• Intel ISEF 2012 Finalists with Hon. Minister of Education
• Celebrating! 5 Years of Intel® Education in Sri Lanka
• Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forums in Central Province
• Intel® Teach Pre-service Forum for National Colleges of Education
• Signing of Addendum for Donation of Classmate PCs MoU
• Launch of Intel® Teach in North Western Province
• Introduction of Intel® Teach Elements to International Schools
• Teacher Forum & Felicitation Ceremony in Uva Province
• Launch of Intel® Teach in Southern Province
• Felicitation of Intel ISEF 2010 Winner
• Re-launch of Skoool.lk Web Site
• Teacher Felicitation Ceremony in Sabaragamuwa Province
• Sri Lankan Children at Intel International Science & Engineering Fair 2010

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The winners of the Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF) 2011 - Chathura Saman Kumara from Pinnawala Central College, Rambukkana, Maleen Wijeratna from Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, and a team comprising Pipunika Vimanthi Silva and Nipun Kavishka Silva from De Mazenod College, Kandana will travel to Pittsburgh, PA in the USA to represent Sri Lanka at the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) from the 14th through 18th of May 2012. The participants met with Education Minister, the Hon. Bandula Gunawardena today (8th of May), prior to their departure to the US.

These participants will showcase an array of innovative and advanced projects including a multifunctional pair of shoes by Saman Kumara, a new way to predict rainfall based on star patterns by Wijeratne and a computer programme built for the visually impaired by the team from De Mazenod College. They will be competing with over 1,500 students in grade 9- 12 from around the world for nearly US $4 million in awards and scholarships.

Picture from left: Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Pipunika, Maleen, Hon. Bandula Gunawardana, Nipun, Chathura, and Mr. Anura Dissanayake

Over the past four years, 17 students have participated at Intel ISEF while over ten officials have attended the Intel Educator Academy. Sri Lanka has won two grand awards and three special awards to date.

In addition the local student participants, a group of officials will also be attending Intel® Educator Academy, happening co-currently with Intel ISEF. The objective of Intel ® Educator Academy is to build upon science competitions to help drive the improvement of mathematics and science education and increase the effectiveness of science fair competitions. A team comprising of Prof. Rizvi Sheriff (Chairperson of Scientific Review Committee of Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair), J. Meegoda (Chairperson of Junior Inventor of the Year competition at the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka) and Nadeera Jayaweera (Organizer of Science Research Projects Competition at the National Science Foundation) will be participating in Intel ® Educator Academy this year.

Intel Sri Lanka celebrated the culmination of its fifth year supporting education through IT in Sri Lanka with its ‘Education Pavilion’ – at Infotel 2011 which was opened on 2nd December 2011 by the Hon. Minister of Education for Sri Lanka, Bandula Gunawardena.

Infotel, the biennial IT exhibition dubbed the ‘Premier’ IT exhibition in Sri Lanka, is known to showcase the latest and greatest in IT, bringing together industry experts and innovative concepts and providing an opportunity for locals to experience and understand new technologies first hand. The ‘Education Pavilion’ at this exhibition, put together by Intel Sri Lanka, highlights Intel’s success stories among school students and teachers showcasing over 20 activities by the schools that have excelled in use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The exhibition will also feature presentations by industry experts looking at the future in education and IT.

The four-day exhibition was open to the public from December 2nd through the 5th from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm at the BMICH.

Hon. Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena, Hon. Senior Minister Tissa Vitharana, Secretary Ministry of Education Mr. H. M. Gunasekera, Additional Secretary to H.E. the President Sri Lanka Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Managing Director of Sales & Marketing Group Intel South Asia R. Sivakumar, Corporate Affairs Group Manager Intel South Asia Mr. Kishore Balaji, Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Vice President of Learning Links Foundation India Ms. Nuriya Ansari along with education officials, special guests, principals, teachers, students and officials of INFOTEL 2011 and Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) participated at the event.

