Wednesday, November 09, 2016

President awarding the “Best New Inventor” in the Schools Section G.A.N.W. Gangodawila of Mayurapada Vidyalaya, Narammala at “Sahasak Nimawum” 2016 Exhibition. Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha and a large number of people participated in this occasion.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation with Pakistan on 5th January 2016

Hope of Our Future Prosperity ... Science , Technology & Research

SLINTEC Nanotechnology Incubation Center vested with the nation…

Opening ‘Vidatha’ Resources Centre at Kahawatte Science & Technology for Society Forum 2016

At the Presentation of National Quality Awards 2016...

fter the present Government came into Apower, under the leadership and blessing of President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research was ‘Sahasak Nimavum’ 2016 Exhibition entrusted to Minister Susil Premajayantha. This issue of ‘Vidya’ Newspaper highlights the mission carried out to uplift the fi elds of science, technology and research under the advise of the Minister, State Minister Lakshman Senevirathne, Ministry Secretary R. Wijialudchumi and the guidance of H e a d s o f A f fi l i a t e d I n s t i t u t i o n s . W h a t i s special about this is that, parallel to this, the ‘Vidya’ Tri-lingual Newspaper launched by one year’s proud contemplation of ‘Vidya’ Ministry of Science, Technology and Research with tri-lingual newspaper is also being held. The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) on 14th October 2015 completes one year.

Ministry of Science, Technology and Research To read Vidya as an Paper visit www.dailynews.lk /vidya 2 Wednesday, November 09, 2016

activated?

It is expected to introduce 13 projects in 2017. Out of these, four are scheduled to be carried out through the Ministry and the balance nine through affi liated institutions. Rs. 2994.38 million have been requested for these projects. With these, the total value of the operative projects will be Rs. 55,142 million. Other than those projects, Rs.700 million has been requested for three continuous projects. In total, Rs. 3694.38 million has been requested per year.

 Can you tell our readers what those projects are?

The Universities of , Peradeniya, Sri Jayawardhanapura, Ruhuna, Wayamba and Jaffna and institutions of NERD, SLINTEC and NISF institutions under the Ministry, in collaboration with Shivanathan Laboratory of the USA and making arrangements train students who have passed the G.C.E. (Ad- vanced Level) Examination and interested in science in manufacturing solar panels locally. Asian Science and Technology Institute will Lakshman Senevirathne – State Minister of Science, Technology and Research be established with Japanese assistance to operate our technical programmes at interna- year has gone by “Vidya” the trilingual Locally also, that is a crying need. The main tainable development goals in science, tional level with on-the-job training required A offi cial newspaper of the Ministry of foundation has been laid in connection with technology and research sectors locally for the current job market. Science, Technology and Research. Being the 12 institutions affi liated to the Ministry of through the sustainable development A Bio Technology Park and a Health Sci- able to take the latest news and information of Science, Technology and Research through goals recommended for years 2016- ence Research Center will be established. science, technology and research to readers ‘Vidya’ newspapers to create avenues for Sri 2030. Unique are the crude oil and petroleum through those is a signifi cant victory. Lanka’s sustainable development. I add my felicitations for all the successes exploration special projects under ITI. The services of ‘Vidya’ in creating an interest I hope that ‘Vidya’ offi cial newspapers could be of your journey and best of wishes for Our objective is to uplift Sri Lanka to the about the activities of the sons and daugh- utilized as an offi cial media in social empower- future welfare. position of a country advanced in science ters of Mother Lanka and provide them with ment and uplift a citizen-based science culture I wish that the offi cial newspaper ‘Vidya,’ that and technology by 2020. encouragement has to be valued greatly. A as one of the main results approved at the is distributed free of charge with Dinamina, main benefi t provided by this is being able to recently held ‘Science and Technology for So- Thinakaran and Daily News, will remain  How does ‘Vidya’ news- encourage reading, collecting information and ciety Forum Sri Lanka 2016’ and as an effi cient among us for a long time to come. paper completing one year analyzing information from schooldays as well methodology that can regulate information infl uence advancement of the as contribute to developing knowledge and necessary to clarify simple and basic science Ministry? skills needed for new inventions and manufac- applications in grassroots level and everyone turing processes for future necessities. in reaching for the results Science and technology programmes includ- In the world that is fast changing from day sus- of this Forum was that ing development projects operating under to day, science and technology is massively scientists and researchers have got our Ministry are taken to the general public utilized for all production processes in industri- the opportunity to uplift science technology in through ‘Vidya” trilingual newspaper that is alization, new inventions and all collaboration with scientists and researchers being published in collaboration with Lake other sectors. from overseas. House. Through this, admiration has been According to a concept of Prime Minister, a created for our Ministry, affi liated institutions and science and technology subject among

 Speaking of the money allocat- ed for 2016 for Ministry of Science, Technology and Research and pro- grammes activated through that?

