SLSEF helps young Lankan minds enter global arena

Friday, 14 March 2014 06:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Picks 3 Sri Lankan students for Intel ISEF G. B. R. D. Malewana from Nalanda College, Colombo was adjudged the winner of the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2014 under the individual category. The SLSEF features 10 best projects each from the Science Research Project Competition of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka and the Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition held by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL). W.A.N.U. Piyasiri of the Bellankadawala Maha Vidyalaya, Malwanegama, Thalawa and L.N.K. Silva of De Mazenod College, Kandana were

adjudged the first and second runners up respectively. The event that took place last week at the IESL auditorium is a prelude to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). Sponsored by Intel, the winners will take part in the 64th Intel ISEF to be held from 11-16 May 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Last year’s local representatives and winner of SLSEF 2013, Pubudu Kapuge, from Ananda College won a grand prize and a special award for his Ridge (‘Niyara’) cutting machine. Malewana, who was one of the SLSEF winners last year, won this year for his study titled ‘Using nanotechnology to kill cancer cells’ where he experimented with the effects of catechin coated iron oxide nanoparticles to kill leukemic cells. Piyasiri presented a versatile field constructing machine – a piece of equipment that offers numerous required tools for farm work all in one – and Silva presented a device that would help the visually impaired play video games using their tongues. Congratulating the winners, Indika de Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd., Sri Lanka Liaison office, said: “This is our seventh year working with SLSEF to help bright Lankan minds to showcase their innovative ideas at this global forum and gain invaluable exposure and experience. I wish the winners all the very best and look forward to seeing them at the Intel ISEF.” Speaking at the event, Prof. Rezvi Sheriff, Chairperson, Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and Panel of Judges of SLSEF, said: “This is indeed a great opportunity for our young minds, and I trust that the winners will make the most of their opportunities at ISEF. A competition such as SLSEF helps to engage the younger generation in research, development and pursue innovation and supports the country’s goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy. I wish them the very best of luck for ISEF.” 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), a program of the Society for Science and the Public, encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and solve the problems of tomorrow. Over the past six years, 25 Sri Lankan students have participated at Intel ISEF while over ten officials have attended the Intel Educator Academy. Sri Lanka has won three grand awards and five special awards to date at the event.