News

Empowering Women in Science: SLAAS Women’s Day Celebration

Published

4 weeks ago

2025/03/19

Panelists Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Anuradaha Amarakoon and Gayani de Alwis. Prof. Ramani D Wijesekara was the moderator.

The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) hosted an inspiring Women’s Day celebration, emphasising the contributions and challenges of women in science. The event, held in a vibrant and inclusive setting, brought together distinguished female professionals, and aspiring scientists from various institutions, namely: University Grants Commission, Advanced Technological Institute, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka National Chapter of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (SLNC-OWSD), Fairway Biotech (Pvt) Ltd, Women in Engineering Institute of electrical and electronic engineering (WIE-IEEE), Iinstitution of Engineers Sri Lanka, Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS), and Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) to foster discussions on gender equality and empowerment in STEM fields .

The gathering was welcomed by Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, the General President of SLAAS, who set the stage with insightful remarks on the significance of recognising and supporting women in scientific careers.

A notable highlight of the event was the Keynote Address by Inoka Liyanagama, Director of Customer Interface Transformation at MAS Holdings. Her speech underscored the importance of leadership and innovation, inspiring many young women to strive for excellence in their respective scientific domains.

The event’s central attraction was a Panel Discussion titled Women in Science – Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Path Forward. The panel featured a lineup of distinguished female professionals, including:

· Gayani de Alwis, Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka

· Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Founder & Chief Scientist of Gene labs Medical (Pvt) Ltd.

Anuradha Amarakoon, Manager of Process Excellence at MAS Legato Pvt Ltd.

The discussion was moderated by Prof. Ramanee D Wijesekera, Immediate Past General President of SLAAS. Gayani de Alwis emphasised the importance of gender equality in modern economic development and the need for more female representation in decision-making roles. She shared her journey of overcoming industry biases and provided advice on leadership and career progression for young women interested in the field.

Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa shed light on the role of women in medical research and biotechnology, detailing her experiences in leading Genelabs Medical. She highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, research collaborations, and mentorship opportunities to encourage more women to engage in medical sciences.

Anuradha Amarakoon spoke about process excellence and operational efficiency in corporate environments. She addressed challenges faced by women in achieving leadership positions and stressed the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience in professional growth.

Following the panel discussion, Dr. Charithri Yapa, Vice Chairperson of IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasising the need for continued advocacy and support for women in science and technology.

The event was sponsored by Unilever Sri Lanka, Hemas consumer brands, Pure Herb Inventions (pvt) Ltd, Reckitt Benckiser, acknowledging the contributions of organisations that support gender equality initiatives in STEM.

The formal proceedings concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Iresha Attanayake, Joint General Secretary of SLAAS. Her remarks expressed gratitude to the speakers, organisers, and attendees for making the event a success.

The celebration ended on a high note with a Networking session, where participants engaged in meaningful conversations, formed new connections, and shared their aspirations for the future. The SLAAS Women’s Day event not only recognised the incredible achievements of women in science but also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and empowerment. It reinforced the importance of creating inclusive opportunities and continuing to inspire future generations of women in STEM.

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Let us commit ourselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year – PM

Published

22 hours ago

2025/04/14

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her message for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, called upon all Sri Lankans to commit themselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year.

The full text of the prime minister’s message

“Let us step into the New Year with renewed hope and a vision, as we continue to work together toward “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.”

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the Sinhala and Tamil people of Sri Lanka, who celebrate the New Year in unity and generosity.

This New Year dawns at a moment when a new change is essential in every aspect of our lives. This traditional festivity reminds us to bring about positive change that is deep rooted in our culture and values, and move forward together in unity.

In recent years, the economic crisis made even the thought of celebrating the New Year a painful experience for many. However, the courageous efforts of the people to break free from a cycle of corruption and fraud, has led the path for the emergence of a new beginning.

Thus, the 2025 New Year marks a significant turning point. It is a year where communities from the North, South, East, and West unite and continue to work together under democratic principles to build a better future. In the upcoming month of May, the people’s aspirations will once again bear fruit.

At this moment when a new chapter begins with the New Year, I urge every citizen to act with respect, peace, and compassion in community. Let us commit ourselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year.

To all Sri Lankans celebrating Sinhala and Tamil New Year, I wish the nation is blessed with the strength, unity, and new energy needed for meaningful transformation and a prosperous tomorrow.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!”

Latest News

Let us collectively support the government’s vision for economic, social, and political transformations – President

Published

24 hours ago

2025/04/14

Priyan

In his message for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called upon all Sri Lankans to collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation.

The full text of the President’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year message –

“As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.

It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social and political advancement. The successes we have thus far achieved rightfully belong to the people of this country, whose steadfast trust, as expressed in the most recent Presidential and General Elections, has been the driving force behind this transformative journey.

As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges. We are implementing well-considered plans to address the multifaceted challenges confronting our country, both in terms of national development and within the broader geopolitical landscape.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is our solemn responsibility, particularly at this time of renewal, to nurture those values within ourselves and to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.

Moreover, the rituals associated with the sun’s transition are underpinned by the universal aspiration to create a renewed individual, one free from outdated thoughts and attitudes. The New Year, therefore, offers us an invaluable opportunity to embrace renewal in our own lives.

As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity and goodwill. Let us collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation and thereby ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.

May this New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, renewed hope and abundant prosperity in your journey towards ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year! “

Latest News

Sun directly overhead Delft, Pooneryn, Elephant pass and Chundikulam at about 12:10 noon today (14th)

Published

1 day ago

2025/04/14

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 14th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Delft, Pooneryn, Elephant pass and Chundikulam at about 12:10 noon.