Picture from left: Ms. Nuriya Ansari, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Mr. R. Sivakumar, Hon. Bandula Gunawardana, Mr. H. M. Gunasekera, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, and Mr. Kishore Balaji

The ‘Education Pavilion’ displayed a diverse variety of projects, ranging from Android apps, teaching and learning packages, online TV and radio stations etc from 20 schools across the island. The schools represented include Royal College, Colombo; Sammanthurai Muslim MMV, (Eastern); Paanakawa MV (Sabaragamuwa); Kandy Model School, Pologolla (Central Province); Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo; Ananda College, Colombo; Dr. N.M. Perera Central College, Yatiyanthota (Sabaragamuwa); Nalanda College, Colombo; St. Mary’s College, Trincomalee (Eastern); Gnanodata MV, Divulapitiya (Western Province); Siri Mihindu MV, Radawadunna (Western); Siddhartha MV, Horabokka (Uva); Rambuka MV (Sabaragamuwa); and Sri Sumana MV, Mahalakotuwa (Central Province), Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo; Rambuka MV (Sabaragamuwa); Sri Rahul Balika Vidyalaya, Malambe (Western); Sri Sumana MV, Mahalakotuwa (Central); Dewananda MV, Mirahawatta (Uva); Ambatenna Pushpadana MV (Central); Lunugala Yodaweva MV, Monaragala (Uva).

Intel Sri Lanka has engaged in several initiatives to promote the use of IT in education among schools, including launching the Intel® Teach Program in Sri Lanka. Intel® Teach Program equips teachers with the necessary skills to effectively integrate technology in their teaching and supports peer-to-peer education among the students. In addition, Intel encourages the use of IT in creativity and innovation among local students via SLSEF under the Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair), which is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, bringing together hundreds of talented local youth.

Intel also provides teachers and students online access to global science and mathematics resources and tools localized in Sinhala and Tamil to help improve learning through the skoool.lk web site, and has donated Classmate PCs island wide via the Intel World Ahead Program, which aims to implement effective-learning environments that help prepare students for success in a changing world.

On 4th October 2011, the Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum was held at Education Office in Nuwara Eliya.

Picture from left: Ms. G. Sasikala St. Joshep's TMV Maskeliya, Mr.W.D.S.A.K.Weerasinghe Ambagamuwa MV, Mr. L. Ranasinghe Principal Paynter Memorial MV Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Mahinda Zonal IT coordinator Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Bodaragama Zonal IT Coordinator Hatton, Mr. Boragolla Project Manager EKSP Central Province, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka, Mr. S. Anton Ignacious Talawakelle TMV Talawakelle, Mrs. D. Nimali Hewage Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya

Picture from left: Mrs. Dhammika Herath Deputy Principal Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya, Ms. G. Sasikala St. Joshep's TMV Maskeliya, Mrs. Lindakumbura Sumana CC Talawakelle, Mrs. N. A. C. Erandathi St. Gabriel's BMV Hatton. (Back row) Mr. Roshan Samaradeera Vidulipura MV Hatton, Mr. L. Ranasinghe Principal Paynter Memorial MV Nuwara Eliya, Mr. S. Anton Ignacious Talawakelle TMV, Mr. Bodaragama Zonal IT Coordinator Hatton, Mr. Mahinda Zonal IT Coordinator Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Boragolla Project Manager EKSP Central Province, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka, Ms. Dissanayake Denike MV Hanguranketha

On 27th September 2011, the Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum was held at St. Thomas' College in Matale.

Picture from left: Mr. Chandana Weera Wijaya Wimalarathne MV Inamaluwa, Mr. A. G. Wijekoon Buddhagosha MV Matale, Mr. Boragolla Project Manager EKSP Central Province, Mr. Y. M. M. S. Yapa Zonal Director of Education Matale, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka, Mr. G. A. Yasapala Principal Sigiriya MV, A. M. Noor Mohamed Principal Ajmeer NS and Principal Madawala Ulpotha MV

Intel® Teach pre-service forum for National Colleges of Education (NCoE) was held on 30th September 2011 at CETRAC in Battaramulla. Directors of NCoE at Ministry of Education, Presidents of all National Colleges of Education and key lecturers were present at the occation.

Certificates were awarded to all those lecturers and student teachers who successfully completed Intel® Teach training program at their respective NCoEs.

Picture: Directors, Presidents and Lecturers of National Colleges of Education with Intel Education Manager and Intel Teach training team

On 29th September, 2011, Intel together with the Ministry of Education signed an addendum for the donation of an additional 100 Classmate PCs to the World Ahead programme. This addendum is a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2008 for the donation of 500 PCs to be set up across the country with Internet access, digital content, and other activities. Through this programme, Intel works to implement an effective eLearning environment that prepares students for success in a changing world.The Intel® World Ahead programme delivers education resources in the forms of technology.

