Taking science to the community for the wellbeing of the people constitutes a major function of the NSF for which a separate division, namely Science Communication and Outreach Division (SCOD), has been established. This Division is headed by Dr. Dilrukshi Ranatunga and its programmes are and designed conducted under the guidance of a competent Working Committee chaired by Dr. Jayantha Wattewidanage who is a veteran in science communication.
The SCOD over the years has established organic links with many schools and universities across the country and has conducted a wide range of community programmes with a view to improving science literacy of children and students. The NSF joined forces with the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in order to extend its outreach programmes for the benefit of the communities in remote, underserved villages of the country. As a part of this programme, an under-resourced village with a marginalized community, i.e. Kanatholuwa in Kuliyapitiya, was selected for development.
A visit was made to this village on the 11th September 2024 with a team from Sarvodaya and NSF in order to improve the socio-economic standard of the community through science and technology. In this connection, discussions were held with different segments of the community, including community leaders, men, women and children from primary and secondary classes. A public health inspector and a midwife from the Department of Health and the Grama Niladhari of the area also joined the discussion which was aimed at identifying the key health, social, cultural, educational and economic issues of the community. A database on each family including its interest, skills, issues, resources etc. will be developed so that issues could be dealt with while harnessing the strengths and competencies available so as to make Kanatholuwa an exemplary model village in the country.
It was gratifying to observe the active participation of both the adults and children in the activities conducted. The children were quite lively and communicative and their knowledge on environmental awareness was truly impressive. Dr. Wattewidanage, in his own inimitable style, conducted educational and awareness programmes in an interactive and participatory manner to the enthrallment of children.
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya Sharamadana Movement, Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Chairman, Dr. Dilrukshi Ranatunga, Ms. Apeksha Herath, Ms. Kanchana Harshani of the NSF and students from Wayamba and Open Universities representing Sasnaka Sansadaya took part in the community development programme.
More pictures are available on NSF Facebook album https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1046140827517802&type=3