Since 2002, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has proudly commemorated World Science Day for Peace and Development, as declared by UNESCO, in conjunction with its Annual Award Ceremony for Science Popularization. The event was held from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, on 4th November 2025, at the New Auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
The ceremony was graced by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, who attended as the Chief Guest while Mr Y.L. Mohamed Navavi, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, as the Guest of Honor. This year's celebration was conducted under the theme “Nature-Inspired Technology for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the intersection of scientific innovation and environmental stewardship.
The programme commenced with lighting the traditional Oil lamp followed by the Welcome Address delivered by the Director General of the National Science Foundation, Dr Sepalika Sudasinghe. The Chairman of the NSF, Dr Sudath Samaraweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Science Mr Y.L. Mohamed Navavi, and Hon Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena also addressed the audience.
Now a vibrant national celebration, the event drew over 1,500 participants—including students, teachers, principals, parents, scientists, undergraduates, and media personnel—both in-person and online. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Hiran Amarasekera, Professor of Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He discoursed sustainable science, technology and innovation in the context of AI igniting interest of audience in a new era of scientific development.
Adding dynamic and youthful energy to the programme school students who had excelled in national science competitions showcased their performance.
The ceremony’s centerpiece was the recognition of outstanding achievements by school students in NSF organized competitions and programmes conducted during 2024–2025. A total of 290 winners were recognized for their excellence in the following categories:
- Science Research Projects Competition – 2024
- Kids Naturalist Programme – 2024
- Science Competitions – 2025
- Best Performed Science Teacher in Science Popularization – 2025
- Star-Rating of NSF School Science Societies – 2025
This annual celebration continues to serve as an enabling platform for inspiring young minds, promoting scientific literacy, and recognizing the contributions of educators and students to science popularization in Sri Lanka.
Click here to view the proceedings of the event.