Picture from Left : Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Hon. Bandula Gunawardana, Mr. H. M. Gunasekera, and Mr. Anura Dissanayake

On 20th September 2011, the Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum was conducted for officials of the Wayamba Ministry of Education in Kurunegala as the first step in launching the world renowned teacher professional development program in the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka.

The forum was attended by Zonal Directors of Education and other officials in the Southern province of Sri Lanka and was an introduction to the Intel Teach In-service Teacher Training program. Prior to introducing the Intel Teach program, the Forum discussed the present status of ICT in the Wayamba province of the country while laying out the vision for the future role of ICT, especially in education in the province.

The Chief Guest Assistant Secretary of Wayamba province Mr. H. M. Karunarathna said "Wayamba province is almost competing with Western province in most of the education indicators and extremely happy that the Intel Teach program has come to help them further by incorporating 21st century skills into teaching and learning process in the education system".

The Additional Director of Education Mrs. N. H. Premawathie, Additional Director of Education IT Ven. Telambugammana Chandananda Thero, Procurements Specialist of EKSP Mrs. L. S. Senanayake , Wayamba Project Manager of EKSP Mr. U. P. Uyangoda, Zonal Directors, ICT Coordinators, In-Service-Advisors and Intel Education Program Manager Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu along with Intel Education team were the other participants at the event.

Picture from left: Ven. Telambugammana Chandananda Thero, Mr. U. P. Uyangoda, Mrs. N. H. Premawathie, Mr. H. M. Karunarathna, Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu and Mrs. L. S. Senanayake

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka June 29th, 2011 – Today at the Crystal Ball Room of Hotel Taj Samudra, Intel introduced Intel® Teach Elements online courses to the International Schools of Sri Lanka for the first time.

Intel® Teach Elements is a new series of just-in-time, compelling professional development courses designed for busy teachers. Each of these interactive, e-learning courses provides deeper exploration of key 21st century learning concepts and strategies for ICT integration using: animated tutorials and audio dialogues to explain concepts; interactive quizzes and knowledge-checking exercises; and offline action planning activities to apply concepts with their students.

Principals, administrators and teachers of several International Schools participated at the event and got first hand experience about the new online courses and was very eager to implement them in their schools.

Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager of Intel EM Ltd spoke about the worldwide activities of Intel and what Intel has been doing in the education space in Sri Lanka. Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu Intel Education Manager for Sri Lanka introduced Intel® Teach Elements and the Intel® Teach team led by Mr. Dulip Gunasekara demonstrated the use of online courses to the audience.

The course material was provided free of charge to all participants to implement at their schools.

MONARAGALA, Sri Lanka May, 2011 – Intel has forged ahead once again with their continued participation in the upliftment of ICT in Sri Lanka by empowering teachers from the Uva Province in the Monaragala District. They were felicitated at the culmination of the Intel Teach programme held at the Mahanama College, Monaragala. These recipients will be responsible for ushering in a new generation of ICT skilled professionals through the progress and new developments and opportunities available. The Chief Minister for the Uva province, Hon. Shashindra Rajapaksa was the special guest at this occasion.

Picture: Hon. Chief Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa addressing the gathering

During this event, the Hon. Chief Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa gave away certificates to 150 new Intel Teach Master teachers for successfully completing the Intel® Teach teacher professional development program and subsequent training of their fellow teachers. Special plaques were also presented to Principals of high performing schools and master teachers.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Shashindra Rajapaksa, province said, “It is heartening to see the involvement of companies like Intel making headway in providing ICT to these areas which have been deprived of technology. This should be an example to others as well.”

Speaking at the occasion, Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd said, “This is a new beginning for the people of the Monaragala District. We are determined to aggressively push for the development of ICT in such far out places in Sri Lanka and our efforts will herald a new beginning in the ICT sector in these areas.”

The Intel® Teach Program improves teacher effectiveness through professional development, helping teachers integrate technology into their lessons and promoting students' problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Working with the National Colleges of Education around the country to train Teacher Educators and student teachers Intel Teach is the largest, most successful program of its kind and has, to date, trained over 19,000 government teachers around the country and over 2,500 teachers in Uva province.

