SLIIT’s SciFest 2026 Inspires the Next Generation of Scientists and Innovators

The Department of Applied Sciences at the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, successfully hosted SciFest 2026 on 5th June 2026 at the SLIIT Malabe Campus. This annual science festival was designed to inspire both school and university students to explore the fields of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of real-world solutions.

The fourth edition of SciFest brought together approximately 300 participants, including school students, university undergraduates, academics, industry experts, and partners. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the event highlighted SLIIT’s ongoing commitment to advancing science education, fostering innovation, and strengthening ties between academia and industry.

The occasion was graced by Dr. Ruchira Wijesena, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker. Distinguished attendees included Prof. Lakshman Ratnayake, Chancellor and Chairman; Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost; Dr. Malitha Wijesundara, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences; Prof. Ayantha Gomes, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Colin N. Peiris, Dean, Academic Development and Quality Assurance; and Prof. Sriyani N. Peiris, former Head of the Department of Applied Sciences.

The judging panel comprised respected industry and academic professionals, including Dr. Lasantha Malavige, Chairman of Lassana Group; Dr. Dilan Fernando, Director of SLIIT Innovate; Mr. Niresh Ratnagopal, Head of Programs at Hatch Works (Pvt) Ltd.; Mr. Rishan Sampath, Manager of Dilmah Conservation & Sustainability; along with Prof. Eranga Wijesinghe and Prof. Nathali Silva representing SLIIT.

The Science Quiz Competition tested students’ knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Out of 30 schools from five provinces, four finalists competed at SLIIT. Vishvoda College, Kurunegala emerged as champions, while St. Mary’s College, Kegalle and Malabe Boys Model School secured first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

The IGNITE Innovation Competition brought together around 80 participants from school and university categories, encouraging them to present commercially viable scientific solutions. In the university category, Team SilenceSpeak from SLIIT, led by Dineth Shawinda Samarakoon, won first place for their sign-language interpretation glove. In the school category, H.P. Dulja Sanuli Karunasekara from WP/GM/Yasodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya secured first place with a project on dengue mosquito larvae detection.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Malitha Wijesundara, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, stated: “SciFest 2026 was created to help young minds see science beyond the classroom. By combining knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship, we encourage students to think critically, develop practical solutions, and understand how innovation contributes to society and the economy.”

SciFest 2026 was supported by ALTHIA and AVON Pharmo Chem as title sponsors, with U & P Global Tec as the premier partner. Additional support was provided by LifeCare Biotech, CeyDev, P&T, and Hemsons.

The winners were awarded a total of LKR 100,000 in cash prizes, along with medals, awards, and certificates in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

SLIIT aims to further expand SciFest in future editions to enhance science engagement, promote innovation, and nurture the next generation of Sri Lanka’s scientists and entrepreneurs.