A sum of Rs. 896.07 million was allocated for our Ministry and Rs. 1354 million was allocated for institutions under our Minis- try. Through those, seven projects have been launched through the Ministry. Out of those, the main project is taking technical R. Wijialudchumi – Secretary - Ministry of Science, Technology and Research knowledge to village level through ‘Vidatha’ Centers. This programme has been al- Foundation has allocated Rs. 250 million to located Rs. 66.08 million. It is being operated Technocity is scheduled to be constructed study non-communicable diseases such as not only students but also the general public. through 266 Vidatha Centers established in Pitipana, Homagama. Land has been cancer, diabetes and kidney diseases. Thus, So, we are thankful to Lake House for giving countrywide. Rs. 34 million has been al- allocated. It is expected to uplift research, allocated money is properly invested. us this opportunity. Furthermore, steps are located to disseminate science, especially exploration, technology and commercializa- tion radiating from one single area. being taken to this programme forward. take science among school children. Rs. 550  What are the special pro- million has been allocated to build a medical grammes activated this year?  How will be the fi nancial alloca- manufacturing laboratory proposed by ITI and For the fi rst time, an international forum tions through 2017 budget and SLINTEC. Its construction work will begin named ‘Science and Technology for Society Marlin Marikkar what are the programmes to be next year. Furthermore, National Science Forum Sri Lanka 2016’. One of the major Picture – Sudam Gunasinghe Wednesday, November 09, 2016 3

Accordingly, in the midst of all these We have provided a facilities being provided, steps are being taken to create new inventions place for new inventors within a very short time and provide to exhibit their new in- the products and services necessary ventions and with facili- for the country and, going beyond that, to navigate the overseas mar- ties to gather and dis- ket. cuss about their various As far as I know, the true develop- ment of a country depends on the projects with internet victories achieved in science, tech- facilities enabling them nology and new inventions. Sri Lan- ka is a country with a proud historic to get an understanding heritage. It is said that the world’s about new inventions oldest hospital had been established in our country. Furthermore, several of the other countries astounding engineering works such of the world, a long- as irrigation works and construction standing request of of Stupas had been operating in our country. them, from Borella area. But, due to our country being admin- Furthermore, as per an- istered by various foreign nations, a background where many things such other of their requests, as new inventions were blocked was we have made arrange- ments to provide them with a unique identity card symbolically today and for the fi rst time we also issued a new stamp to mark New Inventions Day.

