• Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair 2009
• Launch of Intel® Teach Program in North and East Provinces
• Renewal of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF) MoU 2009/2010
• First Batch of Intel® Teach Teacher Educators in Sri Lanka
• Intel Vice President Meets Hon. Minister of Education Sri Lanka
• Felicitation of First Sri Lankan Winner at Intel ISEF 2009
• Sri Lankan Children at Intel International Science & Engineering Fair 2009
• Launch of Intel® Teach in Sabaragamuwa Province
• Donation of Classmate PCs at Ministry of Education
• Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair 2008
• Teacher Felicitation Ceremony in Uva Province
• Donation of Classmate PCs and Teacher Felicitation Ceremony in Central Province
• Launch of Classmate PCs in Sri Lanka
• Intel® Teach Forum for National Colleges of Education (NCoE)
• Sri Lankan Children At Intel International Science & Engineering Fair 2008
• Felicitation of Winners of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair 2007
• Announcement of Winners of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair 2007
• Signing of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering (SLSEF) MoU
• South Asia Intel® Teach Program Forum
• Master Trainer Felicitation Ceremony in Western Province
• Launch of Skoool™ Web site
• Launch of Intel® World Ahead Program

The Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2009, showcasing the country’s most innovative science and research talent, was held on 19th February 2010 at the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) auditorium.

SLSEF is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education, National Science Foundation (NSF), Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), and Intel, is affiliated to Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) - the world’s largest pre-college science competition.

As before, the event was well attended by academics, professionals, school teachers, parents and students. The students were judged by an eminent panel of judges including Professors, University Lecturers, and Chartered Engineers.

Picture from left (front row) : Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd – Sri Lanka Liaison Office, Eng. H. D. S. De Alwis President Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), Dr. Sarath Abayawardana Director National Science Foundation (NSF), Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry Chairman Advisory Committee of NSF, Eng. J. Meegoda Chairperson Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition of IESL along with finalists of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF).

SLSEF 2009 featured the top ten projects of the Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2009 of the National Science Foundation and the top ten projects of the Junior Inventor of the Year 2009 competition of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL).

Students of two individual projects and one group project of SLSEF 2009 will represent Sri Lanka at the Intel ISEF 2010 to be held in San Jose, California, USA in May 2010.

Intel EM Limited, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, launched the latest phase of the Intel Education initiative in Polonnaruwa on 9th October 2009 bringing the groundbreaking Intel Teach program to the North and East Provinces. Adopted in over 40 countries around the world, Intel Teach is aimed at enabling teachers to better exploit the full education potential of the technology age. The program has made tremendous headway in Sri Lanka as well, having already been successfully introduced to the Western, Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces. Over 9,000 teachers have already been trained under this program in the Island.

Picture from left: Mr. Anura Dissanayake Director SEMP addressing the forum, while Mr. K. Kalanithy Eastern Province Project Manager SEMP, Mr. S. Thandayuthapani Eastern Province Director of Education, Mr. Mahendran Northern Province Project Manager SEMP, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Programme Manager Sri Lanka at the head table.

The launching of the program was done at the Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum, which introduced to officials and education directors of the Ministry of Education from the respective zones of North and East provinces, the nature and services of the program, equipping them with the awareness and understanding necessary to present the program to schools in their zones.

Mr. Thandayuthapani, Provincial Director Education Eastern province thanked Intel for their willingness to help the teachers in North and East provinces and said that Intel Teach is not just an IT program, but a truly teacher professional development program to integrate technology into classroom teaching and learning process.

Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Project Director SEMP talked about the background and partnership Ministry of Education is having with Intel their vision on developing ICT infrastructure and literacy in the education system.

Mr. K. Kalanithy, Project Manager SEMP Eastern province welcomed and thanked the participation of Provincial Director of Education, Mr. Anura Dissanayake for providing additional resources for the teacher training and Intel’s commitment to North and East provinces.

The status and vision of ICT in education in the Eastern province was laid out by Mr. T. Balachandran, ICT Coordinator of Eastern province. Intel Education Program Manager Priyantha K. Weerabahu made a presentation on the Intel Teach initiative worldwide and the progress it has made in Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Intel® Teach Education team Mr. Dulip Gunasekara, explained the curriculum and demonstrated a sample Lesson Plan incorporating 21st Century skills to teaching and learning process.

The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) for year 2009/2010 took place on 31 August 2009 at Isurupaya. Collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MoE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Institute 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.

