The Science Research and Project Competition (SRPC) and Training Programme of the National Science Foundation (NSF), initiated in 2008 to inculcate a research culture among the school community in Sri Lanka. The programme consists of a strong training component, where students conduct their own research projects over a period of 5–6 months under the supervision of senior researchers appointed by the NSF. Progress is monitored through review workshops, during which students present their work to expert panels using PowerPoint presentations. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for students to receive expert advice, address gaps, and strengthen their projects.
The 2025 Progress Review Workshop marked a significant milestone for young researchers who began their projects in August 2025. Originally scheduled as a two‑day programme on 27–28 November 2025, the review featured four parallel sessions covering:
Session 1: Zoology, Environmental Science, and Microbiology
Session 2: Plant Sciences and Agricultural Sciences
Session 3: Health Sciences and Social Sciences
Session 4: Engineering, Technology, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences
Due to the Dithwa cyclone, the second day’s proceedings (28 November) were postponed and later rescheduled for 29 January 2026 at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo 07, ensuring that all participants had the opportunity to present their progress.
The Sessions were chaired by senior scientists and professionals, namely Dr Jayantha Wattavidanage, Prof. Inoka Perera, Dr Dilrukshi Ranathunge, Prof. M. Dharmadasa, Dr Pradeepika Saputhanthri, Prof. Manuj Weerasinghe, Dr Jithmal Meegoda, Dr Iresha Rathnayake, Prof. Janitha Liyanage, Dr N. Karthikeyan, Eng. Neil Abeysekara, Emeritus Professor Chandani Perera and Dr Gayan Illeperuma representing different subject areas. 104 projects of different disciplines were presented by 181 students from schools across the country.