ast year, at the ceremony of inventors from the beginning of the created. Under those conditions, as We have launched discussions with Lpresenting Presidential Awards year. So, at present, we are working Japan, the country leading the world for New Inventors, the President to carry out both ideas of the Presi- replacement items for the items we needed were imported from those in Robotics, and Cuba, with a view to made two basic statements. One is dent. developing a cure for cancer using proclaiming A Day for new inventions We have provided a place for new countries. But, at present, that condition has Bio technology and arrangements are and the other is that those inventions inventors to exhibit their new inven- being made to bring those technolo- should be uplifted to commercial level tions and with facilities to gather and changed and an environment condu- cive to take all these endeavours for- gies to this country. and manufacture level At present, the Texas Medical Center nationally and interna- of Houston, the USA, is a place tionally and the neces- where high level research on heart sary fi nancial and techni- disease in being conducted. We cal assistance should have planned knowledge exchange be provided to turn them programmes to send our people into goods and services. there and to get those people to Accordingly, we have come over here to obtain the required activated both those knowledge. Because of these inci- processes, said Minister dents, I think that our new inventors of Science, Technology will be able to invent new, up-and- and Research Susil Pre- coming inventions in the coming majayantha at the Award three years. Ceremony for Inventors The Minister further said that, at an held on the 26th of last ward has been created in the country. occasion such as the present when month. Further express- this Government, under the leader- ing his views, the Minister said that discuss about their various projects Accordingly, our Ministry is utilizing Nanotechnology and Bio technology ship of the President, is carrying out the day designated as New Inven- with internet facilities, enabling them these activities step by step, a New tions Day is the birthday of world to get an understanding about new to take science and technology for- ward. Today, a Technical University Inventions Day has been declared renowned Engineer Kulasinghe, the inventions of the other countries of and winners in the four categories fi rst Chairman of the New Inventions the world, a long-standing request has been lunched with all facilities to achieve that. At present, both State school, university, professional and Commission of Sri Lanka. of them, from Borella area. Further- civil public are selected and their new Speaking further, the Minister said, more, as per another of their re- and private sector has been provided facilities to conduct research and inventions are being awarded to take “A sum of Rs. 1000 million has been quests, we have made arrangements this country forward. allocated for these activities from to provide them with a unique identity experimental work at that University. next year’s budget. Accordingly, we card symbolically today and for the Without stopping there, we have Asanga Prasad Weerapura are getting the ability to grant the fi rst time we also issued a new stamp directed or attention towards Robot- Pictures – Dulip Nayanapriya necessary fi nancial facilities for new to mark New Inventions Day. ics in widespread use at present. 4 Wednesday, November 09, 2016 Standards in a consistent ri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), which is manner are recognized the National Standards Body of Sri Lanka was by allowing affi xing the establishedS by the Act No. 38 of 1964 and amended by SLS mark on the product. the Amended Act No. 6 of 1984. The primary purpose This helps consumers to of the Institution is to promote standardization in all identify products that meet sectors of the economy to uplift the quality of life of standards and help to uplift 123 items that are imported to the country are the nation. SLSI is the sole body in the country that the quality of products available in the market. ensured to meet the Sri Lanka Standards be- represents Sri Lanka at the International Organization fore they are released to the market by means for Standardization. Quality Certifi cation of a number of mechanisms. Primary objective of the SLSI is to formulate Na- Systems certifi cation schemes against different world Providing laboratory facilities for product tional Standards. However SLSI has taken steps to recognized Management Systems are becoming testing and instrument calibration SLSI is implement such standards among manufacturing and a necessity for Sri Lankan Industries to carry out paving the way for industrialists to assure their service sector organizations, school and university business in the competitive global markets. To cater to products’ conformity with the required quality students and general public by operating internationally this need of the industry and trade, the Institution oper- standards. Testing facility which is vital in accepted certifi cation schemes, conducting awareness ates Certifi cation Schemes covering ISO 9001 based trading to assess product quality is provided programme / training programmes workshops etc. Quality Systems, ISO 14000 based Environmental on food, chemicals, material, microbiology, National standards relating to products, commodities, Management Systems and ISO 22000 based HACCP electrical and textile fi elds. materials and processes are formulated following Food Safety Systems, OHSAS 18001 Occupational Similarly, to assure correct internationally accepted principles, particularly in line Health and Safety Management Systems, ISO 50001 measurements, with the provisions given under Annex 3 of WTO/ Energy Management Systems, SLS 1432 based Super industrial TBT Agreement. The Institution also takes action to Market Management Systems Certifi cation, SLS 1324 calibra- Through above activities SLSI promote use of these standards by the Industry to gain based Organic Certifi cation and GMP Good Manufac- tion service is provided in length and angle, mass,  facilitates internal and external trade benefi ts associated with standardization. turing Practices. temperature, pressure, force and torque and volume  helps increasing productivity and maximize the By implementing the products certifi cation scheme, Quality assurance of identifi ed imported items is areas. utilization of resources the products that are manufactured another method used by SLSI to In order to impart knowledge on standardization  enhances international competitiveness of in compliance with implement the standards. and related fi elds to the industry personnel from top products and services Sri Lanka At present, management to shop fl oor workers, SLSI conducts  helps safeguard the interests of consumers more than 100 training programmes throughout the  helps to achieve socio-economic development. year. Education of consumers including schoolchildren on standardization and quality related areas is another important activity carried out by T.G. Gamini Dharmawardana participa- the Institution. Director General / CEO tion of school- Sri Lanka Standards Institution children all over the country and conducted under  Inter School Science are in Grades 9 -13. Top 10 winners of the different themes. Society Competition – This is organized SRPC organized by the NSF are entitled For the 12th time, among the School Science Societies reg- to participate in the SLSEF organized by the World Science istered with the NSF (at present, there are four stakeholders namely the NSF, Institute 812 School Science Societies registered of Engineers of Sri Lanka, Intel Pvt Ltd Sri with the NSF). Five competitions namely, Lanka and the Ministry of Education. Short Science Drama, Role Play of Scien-  Digital Story Telling Competition for University Science Societies – This is conducted among the University Under- graduates of the University Science Socie- ties registered with the NSF. Currently, there are 47 Science Societies registered Day Schools Programme is scheduled to tists, Viridu Poems, Digital Story Telling and stablished by UNESCO in 2001, World be held on Thursday, 10th November 2016 with the NSF. Science Day for Peace and Develop- Manual poster Competitions are organized E at the Main Hall, BMICH. The theme of this under the same theme of the World Sci- ment is celebrated worldwide on 10th  Prof. M.T.M. Jiffry Memorial Award year’s programme is “Science for Healthy ence Day Schools Programme, among the November each year. It offers an opportu- for Popularization of Science – This Living.” schoolchildren of the registered schools. nity to demonstrate to the wider public why Minister of Science, Technology and Award is open to the public. science is relevant to their daily lives and to A competition for the NSF Award for Teach- Research Susil Premajayantha will be ers in Promoting Science also organized engage them in debate on related issues. All the winners of the above competitions the Chief Guest of this programme. Prof. among the science teachers of the regis- The aim is to ensure that citizens are kept will be felicitated at the World Science Day Narada Warnasuriya, Senior Professor of tered schools. informed of developments in science, while Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, General 2016 Schools Programme and arrange- underscoring the role scientists play in ments will be made to award them plaques, Sir John Kothalawala Defense University  Star Rating of the School Science broadening our understanding of the re- certifi cates and cash awards. will deliver the keynote speech on “Science Societies registered with the NSF – Sci- markable, fragile planet we call home and Winners (fi rst place) of the short science for Healthy Living.” ence Societies are evaluated based on in making our societies more sustainable. drama, role play and viridu poems com- The expected number of participants is their performance and Star winning schools The National Science Foundation (NFS) is petitions will be given an opportunity to 1500, including schoolchildren, teachers will be selected. The best fi ve schools are the focal point of celebrating the World Sci- display their performances at the above representing the School Science Socie- selected every year and the winners are ence Day in Sri Lanka. programme. ties from the schools located all over the awarded “Five Stars.” The World Science Day Schools Pro- country, scientists, Ministry offi cials, media The Special Issue of the Vidurava Maga- gramme was started by NSF in 2004 with zine published by the NSF under the same personnel and award winners of the fol-  Science Research Projects Competi- the objective of popularizing of science theme of the World Science Day will be lowing competitions organized by the NSF tion (SRPC) and the Sri Lanka Science among the schoolchildren and teachers, distributed among the participants of the targeting the World Science Day Schools & Engineering Fair (SLSEF) – This is and organized this event annually with the above Schools Programme. Programme. organized among the schoolchildren who Wednesday, November 09, 2016 5

On 27th of July 2016, the NRC was he National Research Council established as a T(NRC) was founded in 1999 and formally established in year 2007, statutory body as a special agency by the Presi- dent, under Article 33 of the Con- by the Act No.11 of stitution, to assist the Government in science and technology towards the Parliament of a vibrant science and technological Sri Lanka. community. On 27th of July 2016, the NRC was established as a statutory body by the Act No. 11 of Lankan scientists with an indige- the . nous institutional affi liation. Rec- ognition of scientifi c merit based on publication in SCI journals is the be proud to see that there has been in Sri Lankan health expenditure President’s Awards main objective of NRC with regard almost a three-fold increase in but almost 100% of such drugs to this programme and the award indexed scientifi c publication by our were imported. Prof. Anil Goon- President’s Awards for ceremony will be held every year scientists from 1999 to date. athilake and his team at University Scientifi c Publication are with the presence of the President of Sri Jayewardenepura and LINA Successful Project of Private considered as the na- of Sri Lanka. As a nation we should Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd initiated the Public Partnership tion’s most pres- local production of nasally delivered Programme tigious awards drugs, with the support of Public for research Respiratory diseases Private Partnership Programme of publica- are becoming more NRC. The fi rst product range is for tion for common in Sri Lanka treatment of asthma and they have Sri and nasal drug delivery been low-cost products compared is the most effi cient to imported products, showing a therapy identifi ed so far. promising potential of com- Nasally delivered drugs mercialization. own a

larger space

Herewith are some excellent inventions of Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies.

