National Science Foundation (NSF) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) conducted the ‘Women Scientists’ Forum 2025’ which was held on 7th March 2025 from 02.30 p.m. to 03.30 p.m. in Colombo under the patronage of Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Hon. Prime Minister and Dr Chrishantha Abeysena, Hon. Minister of Science and Technology. The NSF organized this forum under its Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WEST) Programme. Mr Mohamed Navavi, secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology also attended the event along with senior officials from the Ministry.
Hon. Prime Minister addressing the audience, underlined that double burden of unpaid work is a significant barrier for the career advancement of female scientists which is one of the most pressing challenges faced by them which need facilitation and support as corrective measures. She also expressed the commitment to increase women in higher leadership positions in all sectors, including science. Hon. Minister of Science and Technology too took a similar stance highlighting the potential for women in science to thrive.
The audience comprised women scientists and engineers from diverse spectrum of organizations representing State as well as Non-State sector to the tune of 290. An audience engagement activity through the web application; ‘Menti-meter’ was a key item of the event where the audience enthusiastically answered 07 questions posed by the organizers focusing on different facets of the career-engagement of women in science. The summarized responses for each question displayed real-time on the main screen provided insights for all, including the decision-makers who were present. The event was organized under the guidance of Dr Sepalika Sudasinghe, Director General, and Prof. Saman Seneweera, Chairman, NSF
Link to the recording of this event: NSF Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WEST) programme - YouTube