The Science and Technology Policy Research Division (STPRD) of the National Science Foundation The National Science Foundation in collaboration with the Vidatha Unit of the Ministry of Science and Technology successfully conducted two-day workshop on Data Analysis using Advanced Excel & SPSS for Vidatha Officers/ Science and Technology Officers (STOs) of the Western Province.
One of the key roles played by the Vidatha Officers is to deal directly with communities to identify their problems and deliver possible solutions to them with the intervention of the government and other related stakeholders. Therefore, the said workshop was conducted with the intention of enhancing the data analysis skills of the said officers for accurate data handling, statistical analysis, and ultimately to support evidence-based decision making.
The program was conducted on 12th and 19th December 2025, as full-day sessions on these two packages at the Information Technology Resource Development Authority (ITRDA), Colombo 10. About forty-five participants gained hands-on experience in data analysis using the Advanced Excel and SPSS software packages and as such they benefited immensely from these workshops. As such, by participating in these workshops the Officers have gained knowledge by learning these packages from the experienced resource persons to full fill the above said objectives. It is also important to note that the NSF is expecting the training skills gained will enable their continuous professional development and this will effectively support their engagement in community development processes.