One of the projects under the Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WEST) programme of NSF is aimed at leadership building of women in engineering, science and technology fields whilst connecting them with grassroot women entrepreneurs with a view to nurture grassroot women entrepreneurs to a higher level with excellence. Ultimate objective is to propel and enhance contribution from women in engineering, science and technology fields as well as grassroot entrepreneurs for socio-economic development. Accordingly, a forum was held under the theme 'Entrepreneurial Excellence' on 11.06.2024 at the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat which was organized by the NSF in collaboration with Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat and Sri Lanka chapter of Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World. An audience of around 150 consisting of scientists, technologists, grassroot entrepreneurs and development officers from the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat attended this event. Hon. (Dr) Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education was the Chief Guest of this occasion. A crucial item of this event was the networking session where the scientific community was linked with the grassroot entrepreneurs to establish cordial partnerships between both sectors. The event was organized under the guidance of Dr Sepalika Sudasinghe, Director General of NSF. This project will be implemented on continuous basis and the next step is to further strengthen the said partnerships with special attention to addressing needs of the grassroot entrepreneurs.