(1) Space Technology Applications for Agricultural Drought Monitoring and Early Warning space university in the world Drought is one of the largest disasters in and partnering with several key the country in terms of the number of peo- universities in Sri Lanka. of the countries in the region to use space ple affected with direct impact to food and Initiating this endeavour, a technology applications for Sustainable water security. Recent years witnessed kickoff workshop on “Development Development and Disaster Risk Reduction severe drought events and had signifi cant of Sri Lanka’s fi rst ever Nano sat- and also the country was selected as one impact on annual Gross Domestic Product ellite” was organized on 18th and of the Pilot Countries for implementation (GDP): in year 2012 over 11% of the total 19th of August 2016 with foreign of the Space Technology based Drought 390,000 hectares of Yala rice cultivation technical expertise. Monitoring and Early Warning mechanism. was destroyed. Therefore, it is necessary to have a (3) Automated Electrical Hospi- (2) Nano Satellite Mission national drought monitoring system, which tal Bed au- Nano satellites provide much of the will fi nally contribute to build the resilience The automated hospital bed is a very use- tomated performance of a conventional satellite of the nation to disasters. The above ful hospital item, especially when caring hospital bed. for a fraction of the cost. Nano satellites project was undertaken as part of Sri for elderly immobilized persons. However, The Institute devel- were built in a standard format known as a Lanka’s selection by the United Nations the majority of the State-run hospitals in oped this product in col- CubeSat, a 10 cm (4 inch) cube weighing Economic & Social Commission for Asia the country are equipped with only a few laboration with one of the leading 1-10 Kg. Some nano satellites comprise and the Pacifi c (UNESCAP) as the fi rst automated hospital beds due to their high medical equipment and accessories more than one cube. The Institute is Pilot Country for implementation of the 5 cost. To address this need gap the Arthur suppliers in the country and that company planning to conduct this project with the Year Action Plan (2012 – 2017) formulated C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technolo- will act as manufacturing and marketing technical support from a leading aero- by UNESCAP for developing the capacity gies has taken steps to design a low cost collaborator of the ACCIMT. 6-7 Wednesday, November 09, 2016

oday, the whole universe is a village and we are its Tvillagers. We observe the world through scientifi c eyes and we are travelling fast on our way. Today, if something happens without science or technology, it will surely be something incredible. Science and tech- nology has bonded with us to that extent. As the hu- man needs and necessities have grown more oday, at any important occasion discussions are held and more complex, the fi eld of research locally or globally, science and technology has be- is closer to us than ever before. In T come the main topic. From the days of yore it has become 2015, the Associated Newspa- pers of Ceylon Limited was the main factor of development. We have been entrusted selected as the offi cial print with the main responsibility in the socio-economic develop- media communicator of the ment process of the country. Here, we carry out new inven- Ministry of Science, Technol- tions in various sectors of the fi eld of science and bringing H.M.B.C. Herath ogy and Research for the dis- them forward practically. But, the most important factor in Additional Secretary semination of new inventions (Technology and Research Development) its success and the subject fi eld is knowledge and proper and methodologies and their ap- Ministry of Science,Technology & Research communication. plication to the development pro- cess of the country. The ‘Vidya’ Furthermore, in talking of the subject fi eld, increasing trilingual newspaper that is issued the attractiveness and understanding is very impor- most a year, we have successfully and continuously pro- with Dinamina, Thinakaran and Daily tant to attract youth to science and technology. Pro- ceeded on that journey we began. During all this time, we News is proudly commemorating its ducing knowledge fi ndings simply and attractively were able to achieve the peoplization we expected very fi rst anniversary. is very important for the true value of research. accurately. We need a high quality media for that. The start Here, we should especially value the assistance we got The Ministry of Science, Technology and of that media was launched on 14th October from the Minister of Science, Technology and Research Research, collaborating with the Associated NERD Centre, Industrial Technology Institute, National 2015 by the Ministry of Science, Technology Susil Premajayantha, the Secretary of the Ministry and oth- Science Foundation, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, took steps to launch manufacture covering any new idea of that product or to and Research in collaboration with Lake er offi cials. Now, we have to go forward on the journey we (Pvt) Ltd., Arthur C Clark Institution for Modern Technolo- trilingual newspapers broadening the scope of its com- analyze the research background a particular service. House. The launch of that media began, getting fresher and fresher with each step. gies, National Institute of Fundamental Studies and Network Furthermore, instead of the usual meaningless ideas and munication space. The offi cial newspapers of the Min- was the bestowing of ‘Vidya’ tri- Specially, scientists should carry out research projects istry launched concurrently with the commemoration of of Vidhatha Centers fl owed to the reading public through time-wasting boasts printed and broadcast in some media, assisted in this journey of success! lingual newspaper on the suiting social necessities. That is what we should give International Standards Day, communicated a mass of these newspapers. As these newspapers are published important information about science, technology and re- We would like to bestow our honour and gratitude to information about the steps taken for the advancement in three languages Sinhala, Tamil and English, any reader search fi ndings essential for country’s development and the society. Through to the society. Additional Secretary (Technology and Research Develop- of the fi elds of science, technology and research by the can access these newspapers with ease because a special tasks carried out by the Ministry were published in these. “Vidya” newspapers are forever that, for a peri- ment) H.M.B.C. Herath, Director (Science and Research Ministry and its affi liated institutions through the year. Vidya layout system has been introduced for them, unique to Space is also open to necessities of day-to-day life and prepared to carry out their com- od of al- Development), P.M. Dharmatilake, Director (Technology newspaper entered the annals of history addressing the these newspapers; the ‘Hybrid’ newspaper. “Vidya” news- scientifi c problems. There are only two months to the start munications tasks without fail in any Development and International Relations) Himali W.K. Sri Lankan reader in three languages Sinhala, Tamil and papers are distributed with national newspapers Dinamina, of a fresh year. In retrospect, it becomes apparent that the endeavour of the Ministry to fashion the Athaudage, Director (Planning) Nazeema Ahamed, Media English with Dinamina, Thinakaran and Daily News. This Thinakaran and Daily News and can be accessed through pride of “Vidya” newspapers is that is has socitalized many future of science, technology and research fi elds Secretary Mahesh Samarasekera, Dhammika Rathnayake was an ideal communications media that has reached internet e-paper with video facilities. important information necessary for the advancement of of the country. We convey our best wishes for ‘Vidya” and B.H. Ishara Sudarshanie of the Technology and Re- readers the world over through e-newspapers broadening This will be the best nursery for student community who is Sri Lankan society. Our respect for all time goes to the newspapers’ second year that begins today! search Development Division and all offi cials of the Ministry the knowledge of readers in the various strata of society always involved in computer technology to fi nd scientifi c Chairman, Board of Directors and all Corporate Offi cials who are continuously dedicated to all tasks of “Vidya.” from schoolchildren through covering the locally held information while getting their knowledge updated. These of Lake House and we are gratefully thanking the Minister newspapers provide a great backing to fi ll the communica- We are also grateful to the unfl agging dedication of the exhibitions, symposia and fora. Comprehensive information of Science and Technology, the State Minister, the Ministry Pramitha Randali Pabasara tions vacuum in technical and research fi elds as there is Managing Editor of the Lake House Government Relations about institutions such as Sri Lanka Standards Institution, Secretary, Heads of Affi liated Institutions and all others who W.A. Nisansala Kumari suffi cient space in them to include those products and their Department Samantha Karunasekera and his team.

