www.slaas.lk Vol.14 No. 2 May—Aug 2019 Biotechnology Symposia Series The applications of biotechnology are broad, and the advan- trial Technology Institute followed by presentations Culture tages compelling, so that developments are underway in a vs. nature or nature in culture: a historical review on Biology multiplicity of areas. Therefore, awareness and dissemination related activities in by Prof. Raj Somadeva of knowledge of the vast potential of biotechnological appli- (Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Ke- cations is of utmost importance. The Sri Lankan National laniya), Our genetic resources and traditional medicine by Biotechnology Dr. Danister Perera (Ayurveda Physician), Traditional knowl- Policy adopted edge and organic agriculture by Prof. P. I. Yapa (Professor in in 2010, also Ecological Agriculture, University of Sabaragamuwa), Conven- highlights the tional biotechnology: application of prebiotics and probiot- need to create ics in the food industry by Dr. Ilmi Hewajulige (Senior Deputy awareness on Director, Food Technology Section, ITI). The legal and socio- biotechnology logical aspects were discussed by Dr. Sampath Punchihewa among the (Faculty of Law, University of ) - Intellectual property public, to en- rights of traditional knowledge based biotechnology: a Sri hance oppor- Lankan perspective and by Prof. Subhangi Herath tunities for (Department of Sociology, ) - Sociologi- local industries through biotechnology, to build human re- cal aspects concerning traditional knowledge based biotech- sources, establish centers of excellence in biotechnology and nology. biotechnology parks, and to establish a National Biotechnol- The second symposium on the theme “Research and applica- ogy Council. tions of Reproductive Biotechnology in Sri Lanka” was held on June 11th 2019 at the Auditorium of the National Blood With all this in view, in 2019, the year that the SLAAS cele- Transfusion Services, Colombo 5. Emeritus Prof Harshalal Se- brates 75 years of excellence and endeavor in promoting sci- neviratne from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecol- ence in Sri Lanka declared the theme of the year as ogy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo addressed “Biotechnology for a sustainable future”. the gathering as the key note speaker on In line with this timely theme, a series of symposia focusing the timely topic, on the main branches of Biotechnology have been planned in Research and appli- order to create awareness on this interdisciplinary branch of cations of repro- Science and Technology, to build a dialogue between biotech- ductive biotechnol- nologists and the industry, and to take account of the gaps ogy in Sri Lanka: that need to be addressed in the future. The symposia have past perspectives, been organized by the Science & Technology Advisory Com- current status & mittee (STAC), and the Sectional Committees A, B, D, E2 and F future trends. Prof of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science Seneviratne also shared his experiences in Ethical, Legal, So- and co-organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and cial and Religious issues of human reproductive biotechnol- Research. ogy. A panel comprising of local experts in the field of Repro- The first symposium was held on 30th May 2019 at the ITI ductive Biotechnology who also shared their knowledge and Auditorium on the theme “Research and applications of tra- expertise with the participants were Prof. Basil Alexander ditional knowledge based biotechnologies in Sri Lanka: past (Department of Farm Animal Production and Health, Faculty perspectives, current status and future trends”. The key note of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science, University of address was by Dr Sirimal Premakumara, Faculty of Nursing, Peradeniya) on Recent Advances in Animal Reproductive Bio- University of Colombo. Former Director General on the Indus- technologies, Prof. Sumedha Wijeratne (Laboratory Director,

