Intel reaffirms support to SLSEF for fifth consecutive year
Intel Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Education have renewed the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Sri Lanka Science and
Engineering Fair (SLSEF) for the fifth consecutive year. A collaboration
between the Ministry of Education (MoE), the National Science Foundation
(NSF), Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and Intel, SLSEF is
affiliated to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)
- the world’s largest pre-college science competition. Affiliated to
Intel ISEF, winners of SLSEF represent Sri Lanka at the world’s
pre-eminent science competition for pre-college students. Intel extended
its support to the programme through out 2019.
The MoU was signed by S. M. Gotabhaya Jayaratne, Secretary to the
Ministry of Education, Ms. Anusha Amarasinghe, Director, National
Science Foundation and Indika de Zoysa, Country Manager of Intel Sri
Lanka. Also present on the occasion were Anura Dissanayake, Additional
Secretary, President's Office, Ms. Rohini Wijayarathne, Consultant to
the Science Popularization Division and Ms. Nadeera Jayaweera,
Scientific Officer of NSF and Priyantha K. Weerabahu, Intel Education
Programme Manager, Sri Lanka. “By working together with IESL, Intel, and
the NSF, we have made great strides in identifying and promoting local
talent through the SLSEF.
The competition’s affiliation with Intel ISEF, has provided Sri
Lankan students an opportunity to compete in the international arena,
learning from and sharing ideas with their peers from around the world,”
said S. M. Gotabhaya Jayaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education.
Since the initial agreement was signed in February 2008, 22 local
students have participated in ISEF with two Grand prize winners and
several other recognitions awarded to Sri Lankan students. A national
platform for showcasing student scientific ingenuity, SLSEF aims to
unite young scientific minds and enhance innovative thinking, while
investing in a new generation of pioneers in the fields of maths and
science.
Speaking at the occasion, Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary to
the President’s Office said, “In line with the vision of the Mahinda
Chinthanaya of establishing a human capital foundation for the future
Sri Lankan knowledge hub, forums such as the SLSEF identify and foster
local talent. By sharing their technological expertise and global
experiences, Intel, through this MoU, continues to help add value to the
MoE’s initiatives.”
“I want to thank the Ministry of Education, National Science
Foundation and the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka for helping us to
provide amazing opportunity for young Sri Lankan innovators. By
inspiring and rewarding young scientists, this program will help the
next generation usher in new solutions to global challenges, which are
vital to our common future,” stated Indika de Zoysa, Country Manager,
Intel EM Limited -Sri Lanka Liaison office. |