TEDxKandy 2016: Advancing local innovation
View(s):Drawing inspiration from TEDx events in Sri Lanka and around the world, former TEDxColombo speaker Anoka Abeyrathne together with Heshika Deegahawathura, Ashraf Deen, Chanaka Herath and Chrishain Jayalath, with the assistance of a dedicated group of volunteers created a TED-like experience in Kandy which was well supported by the international TEDx team.
TEDx is a programme of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
The inaugural TEDxKandy event was held on Saturday, June 18 at the Trinity College Main Hall,featured a star speaker line-up under the theme of “Fostering Innovation” with Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala– former United Nations Under-Secretary- General, and Senior Advisor on Foreign Relations to the President of Sri Lanka, Ms. Sabina Omar – Head of Legal of Hirdaramani Group, Vihanga Perera–2014 Gratien Prize winner, Dr. Madhava Meegaskumbura – Senior Lecturer, University of Peradeniya and Evolutionary Biologist and Dr. Asitha Bandaranayake – Director of the Internet and Communication Services Unit.
The speakers made presentations on a fascinating array of topics from Sri Lanka in the global political sphere to sustainable development goals, to the empowerment of women to endemic frogs and evolution driven by reproduction to the new age of technology connecting Sri Lanka to the rest of the world.