SLAAS "Vidya Mandiraya" 120/10, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07. Tel: 2688740/2691681 Fax: (+94) 0112691681 Edited by Prof. Nelum Deshapriya & Sajani Dias; Designed by Kasun Jayasinghe; Printed by Sarangi Printers Vindana Reproductive Center) on Development in human From Research to Industry by Ms Vajirapani de Silva (Senior reproductive biotechnologies in Sri Lanka: a saga of 20 Scientist/ Technical Manager, Genetech Molecular Diagnos- years, Prof. Sharaine Fernando (Department of Physiology, tics & Head, School of Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewar- Gene Technology), denepura) on Exogenous and endogenous factors affecting Anti-cancer effects of the sperm and Dr. Manoj Bandara (Department of Pre- natural products by Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kothalawala Defense Prof. Priya Weeras- University) on Stem Cells in Reproductive Biotechnology: inghe (Assistant Pro- Current and Future Perspectives and challenges. fessor , Director Mor- pho-proteomics re- The third symposium was held on 25th July 2019 at the Audi- search lab, University torium of the Institute of Architects on the theme “Research of Texas, USA), Stem and applications of Medical Biotechnology in Sri Lanka: cell research in disease biology by Dr. Hemali Goonasekera past perspectives, current status & future trends”. The key (Consultant Haematologist & Senior Lecturer, Faculty of note speaker was Prof. Charani Ranasinghe, Associate Pro- Medicine, University of Colombo) and Use of hybridoma fessor and Group Leader at the Molecular Mucosal Vaccine technology for vivax malaria vaccine development by Prof. Immunol- Preethi Udagama (Senior Professor in Zoology University of ogy, Austra- Colombo and General President, SLAAS). lian Na- tional Uni- The symposia were attended by many senior academics and versity fol- undergraduate and post graduate students from state and lowed by non-state universities and institutions facilitating the aware- presenta- ness needed to use Biotechnology towards sustainable de- tions by velopment of Sri Lanka. eminent Symposia on agricultural, industrial, environmental biotech- local and nology and nanobiotechlogy as well as on bioinformatics and foreign ex- two workshops on Biotech entrepreneurship and Biotech perts in the methods (sponsored by The Nations Trust Bank and BioRad field of Medical Biotechnology on The impact of advances respectively) will be organised in the near future and the in genome sequencing technologies on medicine by Prof. culmination would be the theme seminar on Biotechnology Vajira H W Dissanayake (Head & Chair and Sen- to be held during the annual sessions. ior Professor of Anatomy and Director, Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), GENETECH-

Section A  Thalassemia awareness and screening programme was conducted on 27.06.2019 at Mahamaya Balika Vidya- The following paper articles were published laya mahara Kadawatha. Over 300 school children ( A/ L). Participated. The activity was coordinated and con-  Ayurveda Neuro nutrient (Rasayana) Therapy for ducted by Dr. Shiromi Perera. Brain Aging, Suwaya Magazine, April issue, 2019.  A lecture discussion on Prevent of non-communicable Written by Dr. Kamal Perera diseases in antenatal period was conducted on  Ayurveda Management for Auto Immune Disorders 01/07/2019 from 9.30 am to 12.30 noon. At the Na- (Managing Ojo Visramsa)for Ceylon digest magazine, tional Institute on Traditional Medicine, Navinna, Ma- Written by Dr. Kamal Perera, haragama. Seventy Six Ayurveda community medical  Ayurveda view on emesis gravidarum for Tharuni officers participated in this. Activity coordinated by Newspaper, Written by Dr. Kaumadi Karunagoda department of Ayurveda and conducted by Dr Kaumadi  Ayurveda view on common gynecological condition Karunagoda for Mavbima Sunday paper published on 26th of May 2019 by wrttein by Dr. Kaumadi Karuna- The following Radio programm/s were conducted goda Published on 13th of May 2019  Radio program on scientific background of Ayurveda  Breast milk for Divayina newspaper published on 03rd daily routine on 04/07/2019 from 9 – 10 pm (one-hour of June, 2019 radio program). Venue: SLBC. Activity coordinated by  Nutrition at 2nd trimester of pregnancy for Tharuni SLAAS and conducted by Dr. Kaumadi Karunagoda

News paper, by Dr. Kaumadi Karunagoda Published Newsletter th on 10 of June 2019 The e-Newsletter of Section A was circulated all members in May.

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” Section B mango. In order to address the problem, two experts of SLAAS section B comittee, Dr.R.M. Dharmadasa and  Section B collaborated with the University of to Mr.Sumith Sisira Kumara visited the affected sites at establish a medicinal plant garden with the aims of inte- grating scientific research, species conservation, and public education. Initial site visit was made on May 15, 2019, necessary plants were identified and site preparation activities were finalized

Dr. GGT Chandrathilake (President), Dr. R.M.Dharmadasa (Vice-President), Dr. Rangika Bandara (Committee member), Meegahajadura, Hambanthota, District. Necessary in- Dr. R.P. Wanigathunge (Committee member) and Mr. structions were given to the Mango farmers in the area Mr.N.M. Aruna Shantha (Curator, ) at- in order to mitigate the problem. Also the farmers were tended for the event. given organic pest control formulae for application.