An End of Training (EoT) Analysis of Intel® Teach in-service program of 2010 conducted by Lanka Market Research Bureau (LMRB) revealed that over 95% of these teachers have benefited through integration of technology into their teaching and passed on illustrated effective uses to their students and their school work. Accordingly, over 19,000 government teachers have been trained around the country with over 2,500 teachers in Uva province.

Prior to the event Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education who supports Intel Education initiative through Education for Knowledge Society Project (EKSP) stated, “This is the ideal platform for teachers to mould a new society of teachers who will pass on their knowledge and expertise to another ICT skilled generation.”

Present at the occasion were the Hon. Shashindra Rajapaksa, Chief Minister of Uva province, Mr. R. M. P. Rathnayake, Provincial Director of Education Uva province, Anura De Silva, EKSP Project Manager Uva province and his project team, Ananda Rathnayake, Additional Director of Education Uva province, and Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager. Several other provincial officials, Zonal Directors, ICT Coordinators, Principals of Intel Teach Master Teachers, the Intel Teach training team were also present to mark this special occasion.

On 21st December 2010, the Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum was conducted for officials of the Ministry of Education in Unawatuna, Galle as the first step in launching the world renowned teacher professional development program in the Southern province of Sri Lanka.

The forum was attended by Zonal Directors of Education and other officials in the Southern province of Sri Lanka and was an introduction to the Intel Teach In-service Teacher Training program. Prior to introducing the Intel Teach program, the Forum discussed the present status of ICT in the Southern province of the country while laying out the vision for the future role of ICT, especially in education in the province.

The Chief Guest Provincial Director of Education Mr. Kithsiri Liyanagamage thanked Intel for introducing a world class teacher training programme to Southern province. The Additional Director of Education and Project Manager of EKSP Mr. B. Jayatissa mentioned that the Intel Teach is the best teacher training programme they have received upto now as per the feedback from other provinces.

Picture from left: Mr. Dulip Gunasekara Manager Training Team, Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd, Mr. Kithsiri Liyanagamage Director of Education Southern Province, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager, Mr. B. Jayatissa Additional Director of Education Southern Province/Project Manager EKSP

On 29th July 2010 at a ceremony held at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Education, young Ganindu Nanyakkara was felicitated by the Minister of Education, Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, and Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group, General Manager, Intel World Ahead Program Intel Corporation, John Davis for his outstanding achievements at the 61st Intel International Science & Exhibition Fair which was held in San Jose, California in May, 2010. The felicitation ceremony was attended by leading officials from both the Ministry of Education and Intel likewise.

Ganindu Nanayakkara who was part of the 5 member team that represented Sri Lanka at the Intel ISEF performed exceptionally well to pick up four awards under the theme – “Computer Controlling Wireless Device For Handicapped People.” Firstly Ganindu was successful in taking top honours when he won the Intel ISEF Grand Award for Computer Science. This was followed by yet another top notch performance when he came in first and was presented with an award from the China Association for Science & Technology. Symantec Corporation then gave away a runners-up award to Ganindu. In addition Nanayakkara was presented with a special award of repute from the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance/ The Lemelson Foundation.

Picture from left: Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Hon. Bandula Gunawardana, Mr. John Davies, Mast. Ganindu Nanayakkara, and Mr. Sunil Sirisena

Ganindu is a student of Ananda College, Colombo 10 who represented the Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition of IESL at the Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (SLSEF). The SLSEF is a partnership of the Ministry of Education, National Science Foundation, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and Intel since 2007.

Skoool.lk Web site was inaugurated at a ceremony on 29th July 2010, which took place at the official auditorium of the Ministry of Education located at Isurupaya, Battaramulla. The web site would provide valuable tools that are set to revolutionize the level of learning.

Skoool.lk on which the skoool™ learning and teaching program is found offers teachers and students the necessary tools and resources to focus on enhancing the level of education in a better and far more engaging way that is thought to improve the art of learning. The launch of the web site owes its origins to when a MoU was signed for the pilot project of skoool™ to be initiated in November, 2007.

At present the web site boasts as having all the resources in the English language which in turn will reach a wider audience. Hence it is hoped that more teachers will use this web site as a source and tool in reaching their students efficiently.

