In a historic first for Sri Lanka, the University of Kelaniya’s Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT), in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine (FOM), successfully hosted the nation’s inaugural inter-university competition focused on medical assistive technology. This groundbreaking event, held from February 22nd to 24th, 2025, at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, marked a significant milestone in fostering innovation and addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. Building upon the success of similar initiatives in Nepal and Bhutan, Sri Lanka has now firmly established itself as a hub for assistive technology advancement.
The sheer scale of the event was remarkable, requiring meticulous coordination of diverse groups, including a high-level foreign delegation, over 100 university students from across Sri Lanka, more than 30 individuals with special needs and their caregivers, and dedicated medical support teams. The primary objective was to ignite innovation among university students, encouraging them to develop practical assistive medical solutions. The heart of the competition unfolded on the second day, where 13 teams passionately worked alongside “need-knowers,” individuals with physical disabilities, to create customized, technologically assistive tools. These tools, primarily crafted using cost-effective 3D printing technology, were designed to enhance the independence and comfort of daily activities, resulting in widespread satisfaction among the participants. The seamless execution of this day was made possible through the unwavering support of the Faculty of Medicine and the exceptional facilities provided by the Faculty of Computing and Technology.
The competition culminated on the final day with compelling presentation sessions held in the Faculty of Computing and Technology auditorium. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya, and the Grand Finale was graced by the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, as the chief guest underscoring the event’s significance along with Prof. Veranja Karunaratne, Commissioner, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, Mr. Hiroki Inoue, Second Secretary Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director, Sri Lanka Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank, Mr. Ryotaro Hayashi (Senior Social Sector Economist, ADB), and Mr. Takashi Shimizu, Team Leader of Employment Support of Person with Disabilities, JICA. The expert judging panel included Mr. Takashi Shimizu (Team Leader of Employment Support of Person with Disabilities, JICA), Mr. Naoki Hamanaka (FabLab Shinagawa), Ms. Sonoko
Hayashi (FabLab Shinagawa), and Mr. Koji Yamada (Director, Otsuka Innovation CO-LAB).
The vision behind this pioneering competition was shaped by the collaborative efforts of Dr. Pradeep Samarasekere (Director of IICFCT (Industry Interaction Cell for Computing and Technology)), Senior Social Sector Economist Ryotaro Hayashi from the Asian Development Bank, former and present Deans of the Faculty of Computing and Technology and the Faculty of Medicine (Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, Professor Dhammika Weerasinghe and Professor Madawa Chandratilake), alongside the massive support given by Dr. Shakya Bandara and Dr. Dinushee Atapattu, and the dedicated academic and non-academic staff of both faculties. The event’s success was also heavily reliant on the generous support of numerous partners, including the STHRD project through the Asian Development Bank, Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, and the Peoples of Japan; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education; Shinagawa FabLab Japan; Neospace Fablab at Open University of Sri Lanka; Faculty of Technology at University of Colombo; Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at University of Kelaniya; Leeban Interiors; Thrimana; Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt) Ltd.; ATG Intelligent Glove Solutions; and Thaproban.
The First Inter-University Make-A-Thon for Assistive Medical Technology in Sri Lanka announced its winners after three days of intense innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. Team Bodacious from the University of Moratuwa secured the Grand Prize of LKR 100,000 for their innovative modified keyboard designed for a child with severe cerebral visual impairment. Team Solidifiers from SLTC University received the First Runner-Up prize of LKR 75,000 for their lateral support device for a child with scoliosis. The People’s Choice Award, determined by public vote, went to Team Med RAMP from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University for their assistive hand device enabling an individual with amputated fingers to perform tasks.
The event was a celebration of ingenuity and compassion, showcasing the transformative potential of technology to improve lives. The innovations shown are merely the beginning, promising to evolve into real-world solutions that will significantly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities. This landmark competition has not only set a new standard for inter-university collaboration but also paved the way for a future where technology empowers all members of society.
Image credit: Faculty of Computing and Technology (University of Kelaniya), Thaproban Photography
