Given the dynamic nature of the modern global economy, if any nation to become competitive, it is essential to educate young talent about innovation and entrepreneurship from an early stage. This education is not just about creating a business but nurturing innovative thinking and problem solving skills. Recognizing this national need and in alignment with the STEAM programme of the Ministry of Education, National Science Foundation has taken initiative jointly with the ‘Sivananthan Laboratories’, Illinois, US to nurture future innovation and entrepreneurial leaders. Accordingly, and on the advice of the Hon. Minister of Education, a meeting was held with the Prof Siva Sivananthan, CEO of Sivananthan Laboratories on 31.03.2024 at Shangila Hotel to discuss and arrive in consensus on joint modalities towards fostering STEAM educational approach in the proposed education policy in Sri Lanka.
NSF DG led the meeting and Prof Siva Sivananthan shed light on the ‘PROPEL Model’ and engagement of school students to nurture them to become future innovation and entrepreneurial leaders. Mr. Cyril Suduwella, Commissioner of Sri Lanka Inventors Commission and principals of schools namely Royal College, Visaka Vidyalaya, Muslim Ladies College and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidayalaya were also participated in the meeting. As initial phase of the roadmap of the ‘PROPEL Model’, a series of inspirational and educational sessions will be conducted online aimed at school students with an emphasis on aforementioned skills.