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Sri Lanka, November 7 – Science and Technology Minister Professor Chrishantha Abeysena highlighted that science and technology are crucial factors in determining the nation’s sustainable future, noting that substantial efforts are underway to enhance governmental backing for these fields.

The Minister issued this statement while serving as the main guest at the 2025 Science Popularization Awards, which took place on November 4 at the Medical Facility of Colombo University, under the theme ‘Nature-Inspired Technology for Sustainable Development’. The gathering was hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF), operating under the oversight of the Science and Technology Ministry, to align with World Science Day, observed on November 10.

In acknowledgment of the exceptional performance of students in national science contests and the significant efforts of educators in advancing scientific knowledge, awards were given across these categories: Science Research Project Competition – 2024, Kid Naturalist Programme – 2024, School Science Competition – 2025, Lifetime Award for Promoting Science – 2025, and Star Rating for Active School Science Societies linked to the National Science Foundation – 2025.

At the gathering, Minister Abeysena remarked:

The government has given particular focus to the science and technology field as a key national priority. Acknowledging that science and technology play a crucial role in determining the country’s sustainable future, considerable measures have been implemented to boost funding and governmental backing for these areas.

The government views it as a national duty to encourage public understanding of science and critical thinking, and places particular emphasis on making scientific knowledge accessible to all parts of the population.

He further added:

Everyone recognizes the significance of science. New understanding and inventions emerge from scientific exploration. To tackle the issues of the future, we need to develop a generation equipped with knowledge, imagination, and hands-on abilities. Students are the first to engage in this process. The groundwork for numerous innovations is established during their time in school. Hence, initiatives that encourage science among young learners are the initial step in fostering curiosity and new breakthroughs in them.

Professor Hiran Amarasekara from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Sri Jayewardenepura University gave the main speech at the gathering.

The event was graced by Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Mohamed Navavi; National Science Foundation Chairman Dr. Sudath Samaraweera; Director General, Dr. Sepalika Sudasinghe; government representatives; researchers; tech experts; prize-winning students and educators; and family members.