In recent past the most of the TJC mango cultivated in dry zone area were badly affected from newly emerged pest and disease problems by downgrading quality of TJC Section C was published in the Issue 44 of the Digital Sri Lanka Engineering News (Digital SLEN) of The Institution of  A Training Programme to inculcate Science, Technology Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL).A newsletter article on Research in school education at Kelaniya Zone, Western “Intriguing levels of phthalic acid esters in coastal ur- Province was conducted at the Viharamadevi Balika Vid- ban watercourses of Colombo and its suburbs: A bi- yalaya, Kiribathgoda on 24th June 2019 with the collabo- zarre situation caused by urban sprawl”, compiled by ration of Ministry of Education. Ms. Nayana Udugampola Eng. (Prof.) Mahesh Jayaweera, Eng. (Prof.) Jagath (Assistant Director Science, Homagama Educational Manatunge and Eng. (Dr.) Buddhika Gunawardana Zone) attended and facilitated the programme. Approxi- was submitted in May 2019, which will be published in the Digital SLEN of the IESL. mately 250 school children and teachers participated inthe event. Following resource persons contributed to  An article on “Abounding levels of mercury in coastal the event: urban watercourses of Colombo: An imminent im-

Prof. Bandunee Athapattu (OUSL/SLAAS) pediment to aquatic ecological sustenance”, compiled Dr. Meththika Vithanage (USJP) by Eng. (Prof.) Mahesh Jayaweera, Eng. (Prof.) Jagath Dr. M.N Kaumal (UoC/SLAAS) Manatunge and Eng. (Dr.) Buddhika Gunawardana Dr. Roshan Perera (OUSL) was submitted in June 2019, which will be published Dr. Shaminda Fernando (OUSL) in the Sathsamudura magazine, a publication by the Dr. Chulantha Kulasekara (SLIIT/SLAAS) Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). Dr. Shiromi Karunaratne (SLIIT/SLAAS)  A newsletter article on “Inclusive sanitation for Sri Dr. Buddhika Gunawardhana (UoM/SLAAS) Lanka: Are you included?” compiled by Eng. (Dr.) Shiromi Karunaratne was submitted in June 2019,  A newsletter article on “Perils of fecal contamination which will be published in the Digital SLEN of the in Golden Mile of the IESL.

Mount Lavinia beach: Are Manamperi Award (Engineering) – 2019 we circumspect  Applications are open under individual and group enough?”, complied by categories for the annual Manamperi (Engineering) , Eng. (Prof.) Mahesh Jay- 2019 award. The deadline for applications is 15th Au- aweera and Eng. (Dr.) gust 2019. Buddhika Gunawardana

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”

 Dr. Lanka Udugoda’s article on “The Microorganisms Section D related to Food Technology”- ආහාර නිෂ්පාදනය හා බැ뷔엔 槊৔ද්ර 䧀䶱් - was published in the Vidusara Science  A Newspaper article by Dr. H. D. D. Bandupriya titled weekly on 26th June,2019. “The Application of Tissue culture on development of nd coconut cultivation’ was published in the Vidusara sci-  A half a day workshop on Research Ethics was held on 2 July 2019 at the Auditorium, Faculty of Allied Health Sci- ence weekly on 24th April 2019. ences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University with the participation of 120 undergraduates. Dr. K.D.K.P.Kumari, organized and conducted the workshop where basic concepts of ethics related to research in Health Sciences were the main topic.

 A newspaper article by Ms. Nalini de Silva on ‘Why save Drinking Water?”was published in the Vidusara science

 A Half-day workshop on the“Reasons for highest tem- peratures experienced during last three decades in Sri Lanka” was conducted for fifty undergraduates of SANASA Campus, Kegalle on 17th of May 2019 at the Auditorium of Department of Regional Science and Plan- ning, Kegalle. Mr. E.N. Chinthaka Perera was the resource person.

weekly on the 10th July 2019.

 Dr.Sampath Seneviratne delivered a public talk on the “Blue-Green Technology” at the recently held Shilpa Sena National Exhibition organized by Ministry of Science Technology and Research at the BMICH on 21stJ uly.

Section E1

 A guest talk titled “Seeing beyond visible light”, with Dr. PKDDP Pitigala as the resource person was held on 23rd May at the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jaye- wardenepura.  A special Guest talk on "Application development with Graphene" was delivered by Dr R Chinthaka L De Silva, at the Science Day of Sussex College, Horana on the 31st Physics and motivate them to pursue higher studies in May, 2019. These educational talks gave insights of ba- Science and Technology. Section E1 is planning to organ- sics and novel developments in the field of material sci- ize similar events in other districts/provinces targeting ences and electronic devices. schools with less facilities.