he Science and Technology for Society Forum Sri Lanka advice of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister superior technology for the industrial fi eld of Sri Lanka and science, Skills development in science fi eld, Technology and and Innovation for the development of the country. T2016 was held recently at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Ranil Wickremasinghe participated in this occasion. infrastructure development projects was supplied by the UK inventions, Financing and investments in science and tech- This Forum was of utmost importance to the future genera- Rajapakse Theater, Colombo, recently. Local and overseas The second day of the Forum was dedicated to technical India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) and the Japan nology fi eld, Establishing an inventions platform for Sri Lanka tions. It is very special that, as a a result of this Forum, the scientists who have won in the international arena, research- sessions held at the Waters Edge Hotel. The theme of these – Sri Lanka Invention Platform (J-SLIP). The assistance for and Nanotechnology. number of scholarships Sri Lanka is getting from the CERN ers, explorers and scholars hoping to embark on science and technical sessions was “Harnessing Science Technology and technical sessions was supplied by JAICA, WIPO, GTZ and Other than the programme of the day of inauguration, fi ve Laboratory of Geneva was increased from two to four. technology fi eld participated in this occasion. Innovation for Sustainable Development.” Thomson Reuters. group sessions, 21 break-up sessions and four discussions Another victory we were able to achieve at this Forum was Several local and overseas scientists invited by the Minister The assistance to this Forum convened by the Ministry of In Sri Lankan context, at the 2016 Sri Lanka STS Forum, between scientists and the industry fi eld were held. The increasing the number of scholarships we were getting from of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha Science, Technology and Research of the Government of attention was paid on the tasks of science and technology 2016 Sri Lanka STS Forum successfully concluded with the Sakura of Japan to 100 scholarships from 10. and State Minister Lakshman Seneviratne according to the Sri Lanka for the fi rst time with the objective of promoting fi eld in reaching Sustainable Development Goals, Citizen’s Colombo Resolution on incorporating Science Technology 8 Wednesday, November 09, 2016

uring development of lands Done main challenge is to his project of developing an Aquatic Could be made locally for about Rs. create a difference in ground el- TWeeder for drainage canals was 1,000,000/-. Cost of a Japanese machine evation. This can often be done proposed by the Department of Irrigation. of the similar capacity will be around Rs. by creating slopes, but due The objective of this project was to clean 10,000,000/-. to reasons such as limitation of land etc., up the weeds grown in drainage canals in maintaining a safe slope is not possible. Southern Province. In Southern Province Then the construction of a retaining wall Eng. Kapila Peiris these are hundreds of kilometers of is necessary. Eng. E B U C Kumara canals which are meant to drain the fl oods A retaining wall is a structure designed National Engineering Research to the pump inlets which pump them into and constructed to resist the lateral and Development Centre the river. At present dredges which are set pressure of soil when there is a desired on the fl oaters are used to remove change in ground elevation. Post –Tensioned Masonry (PTM) retain- weeds in these canals which block forcement and form work. Advantages such as ing wall system consists of masonry blocks com- the water fl ow. This is a very costly over 30% cost saving with all traditional retaining pressed by post-tensioning after construction. and time consuming process. The wall systems and aesthetic appearance are These blocks are manufactured by the hydraulic NERD Center, acting on a request expected at the completion of this retaining wall block making machines developed by National from the Department of Irrigation system. Engineering Research and Development Centre launched a project to develop an This project is an ongoing research project at of Sri Lanka (NERDC). aquatic weeder with the objectives NERDC and ready for commercialization from The Post –Tensioned Masonry (PTM) retaining of speeding up the weeding and January 2017 wall system can be used as an economical alter- lessening the costs. native to the traditional methods of retaining wall The proposed weeder is a simple Eng. W.W.P.K.Perera construction. This masonry retaining wall elimi- machine developed by using the Project Engineer Field testing of Aquatic Weeder nates the labor expensive works such as rein- engine / gearbox of existing two A.D.A.R. Premawansa wheelers, and with simple altera- Principle Research Engineer tions this could be moved on land. The National Engineering Research and proposed machine is still in the mode of Development Centre fi eld testing.

