The Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University organized its second National Symposium on Agriculture and Life Sciences (NSALS ‘25) to provide undergraduates with a platform to present their research findings and gain experience as they prepare to become intellectuals. NSALS ‘25 was not limited to Uva Wellassa University; it also offered opportunities for undergraduates from other universities to participate. The symposium encompassed eight tracks: Crop Production Technology, Food Science and Technology, Animal Production and Technology, Aquatic Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Extension and Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Engineering and Process Technology, Agricultural Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Environmental Science and Climate Change. The theme of NSALS ’25 was “Empowering Sustainability Through Innovations.”.

NSALS ’25 was held on January 23, 2025, providing an opportunity for over 175 enthusiastic undergraduates from Sri Lankan universities to share their innovations and final-year research projects. Prof. Saman Seneweera, Chairman of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka and Chair Professor of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, delivered the keynote address. The event was graced by the presence of Senior Professor Kolitha B. Wijesekara, Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University, as the Chief Guest, along with other distinguished invitees. In parallel with NSALS ’25, the ‘Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition,’ conducted following internationally accepted rules and regulations, was held for fresh graduates of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture. This event was successfully conducted for the fourth consecutive time at the Uva Wellassa University premises.

This time the NSALS ’25 was financially supported by several sponsors, including the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Yara Foods (Pvt.) Ltd., Analytical Instruments (Pvt.) Ltd., Switz Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. (Happy Hen Eggs), Crysbro Group of Companies, Hemsons International (Pvt.) Ltd., Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt.) Ltd., Lipton Teas and Infusions Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd., Lankem Ceylon PLC, CIC Holdings PLC, Farhills Ceylon, and some other well-wishers.