Text of my ‘When Worlds Collide’ column published in Ceylon Today Sunday newspaper on 28 October 2012

I S W Karunathilaka, inventor of a wave/wakeless boat design, recently won the inaugural Ray Award for excellence in innovation and enterprise in Sri Lanka.

His invention, which saves fuel and protects river banks, would have wide ranging applications when developed to its full potential. It can also kick-start a long neglected mode of transport: using our numerous inland water bodies to move goods and people.

Karunathilaka, an accountant turned entrepreneur, received the Ray Award at a gala ceremony on 17 October 2012 in Colombo.

The Commercial Bank, which sponsors the award, will provide a grant worth LKR 1 million (USD 7,710 approx) to assist him to advance his invention for commercialisation. The University of Moratuwa, meanwhile, will help with technical support.

Six Lankan inventors, all of who had already won Presidential Awards…