ri Lanka Institute Sof Nanotechnology (Pvt.) Ltd., (SLINTEC), with collaborations with and aeroponics. This will give new Ranil Wickramasinghe. China had started construction a lights to methods of cultivating fruits state of the art Green House of and vegetables with no or minimum Research for Government 10,000 sq.ft. The constructions are agrochemicals. It will also boost the SLINTEC is involved in both scheduled to be completed in No- horticulture industry. public and private sec- vember this year. Once completed, tor research initiatives. the Green House will demonstrate Technology Incubation Centre SLINTEC currently is new technologies in agriculture giv- (TIC) conducting three major ing more emphasis to hydroponics projects on behalf of The Technology Incubation Centre the Government in the (TIC), fi rst and only future initiative of areas of Material SLINTEC – Working for Sri Lanka to provide a nurturing en- Science. “ vironment to technology based busi- The synthetic chem- State and Private ness ideas to prosper and istry programme is to become viable contributors to our create Active Pharma- Sector Research Projects” community and economy. It is the ceutical Ingredients looking at their project proposals. place for technology based (API) to Pharmaceutical Industry in business, innovations and develop- Sri Lanka. As the current pharma- ments which maximizes the chances ceutical Industry in Sri Lanka only Helpline for Exporters of success under “one roof concept” deals with medications at present, managed by SLINTEC. TIC brings the new programme is looking at pro- SLINTEC has developed a Pro- academia and industry closer to ducing APIs in Sri Lanka to compete gramme with Export Development each other by providing a platform in the international market in terms of Board to advice the exporters who to commercialize their research, pro- quality. need expert advice on developing jects and other technology based their products. A science clinic is business ideas. Private Sector Research conducted once a week at the Ex- TIC, covering 18,000 sq.ft., to- port Development Board. From there gether with open space for The private sector investment pro- Exporters can get solutions for their pilot projects and offi ce spac- gramme is to encourage the young technical problems relating to Sci- es, was opened for busi- companies to look at new technolo- ence and Engineering. ness on 22 of September gies in science. Currently SLINTEC 2016 by Prime Minister is engaged with over 10 clients by Wednesday, November 09, 2016 9 GHG management - Part 1: Service management VALIDATION system requirements. AND VERIFICATION SLAB is ready to provide Accreditation of accreditation Green House based on ISO/ Gas (GHG) IEC 17021to Validation and Verifi cation the above System certifi ca- Bodies is based on ISO/IEC tion schemes. 14065 - Greenhouse gases- Requirements for greenhouse GOOD LABORATORY companies with a tool to verify that one or more gas validation and verifi cation PRACTICE (GLP) specifi c input materials are in a fi nal product. bodies for use in accreditation or This scheme is based on other forms of recognition. OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) ii. The Organic Content Standard (OCS) relies SLAB has started an accredita- which set the quality standards for the organization on third-party verifi cation to verify a fi nal product tion programme for GHG validation and/or and management of test facilities and for performing contains the accurate amount of a given organically verifi cation bodies in 2015 and has already and reporting studies related to the safety of chemical grown material. accredited two GHG validation/verifi cation substances and preparations. ccredited Compliance As- bodies. SLAB is a PAC MLA partner for GHG valida- SLAB is ready to provide ac- iii. The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is a chain Asessment Reports have been tion & verifi cation. And the only accreditation body creditation based on OECD Principles of GLP. of custody standard to track recycled raw materials made mandatory for taking techni- which accredits GHG validation and verifi cation in the through the supply chain. cal decisions, by Cabinet Paper No. South Asia. TEXTILE EXCHANGE iv. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a holistic 16/0074/716/003. INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY This is an independent scheme ensures MANAGEMENT (ISMS) that all of the work that is done towards sustainability certifi cation for products with recycled content. As the basic programme, a ‘Meeting of This system certifi cation is based on ISO/ in the textile industry is genuine and National Regulatory Bodies’ was held IEC 27001:2005– Information technology -- Security leads to real and meaningful change. on 01st September. The objective techniques -- Information security management Textile exchange includes a series of here is creating a platform for all regu- systems -- Requirements. standards: lators to identify the present demand INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE i. The Content Claim Standard (CCS) according to the country’s industries MANAGEMENT (ITSM) is a chain of custody standard that provides and requirements of the international This system market, reviewing existing rules and certifi cation is based on ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011 regulations and introducing new regu- Information technology - Service lations. a pare-pheromone from local varieties of Ocinum sanctum L. for the management of fruit and melon fl ies. This pest control formulation uses natural compounds and it is free from many adverse Kandy Teaching Hospital and are now ready for effects on nature Chronic Kidney Disease commercialization. usually posed by synthetic pest control Solar reactor for purifi cation of agents. Research work was done in collabora- Chronic kidney disease is a major crisis faced in losses of agrochemical contaminated tion with CIC and the Department of Agriculture. Sri Lanka mainly in the North Central Prov- mangoes is industrial water The technology was transferred to CIC. ince. As the kidneys of those patients are not highly economical functioning, kidney dialysis has to be carried Agrochemical industries generate wastewater Development of modifi ed KASPER and it costs 50 cents out frequently to purify the blood using kidney contaminated with agrochemicals which needs to Rs. 1/- per mango. The KASPER is a formula used in kitul tapping dialysis solutions. to be properly treated before it is released to the inventors are waiting for patent rights industry to enhance the sap secretion. The use Presently the dialysis solutions are imported at a environment. The industrialists currently use and the approval from the Department of of KASPER gave a new lease of life to dying high cost. M.N.A. Mubarak, Principal Research chemical treatment methods using chemicals to Agriculture on safety for use. kitul industry. Drs Pathmasiri Ranasinghe, Offi cer and Technical Assistant, A.A.N.U. Amaras- decontaminate wastewater. The team was led by Drs. Shanthi Wilson and Sirimal Premakumara, Sudarshana Somasiri and inghe developed low cost dialysis solutions which The new treatment technology, a photo catalytic Ilmi Hewajulige and Nisala Gunasekera and Technical Assistant Ushan Chanaka developed showed very positive and better results than the reactor that uses sun light for decontamination Shiranthi Perera are other team members. imported solutions in clinical trials carried out at was developed at ITI. This cheap, environ- the KASPER formulation for kitul. The research ment friendly technology could also be used in was continued to modify KASPER, expanding ITI Research Symposium the application for coconut tapping which gave domestic water supply to purify water. The pilot Second Biannual Research Symposium of ITI promising results in coconut sap secretion. scale studies are to be carried out before com- was held on 16th and 17th of November 2015. The new formulation is ready for technology mercialization. Inauguration ceremony was held at the Commit- transfer. The research was carried out by Dr. I.R.M. Koda- tee Room B of BMICH and the Chief Guest was goda along with Research Scientist K.S.P. Karun- Bio Wax Formation Minister of Science, Technology and Research adasa, Research Engineer W.R.L. Wijesekera, Susil Premajayantha. Dr. Imtinan Elahi Qureshi, An edible bio wax formulation which can extend Technical Assistants H.D.D.P. Gunasekera Executive Director of COMSATS was the Guest the storage life and delay the ripening of man- Kohobange and H.A.M.I.T. Hettiarachchi. of Honour while W.A. Wijewardena delivered goes was developed by a team of ITI research- the keynote address. Achievement Awards ers. All the ingredients of Bio Wax are of food were presented to the ITI staff members who Control of fruit fl ies grade and the research team used the bio-activity excel in research and post graduate studies. of natural compounds to ensure the protection of Fruit fl ies cause damages and cause heavy Technical Sessions were held at ITI and the mangoes from fungi and other spoilage causing post harvest losses. A team of researchers, led researchers of ITI presented their research microbes. by Dr. R.M. Dharmadasa at ITI carried out pilot fi ndings to the scientifi c community. scale trials on a natural pest control product; Using Edible Wax for the control of post harvest 10 Wednesday, November 09, 2016

