Sri Lankan students depart for Intel ISEF

Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena met with the winners of the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2013, Pasindu Wijesena from Ananda College, Colombo, Subhash Gamage and Rakhitha Malewana from Nalanda College, Colombo, and the runner up, Dinesh Kapuge from Mihintala Maha Vidyalaya, Mihintalaya, prior to their departure to the US to participate in the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair from the 12 to 17 May.

The Sri Lankan team will showcase a software system developed by Pasindu to assist the physically challenged, a unique computerised ridge cutting machine developed by Dinesh whilst the team from Nalanda would be sharing the results of their study on the effects of plant extract to increase platelet count in Wistar rats with induced low platelet count.

Speaking at the meeting, Bandula Gunewardena stated: “The ingenuity displayed by our students at the SLSEF continues to amaze us every year. I would like to thank Intel for sponsoring our finalists to take part in the ISEF. The event would provide our students with the opportunity to interact with innovators from around the world and bring back the learnings to our country. I wish them the very best.”

“Participating in international events such as the ISEF will help broaden the horizons for our students and help them go beyond their textbooks and in-class learning. I wish the finalists all the very best for the ISEF,” said Additional Secretary to the President Anura Dissanayake.

Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison office, Indika de Zoysa said: “Intel Sri Lanka is proud to work alongside the Ministry of Education, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and provide our students with an opportunity to showcase their talents at a global forum. I wish them the best of luck.”