National Science Centre at the Science Park in Homagama

Rs 419 m project to commence in October 2015

On receiving Cabinet approval earlier this month, 4 acres from 47 acres of land at the Science Park in Pitipana, Homagama is t o be used for the construction of a national science centre.

The conceptual designs are being looked into in its construction. The science centre will be an i nteractive learning centre for school students and the public who are interested in learning about science and scientific origins.

The exhibits and models to be displayed at the centre under 12 different scientific themes are being designed and prepared by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Different committees have been appointed to come up with designs for the

The exhibits and models to be displayed at the centre under 12 different scientific themes are being designed and prepared by the National Science Foundation (NSF)

models, exhibits, movies and posters to be displayed under each theme.

It has been proposed that t he science centre will have a theatre with a seating capacity of 200, bookshops, a souvenir shop, laboratory space and a meeting room.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Chairman of the NSF Professor Sumathipala said that this is being established to promote scientific knowledge and generate ideas for scientific innovations. He also said that they are hoping to complete all models and exhibits by December next year.

An official from the Ministry of Technology and Research said that they have commenced the drawing up the designs for centre and that it would take around six months for the designs to be completed. “After the designs are approved and t he tender procedures completed, we can commence construction.

We are hoping to do so by October next year,” the official said. The total estimated cost of the project is rupees 419 million. According to a Cabinet decision made earlier this month the Treasury has allocated rupees 300 million for the establishment of the science centre.