Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University conducted its first-ever Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on September 15, 2021. Due to the prevailing situation of the country, this was held as an online event and staff members and the undergraduates of the faculty attended the event. 

3MT is an academic competition or a research communication contest developed by the University of Queensland, Australia for research students. This competition is currently held in over 600 universities across more than 85 countries worldwide. 3MT challenges participants to describe their research in a language that can be understood by a non-specialist audience, within three minutes using only one slide as a visual aid. Throughout the competition, participants develop their presentation and communication skills, honing their ability to explain their research in a brief and engaging manner. Though 3MT competition was originally started with postgraduate students, it is now effectively used worldwide as a platform for undergraduate research dissemination as well. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka was able to join this progressive family of 3MT as a result of the effort taken by the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture taking the university to new heights of success.

The first round of the competition was conducted under three tracks: (1) Animal Science and Aquatic Resource Technology (2) Export Agriculture (3) Tea Technology and Palm & Latex Technology. From each track, three best presentations were selected for the final round. At the final round, the Grand Champion, the First Runner-up and the Second Runner-up were selected.

At the inception of the final round, Dr. Deshani Mudannayake, Head, Department of Animal Science welcomed all participants to the session giving an overview of the 3MT Competition. Prof. Saman K. Herath, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture addressed the gathering highlighting the importance of such a research communication contest and adding his best wishes for the success of the event. Each of the 9 finalists, previously screened from 41competitors, made an impassioned speech on their research and the impact it could have on society. The Panel of Judges consisted of Dr. Sumali Dissanayake, Senior Lecturer, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mr. Dimuthu Ruwan Piyasena, TV Presenter and Associate Director, AIA Sri Lanka Academy and Dr. Dananjali Gamage, Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna. The judges congratulated the participants for their hard work and expressed hope to see more events like this in the future. Finally, Dr. Shashika D. Rathnayaka, Coordinator of the 3MT Competition 2021, delivered the ‘Vote of Thanks’.

Advisory Committee of 3MT Competition 2021 consisted with Prof. Saman K. Herath, Prof. Wasantha Senevirathna and Dr. Deshani Mudannayake. Ms. Vidarshani Ellepola and Ms. Gayathri Rathnayaka played a key role as Co-coordinators of the 3MT 2021 Final Round.

Dr. Prasadi De Silva and Dr. Shashika D. Rathnayaka conducted training workshops for 3MT participants before the first round. Dr. Sudini Fernando, Ms. Chamali Amarakoon, Mrs. Lakmini Locahna and, Mrs. Bhagya Samarasinghe contributed to the first round of the competition as Track Coordinators of the competition and, Ms. Ruvindika Ihalakorala, Ms. Kanjula Gunathilake, Ms. Gayangi Weerakkodi, and Ms. Chamila Madushani supported the former group as Track Co-coordinators. Digital Media and Video Highlights of 3MT Competition 2021 were covered by Mr. Sanoj Rosa and Ms. Nirasha Fernando from the BSc Hons (Tea Tech and Value Addition) degree program.

3MT Finalists

3MT Winners

The Grand Champion: Ms. W.M.J.C.M. Tissera (UWU/AQT/16/026)

First Runner-up: Ms. N.A.C.S. Wewelwala  (UWU/EAG/16/033)

Second Runner-up: Ms. W.M.D.S Lakshani (UWU/PLT/16/012)