In collaboration with the Department of Education, Southern Province, the National Science Foundation (NSF) organized a Research Capacity Building Programme on 11 February 2026 at the Department of Physics, University of Ruhuna. The event brought together selected teachers and school children, Zonal Science Directors from the 11 zones of the province, officers in charge of School Field Study Centres, and Science and Technology Officers of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mrs. KMM Nirmani, Director of Education, Southern Province, followed by remarks from Prof. D.H.N. Munasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna. Dr Dilrukshi Ranathunge, Head of the Science Communication and Outreach Division of NSF, introduced the role of NSF in fostering a research culture among the school community and outlined the objectives of the workshop.
Designed as an interactive programme, the workshop provided hands‑on experience in preparing research proposals. Resource Persons included, Prof. Lanka Ranawake, Department of Agricultural Biology, University of Ruhuna, Prof. G.D.K. Mahanama, Department of Physics, University of Ruhuna, Prof. Inoka Perera, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo and Ms. K.N. Samanthi, Information Officer, National Science Library and Resource Centre, NSF
The programme also featured inspiring student presentations. SKL Sasanya from Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya, Galle, who ranked among the top ten projects of SRPC 2024, shared her winning project and experiences, while her teacher Mrs PCD Perera highlighted the skill development and learning process gained through participation. Additionally, Dulithi Nethumsa Rodrigo from Sujatha Vidyalaya, a top ten achiever in the Kid Naturalist Programme, shared her nature observation experiences while her father, Mr. Malaka, emphasized the role of parents in supporting children’s curiosity through activities such as maintaining nature journals.
Participants engaged in a group activity on research proposal development, presenting and discussing proposals interactively to gain practical experience in scientific inquiry. The programme was coordinated by Mrs. Maduka Senarathne, Senior Scientific Officer of the NSF.