Picture from left: Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Mr. Indika de Zoysa, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Mr. Nimal Bandara, Eng. J. Meegoda, Dr. Sarath Abayawardana and Ms. Rohini Wijayaratna.

The signatories to the renewal of the MoU, which seeks to reaffirm the partnership between the stakeholders, were Mr. Nimal Bandara of the MoE, Dr. Sarath Abayawardana of NSF, Eng. H. D. S. De Alwis of IESL and Mr. Indika De Zoysa of Intel. 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 math and science. Affiliated to Intel ISEF, winners of SLSEF represent Sri Lanka at the world’s preeminent science competition for pre-college students.

Picture from left: Mr. Tominaga, Volunteer from Japan, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager, Mr. Y. A. N. D. Yapa, Chief Commissioner Teacher Education, Mr. Nimal Jayasekara, President Siyane National College of Education, Teacher Educator from Mahaweli NCoE and Mr. Dulip Gunasekara, Project Manager Intel Teach training team with the Teacher Educators.

The first batch of Teacher Educators from National Colleges of Education (NCoE) successfully completed their Intel® Teach pre-service training program from 13th to 18th July 2009 at the NCoE in Siyane.

The training program was organized by Mr. Y. A. N. D. Yapa the Chief Commissioner of Teacher Education with the support of Mr. Nimal Jayasekara the President of Siyane NCoE. All resources for the training program were provided by Mr. Anura Dissanayake the Project Director of Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of Ministry of Education.

This was a six day residential training program held from 8.00 am to 8.30 pm, which was attended by nineteen Teacher Educators from NCoEs in Sripada, Saripuththa, Siyane, Mahaweli and Hapitigama. The program was conducted by Mr. Dulip Gunasekara the Manager of Intel® Teach training team.

On the last day of the program, the Teacher Educators confidently showcased their project portfolios to Mr. Yapa, Mr. Jayasekara and Mr. Weerabahu who visited them to find out the outcome of the training.

Mr. Yapa was very happy to listen to the very positive feedback of the Teacher Educators and assured to continue the training program in other NCoEs too. He thanked SEMP project and Intel for providing the training with great enthusiasm and interest. Mr. Jayasekara who visited the training sessions from time to time was highly impressed by the disciplined and organized manner the training was conducted appreciated value of Intel® Teach program to NCoEs in Sri Lanka.

Intel® Teach pre-service training program will help Teacher Educators and all future teachers of Sri Lanka with proven professional development supporting 21st-century skills. It helps teachers to be more effective educators by training them on how to integrate technology into their lessons, promoting problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills among their students. It also promotes student-centered approaches and help teachers engage students in deeply relevant ways, with appropriate use of technology for learning, creativity, and communication. Intel® Teach is the largest, most successful program of its kind.

Mr. Navin Shenoy, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group, General Manager, Intel Asia-Pacific met the Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education Sri Lanka on 25th June 2009 at his office to discuss about the Intel Education initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The Hon. Minister of Education requested Mr. Shenoy to help developing the teachers in north and east. Mr. Shenoy appreciated the government’s initiatives and wanted Intel to be counted as a partner in this endeavor.

Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Director, SEMP of the Ministry of Education briefed about the public private partnership the Ministry of Education is having with Intel in education initiatives and was happy to announce that very soon the Intel Teach pre-service program would be introduced to National Colleges of Education so that every student teacher in the future would be empowered with 21st Century skills.

Hon. Minister of Education presenting a memento to Mr. Navin Shenoy in appreciation of Intel’s contribution to education in Sri Lanka

Also present at the event were Mr. R. Sivakumar, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing Group, Intel South Asia, Mr. B. Suryanarayanan, Director Sales and Marketing Group, Intel South Asia, Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager, Sri Lanka and other officials.

Picture from left: Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Mr. R. Sivakumar, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Mr. Navin Shenoy, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Mr. B. Suryanarayanan, and Ms. Trish Blomfield

Chandula Padmasiri a student of Ananda College Colombo, the first local student to win a Grand Award at the recently concluded Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2009 was felicitated by the Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha at Isurupaya. Chandula, one of five students who represented Sri Lanka at this event, was adjudged third in the Electrical and Mechanical category for his mobile phone based microscope and received US$1,000 in prize money. Chandula was a finalist of Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) 2008 competition and won the first place at Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) which is a partnership of Ministry of Education, National Science Foundation, Institute of Engineers and Intel to become eligible to compete internationally.

