GEESHANI WEERASOORIYA

WINS ASME IDEA-BASED CATEGORY

When Geeshani Weerasooriya came across a competition on social media, she couldn't resist giving it a try. The ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Innovation Challenge had called for applicants based on two categories: Project-based and Idea Based. Geeshani was immediately drawn to the Idea Based innovation, which required her to innovate something based on areas of agriculture, aerospace, automobile, water conservation, Eco-friendly solutions, resourceful mobile apps, energy conservations or AI solutions. Moreover, the project had to meet the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. After submitting her idea, Geeshani competed against others from around the world to win in her category. The Daily Mirror Life recently caught up with Geeshani to learn more about her achievement.

Q TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I'm Geeshani Bhagya Weerasooriya and I'm 20 years old. My primary school is Sri Sangamiththa Balika Vidyalaya Colombo 10 and after the scholarship exam, I entered Gothami Balika Vidyalaya Colombo, which offered me a lot of opportunities. Currently, I'm following my HND in International Business Management at American National College. In my family, I have 1 younger brother and 1 younger sister. My father is a businessman and my mom also supports him in the business. When I was 10 years old, I started to collect stamps from different countries. And I'm continuing to collect stamps and just as my stamp albums are getting filled up I would like my passport also to get filled up by many foreign travels. My other hobbies are conducting communications with foreign friends about their culture, tradition and the like. Also, another enjoyable hobby is engaging my spare time researching various countries in the world. Other than that I'm doing photography and participate in photographic competitions.

Q YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A LOT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SPORTS AND PHOTOGRAPHY. HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO BALANCE EVERYTHING WITH YOUR EDUCATION?

I must first express my heartfelt gratitude to my alma mater Gothami Balika Vidyalaya for giving me a multitude of opportunities. I'm also deeply grateful to my Principal and my teachers who gave me immense opportunities to achieve. It is with their help and the guidance of my parents and my intelligently balancing all my activities that I was able and successful in balancing my time judiciously in these activities

Q TELL US ABOUT THE ASME INNOVATION CHALLENGE.

It was an online competition organised by the SZABIST University Karachi. The competition was based on 2 categories. One was idea-based and the other one project-based. I found it through Facebook and applied online

Q WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF TAKING PART IN THE CHALLENGE?

Regarding experience, it was fairly a new thing for me to participate in an online international challenge. The fun part was that it was very easy to participate in the idea-based category as there were not many pre-requirements to participate so I never thought that it would be so easy to apply. Choosing an idea based on certain technical aspects and SDGS was difficult as I study a nontechnical major in my studies.

Q TELL ME ABOUT YOUR INNOVATION THAT WON THE IDEA BASED CATEGORY?

It's related to the generation of electricity in coastal areas through sea waves on a small scale through a system that has an electric rotor turning through a mechanical system driven by waves. The idea was fulfilling some of the UN SDG'S like sustainability and power.

Q WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PLANS? WHAT ARE YOUR EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER GOALS?

I wish to get a doctorate in international business management and specialise in digital marketing. After I complete my studies I plan to be a person who has the strength to do anything I set my mind to, and help poor people and educate poor children.

Q WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?

Without a doubt, my greatest inspiration was the persons mentioned earlier and in particular my parents, and my ambition to achieve very high standards in my studies and activities.

Q WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

In 10 years my ambition is to interact with many foreign countries and exchange ideas, traditions, fashions, food and beverages, and various other customs. In the process I want my country to get foreign exchange and improve the conditions in our country.

"The idea was fulfilling some of the UN SDG'S like sustainability and power."