Various officials from the Ministry of Education and Intel were present at the ceremony hailed by many as the dawn of a new chapter in the skoool™ program and the company’s continued drive and support in reshaping the level of education in this country.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Minister of Education, Bandula Gunawardana said, “The skoool™ learning and teaching program has provided both teachers and students with an insight on how to improve the level of education in this country. The methods given are extremely user friendly and will go a long way in enhancing our students’ level of knowledge in the fields of mathematics and science and technology. I earnestly hope that all students will stand to benefit from this website as it provides various tools that will eventually make them better learners in due course.”

In addition Sunil Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Education went onto say that “Intel has always found innovative ways to best address the level of education in Sri Lanka. The introduction of the skoool™ program has been deemed as successful by various parties that were fortunate to use it. The launching of the web site is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for all those concerned.”

The Additional Secretary and Director of the Education for Knowledge Society Project of the Ministry of Education, Anura Dissanayake highlighted the fact that, “Through such a program teachers and students are being brought together in an environment that would not only benefit the students by offering various tools for study but also gives the teachers the opportunity to fine tune their skills and adapt to different situations they might not have faced some time back.”

Indika De Zoysa, The Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd, addressing the gathering stated that “With the launch of the web site, Intel aims to reach all corners of Sri Lanka through an efficient and thorough method which will bring together teachers and students and provide them with the tools required to help improve the standard of education in a far more engaging way.”

Picture from left: Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Mr. John Davies, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Hon. Bandula Gunawardana, and Mr. Sunil Sirisena

Special invitees from the President’s Office, ICT Agency, Universities, Education for Knowledge Society Project, National Institute of Education, National Science Foundation and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka gathered in offering support towards the launch. Intel was also well represented at the occasion with Vice President, Mr. John Davies, the Intel Teach training team and the marketing team being present.

The skoool™ learning and teaching program was recognized at the United Nations World Summit on ICT in 2003. Following this Skoool™ also achieved a unique feat when it won the UK BETT Show Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching three years later.

Intel can yet again pride themselves in believing that they have continued to pioneer and uplift the standard of IT in Sri Lanka. To mark another significant accomplishment, teachers of the Sabaragamuwa province who partook of the Intel Teach Program were felicitated at a ceremony held on 14th July 2010 at the Samudhi Hall, New Town, Ratnapura. Leading officials from the province were present at the occasion.

Those present saw the awarding of certificates to 228 Intel Teach Master Teachers for successfully completing the Intel Teach Teacher Professional Development Program. It was further revealed that their exploits had not only ushered in a new age in terms of IT but had also inculcated their knowledge and training to more than 2,600 additional teachers in the Sabaragamuwa province.

Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd prior to the event said, “Our efforts have indeed heralded a new beginning in the IT sector in this country. The turnout in support of this program has been outstanding and today we are extremely happy to recognize each and every person for their efforts put in.” Hon. Sabaragamuwa Provincial Minister for Infrastructure Development and Tourism Athula Kumara Rahubadda said, “Today we see the result of a successful public and private sector partnership and I thank Intel for their selfless service to develop the teachers in the Sabaragamuwa province which contributed immensely towards the schools of Sabaragamuwa province getting the 1st place in ICT.”

Standing from left: Mrs. S. M. C. N. Sampaya, Ms. W. Champika Kumuduni, Mr. R. Abeysinghe, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Hon. Athula Kumara Rahubadda, Mr. P. Kodithuwakku, Mr. S. Kuruppuarachchi, Mr. A. H. Bandara Wickramsinghe, Mrs. M. P. Nawalage, Principal Mahanaga M.V.

Along with the Hon. Minister several other dignitaries from Sabaragamuwa province that were present to congratulate and motivate the teachers included Mr. P. Kodithuwakku, Chief Secretary, Mr. H. P. Kularathne, Education Secretary, Mr. R. Abeyasinghe, Director of Education, Mr. S. Kuruppuarachchi, EKSP Project Manager, and Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager, Sri Lanka. Several other provincial officials, Zonal Directors, ICT Coordinators, Principals of Intel Teach Master Teachers, the Intel Teach training team to whose efforts cannot be discounted or compromised and most importantly the recipients of the awards were present to mark this special occasion.