Picture from left: Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Mr. Navin Shenoy, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Mast. Chandula Padmasiri, Mr. Anura Dissanayake

The winners of the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2008 Chandula Padmasiri of Ananda College, Colombo, Yenushka Madusanka Dissanayake of Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalutara, and a three-member team comprising Nishadi Ekanayake, Chaturika Sithumini and Nazeela Mazahim, of Southlands College, Galle will represent Sri Lanka at the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Reno, Nevada, USA from May 10th-15th 2009.

Picture from left: Winners of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF)  Yenushka Dissanayake, Chathurika Sithumini, Nishadi Ekanayake, Nazeela Mazahim, and Chandula Padmasiri

SLSEF 2008 featured the top ten projects of the Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2008 of the National Science Foundation and the IESL Junior Inventor of the Year 2008 competition.  The SLSEF strives to provide young science students with the impetus to discover their scientific genius and a platform to win public recognition at the national and international level. Innovative ideas to be showcased by the Sri Lankan contingent at this year’s ISEF include:

1. A portable microscope by Padmasiri which when attached to mobile phone cameras provides researchers with the ability to examine their specimens on-site
2. A dual base bulb holder by Dissanayake that resolves the compatibility issues faced with the two types of bulbs and the unique holders required for them
3. A low cost environment-friendly method to remove the remaining thin layer of spilt oil after removing the thick layer from the surface of the sea using natural absorbents by Ekanayake, Sithumini and Mazahim.

Intel EM Limited, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Modernization Project of the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, launched the latest phase of the Intel Education initiative in Ratnapura today by bringing Intel® Teach program to the Sabaragamuwa province.

Mr. R. Abeysingha, Education Director, Sabaragamuwa province, Mr. P. Kodithuwakku, Chief Secretary, Sabaragamuwa Province, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Director, Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison office, and Mr. Thilak Ekanayake, Project Manager SEMP Central province.

The introduction of the program to the province was preceded by an Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum, which introduces to officials and education directors of the Ministry of Education from the respective zones of a given Province, the nature and services of the program, equipping them with the expertise necessary to present the program to schools in their zones. This forum was held at the Parakaduwa training centre in Ratnapura on 21st April from 9.30 AM to 1:30 PM and was presented to the Zonal Directors of Education in the Sabaragamuwa province.

Following the Sri Lankan government’s recent announcement of 2009 being the year of English and Information Technology (IT) adoption, Intel EM Limited joined hands with the Ministry of Education to formally lend its support to spur adoption of IT in the island. To this end, the Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha presented 425 Intel-powered Classmate PCs to 19 schools across the island at “Isurupaya” Battaramulla, together with wireless connectivity provided by the Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of the Ministry on 16th February 2009.

Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Mrs. Sandya Wijebandara, Mr. S. U. Wijeratne. Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Mr. Sunimal Fernando, Mr. R. Sivakumar, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Hon. M. Sachiththanandan, Mr. Reshan Devapura, Mr. W. Dharmadasa with Principals of schools who received Classmate PCs.

The presentation of the Classmate PCs under the Intel World Ahead program is the second such deployment by Intel EM with the first set of 70 Classmate PCs launched in the Western and Central provinces.

The presentation ceremony was graced by the presence of Hon. Susil Premajayantha Minister of Education, Hon. M. Sachiththanandan Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Sunimal Fernando Presidential Advisor, Mr. S. U. Wijeratne, Acting Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr. W. Dharmadasa Additional Secretary Ministry of Education, Mrs. Sandya Wijebandara Additional Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr. Anura Dissanayake Director Secondary Education Modernization Project, Mr. Reshan Devapura Chief Operating Officer ICT Agency, Mr. R. Sivakumar Managing Director Intel South Asia and Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Sri Lanka Liaison Office Intel EM Ltd.

The Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF), showcasing the country’s most innovative science and research talent, was held on 20th January 2009 at the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) auditorium. A collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education, the National Science Foundation, IESL, and Intel, SLSEF is affiliated to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) - the world’s largest pre-college science competition.

Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry, Mr. M. C. Dissanayake, Eng. D. P. Mallawaarachchi, Dr. Ray Wijewardane, Eng. J. Meegoda, Dr. M. C. N. Jayasuriya, Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu with student finalists on the background.