 A workshop on electronics, targeting students sitting for  A series of workshops was held for G.C.E. (A/L) students the advance level (A/L) exam in 2019, was successfully on Physics practicals, with the collaboration of Universi- conducted at the Kalawana National School (කළවාන ties in different provinces, as a part of Science populari- rd ජා뗒ක පාසල) on 3 of July 2019. Over 200 participants zation. The inaugural workshop was conducted on July (students and teachers) form the Kalawana National 1st, with the collaboration of Physics Department and School and surrounding schools attended the event. Dr. Physics Society of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura K. M. D. C. Jayathilaka from Department of Physics, Uni- for 120 Grade 12 students of , Co- versity of Kelaniya was the resource person. lombo. These workshops are expected to provide hands on experience on the practical component of

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”  Section E1 has produced several videos on advanced  A newspaper articles titled “Depth of Cosmetics”, level Physics practicals. A videos titled “Digital Oscillo- “ ැනතෙන භාǒ ා කල 뗔 පලාව귊ය නිශ්පා න” and scope and use of it (කත ොඩ කිරණ ත ෝලතේක්ෂය හා එᇒ “ஒப்பனைப் பபொ쏁翍களின் "ஆழம் by Dr. R C නිවැර뷒 භාǒ ය)” and “Transformers and current rectifi- L de Silva (General Secretary, and member section E1) cation (පනාමක සහ ධාරා සෘ觔කරණය)” were recorded, was published on “Vidya” magazine of the Daily News, with Dr W I L Wanniarachi contributing as the resource the Dinamina newspaper and the Thinakaran newspaper person. The resource for the videos and the practical on May 8th 2019. was provided by the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. More videos on other topics relevant to the AL Physics syllabus, are being produced. Section E2  A guest lecture on “Green Chemsitry” was conducted by Dr. Aashani Tillekaratne on 27th June 2019 was held at  SLAAS section E2 in collaboration with the Faculty Safety the University of Colombo with the participation of about 50 students and academic staff, Dr. Sashipraba Vithanarachchi coordinated the event.

Committee held a workshop on ‘Maintenance and proper handling of small instruments in a lab’ in the Fac- ulty of Science, University of Colombo on 26th June 2019. Over 50 laboratory staff attended the workshop. Dr. M. N. Kaumal introduced general maintenance of the laboratory while Dr. Hasini Perera talked about the maintenance of small equipments such as analytical bal- ances, pH meters, conductivity meters, etc. Dr. Gayathri Silva briefed the gathering on maintenance of micropi- pettes and other laboratory equipment in a Biochemis- try lab. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sashipraba Vithanarachchi and Dr. Hasini Perera. Section F dhisena for postgraduate students at the Faculty of Edu- cation, University of Colombo on 1st April 2019.  A workshop on “Importance of implementing sustain- able fishing gears for small scale fishing industry” for small-scale fishermen was conducted on 20th March 2019 at the Fisheries Corporation Community Hall in Anawasala, Kalpitiya. The fisheries inspectors, officers of NARA, and the members of the fishing community par- ticipated in this workshop.

 A guest lecture on “Research and Research process in Social Sciences: A way forward from Inquiry to be Evi- dence based” was conducted by Emeritus Professor of Demography, University of Colombo, Prof. K. A. P. Sid-

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”  GRC together with the Section C of SLAAS organized a Facilitating Research’”. This will be conducted as a col- collaborative workshop with the Ministry of Education on laborative workshop with NSF and GRC. GRC together 17th and 18th July 2019 at the National Institute Educa- with Section A of SLAAS is organizing a workshop on vet- tion, Maharagama. Objective of the workshop is to incul- erinary Bio-technology in August 2019. Venue of the cate Science and Technology Research in School Educa- workshop is University Women Federation at Kithulwat-

tion. This programme will be organized by Prof. Band- tha Road, Borella.

unee Athapattu. GRC together with Research Division of the National Science Foundation will have a workshop in  GRC has called for applications for the Bernard Soysa the Eastern on 19th August 2019. Memorial Award for Scientific Research-2019 and appli- cations can be obtained from the SLAAS office. Closing Theme of the workshop is “Scientific Research- st date for applications - 01 Augus 2019.

