The NSF celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the country on 04thOctober 2018. His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of Sri Lanka graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Minister of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage, Hon. Dr Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Posts, Postal Services and Muslim Religious Affairs Hon. A H M Haleem, State and Deputy Ministers of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage, Hon. Lakshman Seneviratne and Hon. Karunarathna Paranavithana respectively, former Ministers of Science, Technology & Research, Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana and Hon. Susil Premajayantha participated in this grand celebration. Secretary to the President, Mr Udaya R Seneviratne, Secretary of Ministry of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage, Mrs Wasantha Perera, past NSF Chairpersons, Directors General, past and present NSF staff members, scientists and distinguished guests were participated.
Demonstrating 50 years of dedicated service to the country, the ceremony started with the digital illumination of the map of Sri Lanka by the distinguished guests
The Chairperson of the NSF, Prof. Sirimali Fernando welcomed the gathering. She expressed her gratitude to the Chief Guest, HE the President for his presence. She gratefully thanked the current and past members of the Management who contributed to the success of the NSF during the long journey of 50-years.
Prof. Ananda Jayawardane, the Director General mapped out the way forward for the NSF beyond 50 years. Prof. Jayawardane further stated that the NSF is humbly proud of the achievements and inroads made in many directions, capacity building, research and development, knowledge acquisition & dissemination, technology transfer, popularization of science, international collaborations, maintaining data repositories, gateway to scientific.
The members of the NSF staff, colorfully attired in the orange and black NSF colors captivated the audience with a live performance of the NSF song.
The Keynote address at this grand ceremony, titled “Changing Landscape of Indian Science, Technology and Innovation” was delivered by Dr R A Mashelkar, National Research Professor and Chairman, National Innovation Foundation of India.
The Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka issued a special commemorative cover with a personalized stamp to honour the NSF’s immense contribution to the Science, Technology and Innovation sector in the country. The Ministry of Posts, Postal Services and Muslim Religious Affairs and the Department of Posts reiterated the valuable contribution made by the NSF by issuing the commemorative stamp at the anniversary celebrations.
A ballet on the History of Science was produced and shown at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of NSF. This was produced by Dr Channa Wijewardane and the script of the ballet was written by Mr Bandula Nanayakkarawasam.
The NSF publications, Reflections, NSF 50 years Voyage, Souvenir Booklet, special issue of the Journal of the National Science Foundation, ‘Vidurava’ and the book on ‘Natural Resources’ were launched at the event.
Emeritus Professor Vidya Jyothi C B Dissanayake from the University of Peradeniya and Emeritus Professor Vidya Nidhi M A K L Dissanayake from the National Institute of Fundamental Studies were honoured with life time awards for Science and Technology by the President on this occasion.
The Goldern Jubilee Celebration concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr Thamara F Dias, Additional Director of the NSF, who acknowledged the contribution made by all persons, to make this event a success.
Watch live recording of the BMICH event on NSF YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlVECZmjs-M&t=6684s
Watch live recording of the Staff felicitation ceramony held at the NSF auditorium on NSF YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbCpamulg7Q&t=816s