SLSEF 2008 featured the top ten projects each of the Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2008 of the National Science Foundation and the IESL Junior Inventor of the Year 2008 competition. Encouraging scientific thinking and promoting scientific research, SRPC features student research projects under various disciplines in science, and is organized by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The winners of this event will represent Sri Lanka at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to be held in Reno, Nevada in USA in May 2009. Sri Lanka was proudly represented at Intel ISEF 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia by the winners of the Sri Lanka Science and Exhibition Fair 2007.

Intel EM Limited, a corporate leader in promoting scholastic excellence, is inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers by enabling student interest and ingenuity in the fields of maths and science. The Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair is a catalyst for inventive thinking, uplifting local education and motivating youthful innovators.

Intel EM Limited, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Modernization Project of Ministry of Education felicitated over 100 Master Teachers trained under the Intel® Teach Program on 22nd November 2008 at New Library Auditorium Badulla Sri Lanka.

Hon. Minister of Ports Development Dilan Perera lighting the “Digital Oil Lamp” while Hon. Chief Minister of Uva Province Wijith Wijayamuni Soyza, Uva Provincial Council President Mr. Manel Rathnayake and Hon. Deputy Minister of Education M. Sachiththanandan awaits their turn. Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Sri Lanka - Intel EM Ltd and Mr. Anura De Silva Uva Province Project Manager SEMP are on the background.

Mr. Anura De Silva Uva Province Project Manager SEMP, Uva Provincial Council President Mr. Manel Rathnayake, Hon. Chief Minister of Uva Province Wijith Wijayamuni Soyza, Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Sri Lanka - Intel EM Ltd, Hon. Minister of Ports Development Dilan Perera, Mr. K. M. Jayasuriya Uva Provincial Director of Education, Mr. Thilakaratne Uva Provincial IT Coordinator.

Honorable Chief Minister of the Uva Province Wijith Wijayamuni Soyza, Honorable Minister of Port Development Dilan Perera and Honorable Deputy Minister of Education M. Sachiththanandan who were the guests of honour at this event, appreciated the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors essential to the development of the country.

Intel EM Limited, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of Ministry of Education donated Classmate PCs and a Wi-Fi Zone to Dharmaraja College Kandy in Sri Lanka on 10th October 2008. The Classmate PCs were handed over to the school by the Honorable Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha who also felicitated over 100 Master Teachers trained under the Intel® Teach Programme. The Classmate PCs and the teacher training are both part of Intel’s World Ahead Program which aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world.

Hon. Susil Premajayantha Minister of Education presenting a Classmate PC to a primary student of Dharmaraja College Kandy. A school prefect, Mr. Tilak Ekanayake Central Province Project Manager SEMP, Mr. Anura Dissanayake Project Director SEMP, Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd. and Mr. S. M. Weerarathne Principal of Dharmaraja College Kandy looks on.

Hon. Susil Premajayantha Minister of Education awarding a Certificate to a Intel Teach Master Teacher.

Hon. Susil Premajayantha Minister of Education launched Sri Lanka's first Classmate PC Lab at Sri Rahula Balika Maha Vidyalaya Malambe on 9th July 2008. The officials of Secondary Education Modernization Project, Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education, Principal, staff, parents, students of school, media personnel and officials of Intel graced the occation.

Picture from Left: Mrs. W. A. S. P. Jayarathne Principal Sri Rahula Balika Maha Vidyalaya Malambe, Mr. R. Ravichandran Director Sales and World Ahead Intel South Asia, Ms. Sarala Kariyawasam Best Performing Actress, Hon. Susil Premajayantha Minister of Education Sri Lanka, Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd - Sri Lanka Liaison Office., Mr. Anura Dissanayake Project Director Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP).

Intel Education conducted its first forum for pre-service officials of National Colleges of Education (NCoE) of Sri Lanka titled "ICT based education in National Colleges of Education for improved teaching and learning" on 3rd July 2008 at "CETRAC" in Battaramulla. The Presidents and ICT Lecturers of NCoEs participated at the forum and shared their best practices too.

Picture from Left: Mr. Y. A. N. D. Yapa Acting Chief Commissioner Teacher Education, Mr. Mohamed Thamby Additional Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd - Sri Lanka Liaison Office.