yrolysis produces biochar, which is economically viable alternative to activated municipal wastes in Sri Lanka. As a result ment rather Pa stable carbon material produced carbon and simultaneously, biochar re- of accelerated urbanization, waste genera- than open haphaz- under no or less oxygen condition. At duces Green ard dumping. present, a growing number of countries in House Gas the world are moving towards achieving (GHGs) emis- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which pyrolysis seems to be a valuable option in managing municipal solid waste (MSW) than incineration, which demands a lot of energy and composting which is not the total solution. In economic point of sion and remediates various pollutants tion per capita is being increased. For view, biodegradable MSW may be pyro- including carcinogenic organic pollutants instance, municipal waste generation in Sri lyzed to generate electricity and generate and heavy metal contaminants from Lanka is projected to be 1.0 kg / capita / biochar as a by-product, where it can be municipal solid waste dumpsites. day by 2025, which is 0.8kg / capita / day reused as a soil conditioner / amendment Open dumpsites act as the fi nal deposi- at present. On the other hand, distance / fertilizer and at the same time as an tory of most industrial, construction and between residential areas and landfi lls are gradually being decreased due to the expansion of the urban boundaries. Hence, it needs careful manage-

Dr. M.S. Vithanage Senior Research Fellow National Institute of Fundamental Studies

