Text of my ‘When Worlds Collide’ column published in Ceylon Today Sunday newspaper on 7 October 2012

Last week, I spent many hours at Sri Lanka’s first exhibition of inventions and inventors held at BMICH, Colombo, and took lots of photos and notes. I have yet to process all that information, but some trends and directions are emerging.

Ambitiously named Sahasak Nimawum (‘A Thousand Inventions’ in Sinhala), the event showcased nearly that many ideas, designs, prototypes as well as some inventions already in the market. There was diversity in topics, themes, inventors and technologies.

It’s like a gem mine – precious and semi-precious stones amidst lots of gravel. We just have to sift though much to get to a few treasures.

That’s how it works in spotting or nurturing innovation: no shortcuts, guarantees or productivity schedules. Innovation takes time, effort and patience. Society’s celebration sure helps bring out more.

Encouragingly…