Cabinet Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe said science, technology and innovation have become a pioneering factor in the economic development process of Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka ranks 88th in the World Innovation Index. To achieve the target of reaching the 60th position within the next four to five years, science, technology, and research and innovation sector should be revived and encouraged,” he said.
According to Senasinghe, to improve research and innovation, a research culture within the country driven by research institutions, universities, and academics should be formed towards a common goal.
“People in our country pay little attention to the subject of science, technology and innovation. They somewhat fear it and are reluctant to delve deeper, which could be attributed to the fact that this field has English as its base but we hope this exposition will change that mindset, which will help us to achieve our goals.”
He said through the adaptation of simple methodologies, which will be communicated in the Sinhala language, a higher level of community participation could be achieved. He noted the Shilpasena program has been modelled after Gam Udawa and Mahapola programs as a way to get closer to public.
The Shilpasena Exposition which has ‘prosperity through empowerment’ as its theme, is made up of five clusters, i.e. Technology Zone, Entrepreneurship and Job Fair, Innovation, Blue Green Economy, and Edutainment.
Technology cluster
Under Technology cluster S, T & R knowledge will be disseminated under 12 themes with the inclusion of STEM education. This cluster aims at imparting latest technological knowledge to school students, university students and emerging researchers as well as popularising the field of Science, Technology and Research in the society.
Innovation cluster
More than 500 innovations of local inventors will be on display under this cluster, while a program for their commercialisation will also be implemented. It is vital to capitalise on innovations, in a country’s progression towards development. Even though many inventors of the country, come up with innovations, these do not gain popularity or recognition within the society, depriving them of the opportunity to secure a commercial value for their inventions. The private sector’s contribution is vital in the process of commercialisation. Shilpasena provides the opportunity to forge a link between the inventors and the private sector, aimed at economic development.
Entrepreneurship and job fair
This cluster is designed to lend a helping hand to those interested in standing on their own feet. 1,000 technology packages will be introduced to those who are already engaged in small and medium scale industries and to those who are interested in embarking on new industries. In addition, knowledge and guidance on commercial publicity, provision of services, business registration, and loan facilities will also be provided at the venue.
Youths may also have direct interactions with the private sector which will ensure training opportunities for them.
Blue Green economy cluster
Under Blue Green economy cluster, exhibition stalls of other line ministries, institutions and tri-armed forces and Sri Lanka police will be on display where recruitments to the armed forceswill also be facilitated.
Edutainment cluster
Under the Edutainment cluster commercial stalls including a book fair, food stalls, creative mind games and fun activities, daily musical shows, and science films will be available.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Research is extending an open invitation to the general public to be part of this mega education and trade fair, which will bring inventors, business community, innovation and private entrepreneurship together to open new avenues to ensure the steady growth of the Sri Lankan economy.
Pic by Lasantha Kumara
