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.