Three students who won the Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2007 participated at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2008 in Atlanta for the very first time. The first finalist Yasith Lokuge and the second finalist Praveej Jayasinghe competed at the event while Sajeewa Hendurugoda participated as an observer. Eng. Sarath Samarasiri, the Director, Design Centre of University of Moratuwa and a member of IESL who went as the adult in charge performed a very admirable role by guiding and looking after the children right throughout the journey.

This year all three children were selected from the Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) which has been conducting this for the past 23 years in the country.

This was an unbelievable experience to the kids and the officials from Sri Lanka and the reception given to them by Intel ISEF was magnanimous. They thoroughly enjoyed the competition and both their projects were considered for President’s Scholarship Award of IEEE Foundation. Even though they did not win any prizes this time, the officials are quite confident that they can do so in the near future with the learning they gained at this year’s competition.

In parallel to the competition, Intel ISEF Educator Academy 2008 was held in Atlanta, which brought together a select group of educators and government officials from Intel sites around the world to explore proven, innovative methods of engaging students in the study of science and math. At this forum Sri Lanka was represented by Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Director, Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of Ministry of Education, Professor M. T. M. Jiffry, Chairperson, Advisory Committee of National Science Foundation (NSF), Eng. J. Meegoda, Chairperson, Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka.

During the five-day forum, outstanding educators presented workshops on student research, project-based learning and other proven ways to engage students in the study of science and mathematics including Nobel laureate Dr. Rich Roberts. Also, experienced science fair organizers shared resources and provided participants with valuable information about managing, organizing, and preparing students for science fairs.

“The Intel ISEF 2008 was for the first time represented by three students from Sri Lanka. As a person who has been involved for a considerable period on conducting similar activities through the National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka, I found the experience we have gained as organizers as well as prospective participants at the Intel ISEF held in Atlanta, Georgia were immense and gave us opportunities to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors. The organizers were also very friendly and provided all the opportunities for the participants to interact with other stakeholders and participants.” Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry.

Sri Lankan team was elated by the fact that one of the three USD 50,000 Scholarship Grand Prize winners at Intel ISEF 2008 was a Sri Lankan student Natalie Saranga Omattage of Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, Mississippi. Therefore, the Sri Lankan team is determined to improve local competitions to compete at a higher level in the years to come.

From next year Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and Science Research Projects Competition (SRPC) of National Science Foundation (NSF) will be the feeder fairs for Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF).

The Hon. Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha felicitated the winners of Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2007, Yasith Kanchana Lokuge of Ananda College, Praveej Malinda Jayasinghe of St. Anthony’s College and Sajeewa Dinesh Hendurugoda of Nugawela Central College at the Ministry of Education, Battaramulla on 8th May 2008. This was done prior to their visit to Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in May 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

All three children received a certificate and a monetary gift from the Hon. Minister of Education, while Yasith Kanchana Lokuge was awarded the “Herbert Hoover Young Engineer Award”, which consisted of a certificate and a medal.

Winners of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF), their parents, officials of Ministry of Education, National Science Foundation (NSF), Institution of Engineers (IESL) and Intel with the Hon. Minister of Education First Finalist Yasith Kanchana Lokuge receiving the “Herbert Hoover Young Engineer Award” from Hon. Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha

 
 

First Finalist Yasith Kanchana Lokuge receiving the certificate from Hon. Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha Second Finalist Praveej Malinda Jayasinghe receiving the certificate from Hon. Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha

Student Observer Sajeewa Dinesh Hendurugoda receiving the certificate from Secretary Ministry of Education, Nimal Bandara.

Intel EM Limited announced the winners of the annual Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF), naming talented teenagers Yasith K Lokuge of Ananda College, Praveej Malinda Jayasinghe of St Anthony’s College and Sajeewa Dinesh Hendurugoda of Nugawela Central College as overall champions. The winners will be sent to the world’s largest pre-college science competition, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), to be held in May this year in Atlanta, Georgia.

Picture from left: Sajeewa Hendurugoda, Yasith Lokuge, and Praveej Jayasinghe.

Speaking on the objectives and potential of the SLSEF, Indika de Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison office, said, “Firstly, we’d like to congratulate all the participants at this year’s SLSEF for their commitment to the fair and their incredibly creative and insightful projects. We are very proud to be able to sponsor the winning submissions to participate in the Intel ISEF because we firmly believe that the youth of this country have a lot to offer not only Sri Lanka, but indeed the world, provided they are given the necessary encouragement and support.”

