“BST Week 2025,” organized by the BST Student Society (BST Soc) in the Department of Biosystems Technology, was held from January 20-24 at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The event aimed to showcase students’ skills by engaging school children, university students, academic and non-academic staff, alumni, and industry experts. It featured a variety of vibrant activities organized by all specialization areas within the Department of Biosystems Technology.
Global Korea Scholarship Program (GKSP)
The session on the Global Korea Scholarship Program (GKSP) provided students with details on the fully funded opportunity to study in South Korea. Dr. Tharanga Ranasinghe from the University of Kelaniya discussed the application process and eligibility and offered tips on crafting strong applications, personal statements, and recommendations.
Interschool Quiz Competition
The Interschool Quiz Competition was a highly anticipated event that brought together nine schools from various districts, showcasing the academic prowess of grade 12-13 students. The competition was designed to challenge participants’ knowledge across a wide range of subjects, including science, mathematics, physics, biology, biosystems technology, science for technology, and agriculture. The winner of the competition was Homagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya, showcasing exceptional knowledge and teamwork throughout the various rounds.
Workshop for Advanced Level (A/L) BST Students
A practical workshop session for A/L BST students was successfully held with 90 students representing four Homagama Educational Zone, Colombo District schools. The workshop included laboratory and field practicals on soil, water, animal and plant propagation, machinery, surveying, and levelling technologies. The school students were equipped with hands-on practical experience covered in their A/L curriculum.
Waste Management Awareness Program
A Waste Management Awareness Program was conducted for 300 students from 10 schools in the Colombo District as part of BST Week 2025. The program included engaging and interactive sessions such as dramas, presentations, and Q&A segments led by BST undergraduates. Experts from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Board of Investment (BOI) also contributed to the event, sharing valuable insights and expertise. The initiative aimed to foster collaboration among participants and promote sustainable practices, inspiring students to work toward a greener and more environmentally conscious future.
BST Alumni Student Talks
The BST Department hosted an engaging session featuring three of its alumni, who reflected on their experiences, challenges, and the skills they acquired during their undergraduate studies and ongoing post-graduation journeys. The speakers included Mr. Chathura Madusanka (Agriculture & Environmental Technology), Ms. Induwari Edirisinghe (Food Processing Technology), and Ms. Danushika Lakmali (Industrial Biosystems Technology).
The event provided a platform for the alumni to share valuable insights, lessons learned, and advice with current students. Their stories highlighted how their time in the BST Department shaped their careers and personal growth. The session was highly interactive, with students actively participating in Q&A segments and discussions. Additionally, the event offered excellent networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with the alumni and gain inspiration for their own academic and professional paths.
3-Minute (3MT) Competition for Workshop Projects
3MT Pitching Competition was organized providing a dynamic platform for undergraduates to present their innovative products and equipment developed as part of their technology projects. This event aimed to enhance creativity, communication skills, and encourage technological advancements among students.
Participants were challenged to convey their research ideas and project outcomes concisely within three minutes, demonstrating the real-world applicability and impact of their innovations. The competition featured a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions, addressing key challenges in Biosystems Technology.
Industrial Talks
The Industrial Talks session brought together experts from prominent companies to share their knowledge and experiences on current industry trends, challenges, and innovations. The event featured insightful presentations by Mr. Anuruddha Jayathilake from Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC, Mr. Praneeth Weerasekara from MAS Holdings, and Mr. Baratha Piyadigama from Fonterra Brands Lanka.
Food Fiesta 4.0
The much-anticipated Food Fiesta 4.0, organized by undergraduates, was a vibrant celebration of culinary creativity and innovation. The event featured an array of food stalls, each offering unique and delicious products that highlighted the students’ ingenuity and passion for food technology. Attendees were treated to a diverse range of flavors, from traditional favorites to cutting-edge creations, all crafted with a modern twist.
