Seeds for the Future awardees with Education Minister Susil Premajayantha and Huawei officials.
Pic by Nisal Baduge 

Huawei officially launched the 9th edition of its flagship corporate social responsibility initiative ‘Seeds for the Future’, in Sri Lanka recently. 
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the University Grants Commission, university deans, and heads of departments. 
This year’s Seeds for the Future awardees include Chamod Fernando from University of Wayamba, Praveen Sumanasekara from University of Peradeniya, Isuru Samaranayake from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Avishka Chanuka from University of Kelaniya, and Sadeesha Sathmina and Thisara Gunawardana from University of Moratuwa.
The programme will provide them an intensive 8-day training session in China, covering cutting-edge ICT technologies, scientific and technological leadership, discussions on global topics, and Tech4Good group projects.
In his welcome speech, Zhang Jinze, CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka, highlighted that over the years, more than 100 university students across Sri Lanka have benefited from the Seeds for the Future programme, contributing their unique ideas and ambitious dreams. 
“Through this programme, we offer young Sri Lankan youths the opportunity to experience Huawei’s cutting-edge technology and best practices, along with a rich cultural immersion into Chinese traditions. Therefore, I hope that after completing this short-term ICT course, these students will return and share their newly acquired knowledge, thereby contributing to Sri Lanka’s journey towards becoming an ICT hub in South Asia.,” he noted.
Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, also graced the occasion to acknowledge and congratulate the students. In his address, Ambassador Zhenhong emphasized the programme’s role in strengthening ties between China and Sri Lanka. 
“Since its launch in Sri Lanka in 2016, Huawei’s Seeds for the Future project has actively cultivated a large number of outstanding ICT young talents, benefiting over 100 students. This programme not only contributes to deepening China-Sri Lanka cooperation and friendship but also equips students with the opportunity to learn cutting-edge technology firsthand in China.” 
“Each year, around 1200 young Sri Lankan students enhance their skills in China through various scholarships and short-term training programmes.  China is also assisting Sri Lanka to enhance technology infrastructure in relation to distance education. China’s development is creating new opportunities to countries around the world including Sri Lanka,” he added. 
The ambassador told the awardees to make the most of the learning opportunity and bring back knowledge, new ideas and new friendship and serve the motherland while being a bridge of friendship between the two countries.
Apsara Caldera, Additional Secretary to the Minister of Education – Higher Education Section (Development), highlighted the rigorous selection process for the programme. “The chosen students exemplify the high standards and potential that Seeds for the Future seeks to cultivate. This programme is a beacon of what can be achieved through dedication and global collaboration,” she said.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha shared his experiences visiting Huawei’s headquarters in China. “Huawei’s dedication to R&D, demonstrated by their investment of 40 percent of profits into innovation, is something our young talents should see and learn from. I am confident that initiatives like these will enhance collaborations between Sri Lanka and Huawei, paving the way for future opportunities as there will be many more partnerships with Huawei in the years to come,” he said. 
Seeds for the future is Huawei’s globally-recognized Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) flagship programme, the longest running CSR initiative across the world. This programme seeks to develop local talent, share knowledge, increase ICT sector awareness & enthusiasm, and foster digital community building.