The innovative ideas that won in last year’s fair include: a low-cost Nutmeg Cutter designed by Jayasinghe to extract nutmeg seeds in an efficient manner and thereby expedite the manufacturing process of nutmegs in the local industry, Lokuge’s space-saving Collapsible Staircase that can save up to 90% of the space consumed by spiral staircases and Hendurugoda’s invention of a device that automatically distributes water to a plant when the water content or moisture of a particular part of the plant drops below a specified level.

While Hendurugoda will be sent to the 59th Intel ISEF as an observer, Lokuge and Jayasinghe will compete with 1500 other students from over 51 nations for over 900 prizes and $4 million in scholarships, scientific equipment and scientific trips.

All three winners expressed delight at the opportunity to experience this international event. Lokuge observed “I am very happy to be selected for the next round. I also would like to thank the students and the staff of the University of Moratuwa for all the help and guidance given to me, and for letting me to use the labs to develop my project.” Jayasinghe echoed this saying “I thank everybody who helped me out in my project. I was thrilled when I got to know that I was chosen for the next round and I’m looking forward to the finals in Atlanta, Georgia”.

Sajeewa had this to say “This is my first International competition as well as Sri Lanka's inaugural representation at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and I am very proud to be a part of this”.

The SLSEF will continue to provide young science students with the impetus to discover their scientific genius and the platform to win public recognition at the national and international level, as per the objectives of Memorandum of Understanding signed by the organizers earlier this year. It will be held annually and will continue to offer youth from around the country the opportunity to inculcate a scientific temperament and enhance their innovative thinking, so that they can take their talents and their country, to an international plateau of recognition.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 7th February 2008 at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Sri Lanka by the representatives of four partners to Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF).

Picture from left: Ms. Rohini Wijeyaratne, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Mr. Nimal Bandara, Mr. Indika de Zoysa, Eng. R. J. Gunawardena, Dr. M. C. N. Jayasuriya, Eng. J. Meegoda

The signatories were as follows.

• Mr. Nimal Bandara, Secretary, Ministry of Education (MoE), Sri Lanka.
• Dr. M. C. N. Jayasuriya, Director, National Science Foundation (NSF), Sri Lanka.
• Eng. R. J. Gunawardena, President, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL).
• Mr. Indika de Zoysa, Regional Manager, Intel® EM Limited-Sri Lanka Liaison office.

The witnesses were as follows.

• Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Project Director, Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP), Ministry of Education (MoE), Sri Lanka.
• Mrs. Rohini Wijeyaratne, Head of Science Promotion, National Science Foundation (NSF), Sri Lanka.
• Eng. J. Meegoda, Chairperson, Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY), Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL).
• Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu, Intel® Education Program Manager, Sri Lanka.

Salient Facts of SLSEF MoU

• NSF and IESL in collaboration with the MoE and Intel® desires to organize the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (“SLSEF”) with the objective of enhancing the innovative thinking amongst school children and youth in the country as well as developing a scientific temperament.
• SLSEF is a platform for science students to discover their scientific genius and win public recognition at national and International level.
• National level winners of SLSEF will be eligible to represent Sri Lanka at Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair (“Intel® ISEF”).

Intel® Education with the collaboration of Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka organized the ‘South Asia Intel® Teach Program Forum’ on Teacher Education at Trans Asia Hotel Colombo, Sri Lanka on the 17th and 18th December 2007.

The forum brought together practitioners and policymakers from three South Asian countries (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) to:

• Dialogue around issues emerging from ICT integration experiences in teacher education institutions in the three countries
• Identify policy decisions critical to resolving these issues
• Teacher education curriculum and integration of ICT
• Set a vision for future development of ICT programs in the education space
• Create regional synergies for collaboration and information sharing.

The forum was a grand success and paved the way to building a regional community around certain key issue and challenges, as a launching pad for Pre Service training in Sri Lanka, encourage interaction and strengthen collaborations.

Picture from Left: Mr. H. Jayasinghe (NIE), Prof. Lakshmi (India), Dr. Shironica Karunanayaka (OUSL), Ms. Nisha Dua (LLF), Mr. Rahul Bedi (Intel), Ms. Nasira Gardezi (Helium), Mr. Anshul Sonak (Intel), Ms. Sharleen Ghauri (Intel), Dr. Mazharul Haq (Pakistan), Dr. Veera Gupta (India), Prof. Louis Vernal (India), Mr. Fida Hussain (Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Ayub (Pakistan), Dr. Ajith Pasqual (UoM), Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu (Intel), Prof. Mohd. Ahktar Siddiqui (Inda), Mr. Aurobindo Saxena (LLF), Mr. Nihal Herath (SEMP), Mr. Vinay Mehra (LLF), Prof. Ramesh Ghanta (India).

