Sunday Times 2
Inventions and innovations: Explore Aladdin’s cave of wonders
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- Prof. Rangika Halwatura
Three middle school girls from Madakumbura Maha Vidyalaya, Karandeniya have discovered an almost costless method of developing cinnamon soap — one of the most expensive toiletries on earth. Young T. H. Shashikala Maduwanthi, T. H. Shanika Maduwanthi and M. A. Jayani Lakmali have turned waste water into a priceless commodity.
There is also the ‘magic power’ helmet invented by Gayan Udara of the Gemunu Regiment, which ensures that a motorbike cannot be started unless the helmet is properly fitted and unless the wearer is sober.
There is the whole width and breadth of the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre to explore — from rain gutter covers and bees’ honey cupcakes to white canes with vibrators. Sahasak Nimavum 2019, the International exhibition for Inventions and Innovations, held from 20 to 22 September, promises to be an Aladdin’s cave of wonders.
Prof. Rangika Halwatura, Commissioner, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, said the exhibition is part of the commission’s commitment to promote local inventors.
Four categories of inventors have been declared: school, university, open and commercial.
Regional level screenings for new inventions start every year in April. All regional winners get to exhibit at the SLECC. At the end of the exhibition, the top places will be awarded in each category. But, says Dr. Halwatura, this is only part of the process.
The exhibition is also meant to create a bridge between the private sector and the inventors so that private companies can invest on inventions.
Also, he pointed out, many
Sri Lankan inventors have to manage, on their own, the roles of marketing, producing and the business model — “which is a waste of time”. To create niches for these tasks is another objective.
Sahasak Nimavum also ensures that the inventors are sent to “explore the outer world”. It will thus be a stepping stone to many an international achievement for Sri Lankans, said Dr. Halwatura.