SLSEF picks four Sri Lankan students for Intel ISEF

Master P.C. Wijesena from Ananda College, Colombo, and Master R.S. Gamage and Master G.B.R.D. Malewana from Nalanda College, Colombo were adjudged the winners of the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2013 under the individual and group categories respectively.

The SLSEF features 10 best projects each from the Science Research Project Competition of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka and the Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition held by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL). The event that took place recently at the IESL auditorium is a prelude to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF).

Sponsored by Intel, the winners will take part in the 63rd Intel ISEF to be held from 12 to 17 May 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, along with the runner-up in the individual category – Master K.P.D.A.C. Kapuge from Mihintala Maha Vidyalaya, Mihintalaya and an adult-in-charge.

Master Wijesena had presented ‘Kinecto’ – a software system to assist the physically challenged with using a computer at the event while Master Kapuge had demonstrated a ridge cutting machine. Master Gamage and Master Malewana, the team from Nalanda, shared the results of their study on the effects of plant extract to increase platelet count in Wistar rats with induced low platelet count.

Congratulating the winners, Indika de Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison Office, said: “Working with the SLSEF for the sixth consecutive year, we have been striving to provide students an opportunity to showcase their cutting edge ideas at this forum and gain global exposure. I wish the winners all the very best and look forward to seeing them at the Intel ISEF.”

Speaking at the event, Prof. Rezvi Sheriff, Chairperson, Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and Panel of Judges of SLSEF, stated: “Sri Lanka is working its way towards creating a knowledge-based economy and competitions such as the SLSEF are essential to encourage the younger generation in research, development and creative innovation. I’m confident that our young minds will make the most of this opportunity and wish them the best of luck for the ISEF.”

As the world’s largest pre-college science fair, and the only global science competition for students in grades 9-12, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), a program of the Society for Science and the Public, encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and solve the problems of tomorrow. Over the past five years, 21 Sri Lankan students have participated at Intel ISEF while over 10 officials have attended the Intel Educator Academy. Sri Lanka has won two grand awards and four special awards to date at the event.