The National Science Foundation (NSF) has initiated the above project to promote science education through STEAM approach in 50 selected schools in the country. The project is implemented jointly with the Science Branch of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Corporate Social Responsibility Trust of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. This project is focused on eight different aspects namely making students sensitive to the environment by establishing a weather station at school, identifying ethnobotanical value of different plants species in the school premises and promoting agriculture in school community, improving science and mathematics education with STEAM approach, inculcating innovation culture at school level, developing science communication skills, raising awareness on nationally important issues, providing a platform to showcase talents and skills of students, creating awareness on STEAM Job market and improve students’ mental health thereby to develop a balanced individual.
The inaugural programme of this project was held at Rajasinghe Maha Vidyalaya, Colombo 9 on 27th August 2025 under the theme “Our Knowledge: Our Future” under patronage of the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The programme was initiated by hoisting national, school and NSF flags by Mr Y.L. Mohamed Navavi, Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Ranjani Perera, Principal of the School and Prof. Saman Seneweera, Chairman of the NSF respectively followed by the handing over of the relevant study packs and items for the school Math lab sponsored by the Commercial Bank, newly furnished Science Lab and school weather station established under the financial support of the NSF. Technical and in-kind support of the Department of Meteorology was provided for establishing the weather station. Skill development training sessions were conducted by the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) together with the industries namely Nature’s Secrets, AB Mauri Lanka Pvt. Ltd., Swisstek Aluminium Ltd., DIMO and Lanka Tiles Ltd.
The inaugural session was initiated by delivering welcome address by Mrs. Ranjani Perera, the Principal of the Rajasinghe M.V. and afterwards Dr Sepalika Sudasinge, Director General of the NSF addressed the audience highlighting role of the NSF in promoting science education. Prof. Saman Seneweera, Chairman of NSF also addressed students on the importance of science education for their future while Mr. Bandula Kumara, Director (Science), Ministry of Education briefed on the importance of science education. Mr Vijitha Weeratunge, Chairman of the VTA, created awareness on the importance of vocational training, while Mr Ranjith Premathilake, Director-Education Development Colombo zone also addressed the gathering. The Deputy Principal of the school, Ms. R.A.B. Malkanthi delivered the Vote of Thanks. St. Josephs Balika M.V., Hemamali Balika Vidyalaya, Jayanthi Vidyalaya, Wijayaba Vidyalaya, Lumbini College, Colombo 5, St. Josephs Boys College, Colombo also participated in the programme.
The students were divided into respective training sessions conducted as follows:
- Kids programme (grade 1-5) – Dr Jayantha Wattevidanage, Dr Gamini Piyadasa, Dr Dilrukshi Ranathunge, Mrs Maduaka Senarathne
- Origami Session: Riza Dilshard, President, Sri Lanka Origami Association and Team
- Parents and adult Students programme: Dr Lalendra Kathriarchchi and Dr Nupuni Waidyarathna, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
- Mushroom cultivation and urban agriculture programme - Prof. R.M. Dharmadasa, Mr. Mahinda Premarathne
- Weather station and exhibits, Ms Udari Fernando and Team from The Department of Meteorology
- Training session by Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute -
- Training sessions coordinated by the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka with the industry partners – AB Mauri Lanka Pvt (Ltd), Nature’s Secrets, Swisstek Ceylon Ltd., Lanka Tiles PLC and DIMO.
The programme was attended by around 450 students and teachers. The event was coordinated by Ms. Maduka Senaratne, Senior Scientific Officer and Ms. Abhimani Ranatunge, Scientific Officer of Science Communication and Outreach Division of the NSF and Ms. Avanthi Abesiriwardena, Science Teacher of Rajasinghe Maha Vidyalaya. The event was organized by the Science Communication and Outreach Division where lead role played by Dr Dilrukshi Ranatunga, Head of the Division under the guidance of the Director General, NSF.