Meeting with Assistant Directors of Education (Science) – Batticaloa District
The Community Outreach Science Unit (COSU) of the Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka successfully conducted a consultative meeting with the Assistant Directors of Education (Science) of the Batticaloa District on 25 February 2026, from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., at the Seminar Hall of the Staff Development Centre, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
Assistant Directors of Science representing the Batticaloa, Batticaloa West, and Kalkudah Education Zones participated in this programme.
The meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Faculty of Science and the school education sector, with a particular focus on improving the quality and effectiveness of science education. The following key activities and their implementation methodologies were discussed:
- Effective answering methodologies for the GCE (A/L) examinations
- Practical training sessions for GCE (A/L) science teachers
- Enhancing the effective utilization of school science laboratories
- Promoting research skills among school students
- Career path guidance for GCE (O/L) students
- Organization of school science exhibitions in collaboration with the Faculty of Science
The activity Promoting Research Skills in Schools was discussed in depth, and the importance of strengthening research competencies among school students was strongly emphasized. It was further highlighted that this initiative would not only cultivate critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, but also contribute to developing an entrepreneurial mindset among students by encouraging innovation and problem-solving skills.
In addition, activities related to the Faculty Day of the Faculty of Science were introduced and explained to the participants, including:
- Science Quiz Competition
- Science Laboratory Competition
It was decided that the first programme to be implemented will be Effective Answering Methodologies for GCE (A/L) Examinations, which will be conducted as small-group interactive sessions incorporating short tests or quizzes at the end of each session. This programme will be carried out from March to June 2026 for students preparing for the GCE (A/L) Examination 2026.
The next priority activity identified was Career Path Selection for GCE (O/L) Students, which was specifically requested to be organized for O/L students. Other proposed activities were also reviewed, and preliminary action plans were developed.
This initiative marks an important step in strengthening university–school partnerships and enhancing science education through structured academic support and outreach programmes in the Batticaloa District.
