SLIIT successfully hosted its second annual SciFest on October 8, 2024, celebrating the groundbreaking innovations of young minds from schools nationwide. Organized by the Department of Applied Sciences of the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, this year’s event featured Emeritus Professor Ruchira Cumaranatunga from the University of Ruhuna as the distinguished guest.

SciFest 2024 introduced a thrilling new element, the ‘Young Innovators’ Competition,’ complementing its traditional quiz competition. Themed ‘Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Sri Lanka,’ the competition saw enthusiastic participation from schools and universities.

From 35 initial video submissions, 24 projects advanced to the finals after a rigorous selection process. Kottawa Ananda Maha Vidyalaya claimed first place with their ingenious ‘Elephant Protection Navigation System.’ St. Mary’s College, Kegalle, secured second place with their ‘Relief Timetable Allocator.’ The third position was a tie between two inventive projects: ‘The Automated Artist’ by Lakdas de Mel College, Kurunegala, and the ‘Smart Bridge’ from Kottambapitiya Muslim Central College.

Dr. Malitha Wijesundara, Dean of the SLIIT Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to have hosted SciFest 2024, a vibrant platform designed to ignite curiosity in science and inspire a passion for innovation. This event aims to cultivate creativity and foster the next generation of scientific thinkers.”

In the SLIIT category, eight projects reached the final round. A collaborative team from the Business School and Faculty of Computing triumphed with their project, ‘Lankan Legacy.’ The Faculty of Computing secured second place with their ‘Innovative Tree Branch Removing Device,’ while the Faculty of Engineering clinched third with their ‘Smart Energy Meter.’

Additionally, the event featured an engaging quiz competition for schools in the Western Province. The preliminary rounds attracted participants from 25 schools, showcasing widespread enthusiasm for scientific knowledge. Four institutions advanced to the semifinals: D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo 07; Nalanda College, Colombo 10; Horizon International School, Malabe; and Thakshila College, Gampaha. In the final round, D. S. Senanayake College emerged as the champion, with Nalanda College and Thakshila College securing the first and second runners-up positions, respectively.

SciFest 2024 highlighted the immense potential of Sri Lankan youth to address national challenges through innovation. The high-quality submissions, particularly in the Young Innovators’ Competition, underscored a promising technological future for the country. The event was meticulously organized by the Department of Applied Sciences under the leadership of Dr. Malitha Wijesundara, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, and Prof. Sriyani E. Peiris, Head of the Department of Applied Sciences.