SLIIT students triumph at World Summit Awards for Young Innovators 2021

Creating history, the SLIIT Faculty of Computing research project ‘CocoRemedy’ was triumphant in receiving the World Champion title at the World Summit Awards (WSA) under the 2021 Young Innovators category, held recently.

The project was spearheaded by Samitha Vidhanaarachchi, Gnanod Chathuramadu Akalanka, Tinali Gunasekara and Divyani Rajapaksha, graduates of the SLIIT Faculty of Computing. SLIIT Assistant Professor Dr. Janaka Wijekoon supervised the project together with Co-Supervisor Dilani Lunugalage, with the expertise from Dr. Nayani Aratchige of the Coconut Research Institute Sri Lanka.

Demonstrating cutting-edge technologies, CocoRemedy is the first mobile and web-based application to provide surveillance and identification of coconut diseases and pest infestations for the industry. The innovative solution uses deep learning, image processing, crowdsourcing, etc. to overcome a perennial problem plaguing growers, especially to manage the Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease (WCLWD) and Coconut Caterpillar Infestation (CCI), which devastate coconut cultivation. 

Noteworthily, CocoRemedy was honoured as a Digital Social Impact Awards nominee at the ICTA-organised e-Swabhimani 2021 and among were eight nominations representing Sri Lanka at the WSA and only one of the two championship winners brought glory to the nation.  

Commenting on the honour, Dr. Wijekoon said, “It is a historic moment for our nation as Sri Lanka has never had a Category Champion at the WSA. We are also extremely pleased to note that the CocoRemedy platform was recognised as an outstanding digital solution with relevance and ability to create immediate impact in communities and society. All kudos to the team that worked hard to ensure the digital revolution taking place worldwide contributes to the development of indigenous solutions offering viable results.”

Sri Lanka’s initial foray into the WSA was in 2009 and this accounts for 18 awards received, of which only two have been in the youth category albeit for the education segment.