 The Environment Committee of the SLAAS has called for applications for the Professor Valentine Basnayake Envi- ronmental Studies awards and the Environment Commit- tee Award for year 2019 under the following categories: School (Individual or group projects conducted by st dents from grade 8 to 11) Individual Institutional (Public and private sectors institutions including Non- Governmental Organizations) More information is avail- able in https://www.slaas.lk/slaas-awards

 A series of workshops were organized by EC-SLAAS in collaboration with Ayurveda Community July 2019 at Mahabulankulama Maha Vidyalaya, Medical Officers of Lunawa Division to emphasize the Anuradhapura. The workshop consisted of educational Importance of traditional beverages. Workshops were lectures and a medical camp. Forty school students par- designed to impart the basic knowledge about Sri Lankan traditional beverages with practical demonstrations on how to prepare them. Dr Himalee de Silva (EC member), Dr.M.A.D.K.Manurathna, Dr.L.R.R.Fernanado and Dr. L.D. Lakmali (Ayurveda Community Medical Officer) were the resource persons of the sessions. Two sessions were suc- cessfully conducted on:

24th May 2019 at Municipal Council Hall of Moratuwa with 40 preschool teachers ticipated in the workshop. Many medical tests were 7th July 2019 at “Sanasa” Katubadda north, Moratuwa conducted through the medical camp free of charge for with the participation of 700 general public. all the participants. Dr Bhathiya Dssanayake (Community Health Promotion Service, Anuradhapura) and Dr. Nilan- Additionally, knowledge on Ayurveda practice on mos- thi Wijewardana (EC-SLAAS) were the resource persons quito prevention and traditional food practices was of the event.

disseminated. Coordinator of the event: Dr. Nilanthi Wijewardana

Coordinator of the sessions: Dr. Himali De Silva Ocean- swell in collaboration with EC -SLAAS conducted an edu- cational session on 04th June 2019 on “Marine Conserva- tion Conversations” with about 30 participants. The re- source person of the session was Dr. Asha De Vos and the coordinator was Mr. Trishan Perera.

 A workshop on CKDu was successfully conducted by EC- SLAAS in collaboration with the Section B of SLAAS on 5th

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” Coordinator of the event: Mr. Ruwan Kalubowila

Nature E-Photo contest 2019 Nature E-photo contest is an annual session conducted by EC -SLAAS which was initiated in 2017. This year, the Nature E- Photo contest was launched on the 5th June 2019 to coin- cide with the World Environment Day. The voting period for the most popular photo will be from 10th August to 10th Sep- tember 2019. EC-SLAAS invites photographers to submit their entries. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/ NatureEPhotoContest for more information and to vote for the photos.

The best photo: Rs 15,000 The most popular photo: Rs 10,000

End Plastic Pollution Awareness Program

 EC-SLAAS has organized a series of awareness programs on “Plastic Pollution”. Three hour program has been arranged to cover the topics “what is plastics?”, “ Dos and Donts”, “4R concept” and “Trash to treasure – upcy- cling”. Program was conducted by Dr. Shantha Egodage from , Dr. Randika Jayasinshe from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Dr. Madhub- hashini Maddumaarachchi from Univesity of Sri Jayewar- denepura and Dr. Thilini Gunasekara from EC-SLAAS. Two separate sessions were conducted to Sri Lanka mili- tary officers.  On 29nd March 2019, a program was conducted for the Army Officials at the Regiment Centre, Sri Lanka Sig- nal Corps, Panagoda. About 75 Army Officials were participated for the program.

 About 40 Sri Lanka Air Force Officers who are ac- tively involved in solid waste management in differ- ent Airforce camps were addressed on 5th July 2019 at Sri Lanka Air Force Station, Ekala.

Coordinator of the event: Dr Thilini Gunasekara

ප ස ේනාג ”SLAAS at “Shilpa sena

Four 30 min scientific talks were delivered every day for the General public. Each section nominated 4-5 resource persons to conduct these talks at “Shilpa sena”.

Introduction of a Science Kit by the Section E2 of SLAAS. This is a kit with many activities to learn basic concepts in science in a non classroom environment. With the assistance from Colombo Science and Technol- ogy cell, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, In- ventors of this product logged an application to protect the IP rights for this invention.

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Science Technology and Research and SLAAS for cooperation in the fields of Scientific Policy and Research, and STEM education at the BMICH.

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”