Not in Picture: Prof. Sonawane Rao (India), Dr. K. Rama (India), Mr. Manav Subodh (Intel), Mr. Mohamed Thamby (MoE), Mr. Wilfred Perera (NIE).

The Western Province Master Trainer Felicitation ceremony took place on 29th November 2007 at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Auditorium in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka at 3.30 p.m. with the Special Invitees lighting the traditional Oil Lamp accompanied by the drummer and dancer.

Mr. Anura Dissanayake the Project Director, Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of MoE warmly welcomed the audience and acknowledged the teachers efforts to promote ICT in Education. He invited the certificate recipients to further use Intel® Teach in the school curriculum.

Mr. Indika De Zoysa the Regional Manager – Sri Lanka, Intel® EM Ltd, was thankful to SEMP and MoE for all the support extended to the program to make it a success. He was also thankful to the Master Trainers who had completed the Participant Training programs.

Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu the Education Program Manager, Sri Lanka announced Sri Rahula Balika Maha Vidyalaya of Malabe as the first Model School of Intel® Teach in Sri Lanka. Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage the Secretary to Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka in his speech commended the teachers for all the hard work carried out and wanted them to make sure to equip the students with the 21st century skills needed.

There was an audience of over 50 Master Trainers who had come to receive their certificates.

The Web site www.skoool.lk*, which is rich in resources was launched at the Ministry of Education (MoE), boardroom in Battaramulla on 20th November amid a distinguished gathering. of officials from the Ministry of Education and National Institute of Education (NIE) took part in this event. Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage was highly pleased with the content and wanted all schools immaterial of the medium to use the content in the teaching learning process. The web site includes content on Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. There are lessons which are followed by tests with helpful hints to point out the correct answers. Each lesson is completed with a review which is a summary of what was taught.

Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Regional Manager – Sri Lanka, Intel® EM Ltd, Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Intel® Education Program Manager at the Boardroom of MoE, Battaramulla at the launch of www.skoool.lk* Web site

The launch of the Web site was held to coincide with the Universal Children’s Day which fell on 20th November. The www.skoool.lk* Web site is hosted on www.schoolnet.lk* and can be used for lessons in schools. Currently the content is in English, but there was high interest in localizing the content into Sinhala and Tamil languages.

Intel® Corporation launched the Word Ahead Program in Sri Lanka on March 20, 2007 at a ceremony in the Ballroom, Galadari Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Intel® World Ahead Program aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world. Focused on people in the world’s developing communities, it integrates and extends Intel’s efforts to advance progress in four areas: accessibility, connectivity, education, and content.

Intel’s goal is not only to extend affordable PC access but also to develop the PCs tailored to local needs, drive critical connectivity, cultivate sustainable local capabilities, and provide the technology education needed to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

The program’s five-year objectives are to extend wireless broadband PC access to the world’s next billion users while training ten million more teachers on the effective use of technology in education with the possibility of reaching another 1 billion students. Intel® will invest more than $1 billion over the next five years across the three focus areas of accessibility, connectivity, and education. The program will also provide 100,000 free PCs to classrooms in those communities to improve learning skills.

Partnering with public and private organizations, Intel® is driving WiMAX broadband deployments that will reach cities as well as suburban and rural communities that previously were either impossible or too costly for carriers to pursue. Intel® World Ahead Program will connect another billion children and adults to the Internet and to the rest of the world.

Christ Thomas, Chief Strategist, Intel® Corporation, and architect of the program was present along with the Managing Director of Intel® (South Asia) Mr. R. Sivakumar for the launch of the program. The Secretary of Ministry of Education (MOE), Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage and many other senior officials of MOE were also present at the occasion.

This program is a continent-wide project, which includes an eSchools initiative targeting schools across Sri Lanka. Its ultimate goal is to equip students with the IT skills and knowledge to compete in a global information society.

Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage, said that action has been taken to provide computer access to 2,500 schools in the island and 50,000 teachers will get PCs by the end of this year. He added that discussions are underway on the entire spectrum of education, including policy, teacher training, infrastructure, student usage models and interface.