Moreover the Intel Teach Program which was introduced to the province in April of last year has undoubtedly enabled and empowered these teachers to engage their students with novel tools with the usage of technology in learning, thinking and communicating. It enhances their prowess in being more effective educators when dealing on how to promote problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills through modern day technology amongst students. The program comes across as being the largest and most successful of its kind.

On the whole the program carried out in various provinces in Sri Lanka can be undoubtedly deemed an overwhelming and remarkable success owing to the fact that over 14,000 teachers were subject to its teaching and training and have at present gained the required knowledge on how to set up a suitable base and environment for their students.

Additionally the End of Training (EoT) analysis carried out by the Lanka Market Research Bureau (LMRB) last year has supported and further given weight to the success story of the Intel Teach Program. Among the figures released it was learnt that over 90% of teachers thought that the program had indeed aided them in forging new teaching strategies for the benefit of their students. Furthermore 83% of teachers stated that the training they had received had given them the confidence to integrate technology into their teaching while a staggering 98% confessed that the skills learnt had been successful in making technology a part of their students curriculum.

Prior to the event Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education who supports Intel Education initiative through Education for Knowledge Society Project (EKSP) advised that “These teachers now have the capability to mould a new society with empowered generation that can be relied upon to take Sri Lanka into the future.” Hon. Minister also gave away plaques to Sabaragamuwa province officials, EKSP officials, principals of high performing schools and high performing master teachers for their support and services rendered towards the program. A special plaque was presented to Intel in recognition of the valuable contribution provided to the Sabaragamuwa province through Intel Teach programme.

Standing from left: Mr. Kasun, Mr. P. Kodithuwakku, Hon. Athula Kumara Rahubadda presenting a plaque to Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, and Mr. R. Abeysinghe at the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony of Sabaragamuwa Province on 14th July 2010 at Samudhi Hall Ratnapura

Picture from left: (Back row) Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry, Dr. Jayantha Watta Vidanage, Eng. Jayantha Ranatunga, Eng. Jayavilal Meegoda, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Eng. Prasad Siriwardana and (Front row) Students Lasith Lakmal, Vinushi Kulawansa, Ganindu Nanayakkara, Adeesha Udayarekha, Maduranga Karunajeewa and Samantha Nanayakkara

The winners of the annual Sri Lanka Science and Engineering Fair (SLSEF), R. A. Dimalka Maduranga Karunajeewa of Ruwanwella Rajasinghe Maha Vidyalaya, Ganindu Nanayakkara Ananda College, T. Lasitha Lakmal, H. D. Vinushi Lakshani Kulawansa and G. K. Adeesha Udayarekha of Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya in Kalutara represented Sri Lanka at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from 9th to 14th of May, 2010 in San Jose, California.

SLSEF is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and Intel.

The innovative ideas showcased by the Sri Lankan contingent at Intel ISEF 2010 were a safe motorcycle side stand by Karunajeewa, a computer controlling wireless device for the differently abled by Nanayakkara and a study of the effects of the moon's position on the water composition of honey in bee hives by Adeesha, Vinushi and Lasith.

The two individual projects were the products of Junior Inventor of the Year (JIY) competition of IESL and the group project was a product of Science Research Projects Competition (SRPC) of NSF.

The highlight of the event for Sri Lanka was that Ganindu Nanayakkara of Ananda College, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka who represented SLSEF through JIY competition of IESL won the following awards with their values.

1. First Place - Intel ISEF Grand Award for Computer Science category (USD 3,000).
2. First Place - China Association for Science and Technology (USD 3,000).
3. Second Place - Symantec Corporation (USD 1,000).
4. Special Award - National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance/The Lemelson Foundation (USD 1,000).

Parallel to the Intel ISEF 2010 where over 1,600 competitors from over 60 countries participated, Intel Educator Academy was held for over 160 educators from over 25 countries. The Sri Lanka delegation comprised of Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry the Vice Chairman of University Grants Commission (Chairperson Scientific Review Committee of SLSEF and Advisory Committee of Science Promotion of NSF), Dr. Jayantha Watta Vidanage a Senior Lecturer from Open University of Sri Lanka (Member Scientific Review Committee of SLSEF and Advisory Committee of Science Promotion of NSF), Eng. J. Meegoda Chief Engineer of Ceylon Electricity Board (Chairperson Junior Inventor of the Year competition of IESL) and Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka (Fair Director of SLSEF).

More information at http://rta.schoolnet.lk/