Sahasak Nimewum awards

By Gamini Warushamana

The Sahasak Nimewum National Awards ceremony for innovations, organised by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC) was held at the BMICH last week. The winners were selected out of 1,000 innovations presented at the first national exhibition of innovations organised by SLIC. The Ministry of Technology and Research provided over Rs. 6 m for the awards.

The awards were given under open, universities and technical colleges, commercialised and school categories covering 22 technology areas. Minister of Technology and Research, Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that the Sahasak Nimewum exhibition is the first-ever national exhibition for inventions and innovations.

This is a small step in an important yet significant journey of the nation's march towards economic prosperity. This event reflects the renewed freedom and aspirations of our nation, she said.

Secretary to the Ministry, Dhara Wijayatilake said that 'Sahasak Nimavum' is a display of ideas. The initiative is in alignment with the focus of the ministry to make research, technology and innovation relevant to development of the country through a knowledge-based economy.

Commissioner, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, Deepal Sooriyaarachchi said that society's attitudes play a vital role in promoting inventions.

In countries such as the USA, investing in ideas is common. They are called 'angel investors' and it is a big boon to inventors. When investing in ideas is not common, inventors need to rely on debt equity, which is not the most desirable route since the success rate is very low.

For instance when Larry and Serg, founders of Google approached 'angel investor', Andy Bechtolsheim, having heard the proposition of the search engine, he immediately drew a cheque for $ 100,000 in favour of Google Inc, even before the founders had opened a bank account.

Though it is common to speculate with millions of rupees in the stock market, there is little venturing into potential business ideas in Sri Lanka. Giving recognition to inventors and respecting intellectual property rights are also social attitudes necessary for the development of an innovative culture.

There are many talented young students who have a flair for invention, but the attitude of parents prevents these children developing their skills further. If society wants to benefit from the creative brains of inventors, a collective appreciative attitude towards inventors is a must.