ecognizing the important role played Services and x) Basic by Research and Development (R Sciences, Emerging Tech- R intervention fi elds; i) policy & D) activities in the development of a coun- nologies and Indigenous Knowledge. formulation, ii) Pure and ap- try’s economy and in enhancing the living Issues that affect the quality of life and slow plied research, iii) Promotion standards of its people, the National Science down the economic progress of the country of innovation, iv) Applica- and Technology Commission (NASTEC) have been identifi ed under each area. Some tion of Nanotechnology, v) has developed a National Research and of the issues identifi ed are; absence of Application of Biotechnology, Development Framework (NRDF) for Sri measures in meeting drinking water demand, vi) Application of indigenous Lanka to harness the potential of R & D insuffi cient attention on food safety and knowledge, vii) Testing, activities in national development. NASTEC risk assessment, increasing levels of non- standardization, accreditation is an advisory body to the Government on communicable diseases such as diabetes and assurance of Intellectual S & T policies, plans and strategies. The and hypertension, environment and climate Property Rights, viii) Capac- and also in decision making. NRDF was prepared with the collaboration change related disasters, inadequate meas- ity building, xi) Application of Information The interventions proposed, if properly with the Ministry of Science, Technology and ures in prevention of prevention of industrial Communication Technology and x) Science implemented will contribute to; solving the Research and with the participation of a large and industrial pollution and urban solid waste popularization and awareness creation. major issues discussed above, increasing number of scientists, academics and other management, high dependency on imported living standards of people in our country and relevant stockholders. fossil fuel in the transport sector lack of meas- The NRDF has identifi ed more than 450 inter- enhancing its economic development. In the The NRDF, which was approved by the Cabi- ures in product development using available ventions under these 10 intervention fi elds. long run this will take the country towards net of Ministers in May 2016, has identifi ed mineral resources, increasing labour cost and sustainable development, while becoming a 10 areas to focus on for improving the quality high water and energy use in the textile and NASTEC expects that our scientists will scientifi cally and technologically advanced of life of people and enhancing economic apparel industry, insuffi cient labour force, lack develop detailed research projects based on nation. development of the country. These areas are; of relevant policies and lack of knowledge on The NRDF was presented to the President by this framework. Science administrators and NASTEC. i) Water, ii) Food, Agriculture and Nutrition, emerging trends in ICT. policy makers can also use this framework iii) Health, iv) Shelter, v) Environment, vi) R & D is needed to solve these issues and Asha Pitadeniya as a guideline in disbursing funds for R & D, Senior Scientist Energy, vii) Mineral Resources, viii) Textile & appropriate mechanisms to fulfi ll the R & D developing action plans, formulating policies National Science and Apparel Industry, ix) Software and Knowledge needs have been identifi ed under ten major Technology Commission Wednesday, November 09, 2016 11

Upgrading of “Sahasak Nimewum ventors to dra their patent National Exhibition” to an applications and carry out patent International Exhibition search.  e inventors will be funded Presently, the “Sahasak Nimewum to apply for local patent as well as Exhibition” is held annually on PCT  ling / US patent  ling by this the scale of national level. From division. Advice the year 2017 onwards it will be R. Wijialudchumi upgraded to an international Innovation Accelerator Fund Secretary inventions exhibition with  e Innovation Accelerator Fund Ministry of Science, Technology and Research the participation of inven- will be implemented to provide tors from other countries. grants in large scale for inventions H.M.B.C. Herath commercialization and research Additional Secretary Establishment of commercialization for the re- (Technical & Research Development) a Patent Support searches which the outcome would Division for SLIC be an innovation. Renuka Amarasinghe he Sri Lanka Planetarium in parallel to the Additional Secretary TISC Centre Celebration of National Inven- (Technology Transfer) conducted some main activities T  is will be a tors’ Day with more inventors’ within the year 2016 to achieve their great sup- promotional activities Nandanie Samarawickrema main objective, popularizing port for  e celebration of National Inven- Additional Secretary (Administration & Finance) Astronomy all over the country. in- tor’s Day will be implemented with more activities to attract general Among them planetarium Guidance public in making of inventions presentations, outdoor programmes year 2016. Especially in the mid of this and popularize inventions and P.M. Dharmatilake and Astro-IT classes take the pride of year, the Sri Lanka Planetarium started innovations. Director place. a new programme called “Astro-Kids” (Science and Research for children in between Grade 5 and Development) Highlights of Planetarium preschool. Himali W.K. Athaudage Presentations Director – (Technology and 173,906 spectators visited us in the Plans for next year (2017) International Relations) period of January 01, 2016 to  e digital full dome  lm database will Nazeema Ahamed September 30, 2016. So we are happy be expanded by adding more  lms in Director (Planning) to say that we already achieved our various areas on astronomy and space Nimali Kulathunga science to provide a better service to a targets for 2016. Apart from the gen- Director (Planning) eral planetarium presentations, special large number of astronomy interested A.K.P. Peiris public in the country. planetarium shows are conducted for Chief Accountant di erently-abled students to encour- To improve the consciousness of Co-editing age them to enjoy their lives by getting children about di erent areas of Mahesh Samarasekera them out of their restricted bounda- astronomy and space science, paper (Media Secretary) ries. articles will be written for children’s 0112-372288 newspapers every month without Dhammika Rathnayake Night Sky Observation Camps restricting to paper articles to be writ- B.H. Ishara Sudarshani (Technology and Research According to normal scenario the ten for special situations only. Development Division) night sky observation camps are held  e Sri Lanka Planetarium’s website Offi cial Photographs at schools for students. In this year will be modi ed in a user friendly Dulip Nayanapriya considering public demand the night and attractive manner.  en a better Ministry Media Unit sky observation camps for the general service can be provided to astronomy public are held at the Planetarium knowledge seekers by sharing knowl- premises and interactive activities are edge and new evidences. It will facili- accomplished with them. tate the dissemination of information. Astronomy and science related work- Government Relations Dept. Astro –IT Classes shops for school students and teach- Coordination/ Graphics and Creations Supervision One hundred and   y (150) school ers will be held every three months Samantha Karunasekera Managing Editor – Government Relations children (Grade 6 – Grade 10) regis- and astronomy related activities will (Lake House) tered for the annually conducted be conducted by collaborating with 0112 429297 / 077 3493785 “Astro- IT” course in the astronomy societies in schools. Editor Jayasri Jayakody Creations Danushka Bandara / Ashani Jayawardana Photo Editing Lake House Production Graphic Department Printing Lake House Commercial Press 12 Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Research Awards Ceremony 2016 - National Research Council

President addressing “ Science and Technology for Society Forum - 2016 ”

Launching the Annual Research Vision of National Institute of Fundamental Studies…

STS Forum 2016

World Science Day Exhibition

Vidhatha ‘Haritha Kadamandiya’

Launching 8th commemoration of Sri Arthur C. Clarke… Award Ceremony felicitating New Inventors

Printed & Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No.35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10 on Wednesday, November 09, 2016