Wednesday, August 7, 2019

By Vindhya Paadukkage

he first step of the “shilpasena” Educational and Entertainment Exposition Torganized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research with the objective of pioneering the spread the knowledge of Science and Technology to the ground level has successfully completed. The exhibition was held from July 18th to 21st at the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in in pursuance of a concept by the Minister of Science, Technology and Research Sujeewa Senasinghe. It consisted of 4 main zones. 12 emerging technical themes were discussed at the Exhibition. In addition to that, “Neela Haritha” zone provided the information on the services being rendered to the public by the other line Ministries. “Vidatha Haritha Kadamandiya” zone provided the opportunity to successful “Vidatha” Entrepreneurs Island wide to market their products at the exhibition.There were exhibiton stalls dedicated to the try armed forces and Police also available at the “Shilpasena” exhibition. As well as there was an attractive trade fair for the public. President , Prime Minister , Speaker of the parliament , Minister of the Housing and Cultural Affairs , Minister of the Primary Industries and Social Empowerment , State Minister of the Finance Iran Wickremaratne, Minister of the Science, Technology and Research Sujeewa Senasinghe, Parliamentarian Prof. Ashu Marasinghe and several other MPs graced this event. Secretary to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research Mr.Chinthaka S Lokuhetti, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry, Heads of the institutions affiliated to the Ministry and other officials of the Ministry participated in this event. Hundreds of thousands of school students, students from universities and other higher educational institutes from all over the country visited and gained knowledge from the exhibition. To pages 06-07... The second stage of “Shilpasena” at the Pollonnaruwa World he second stage of the “Shilpasena” exhibition organize by the Ministry of asteroid day TScience, Technology and Research will be held at the Pollonnaruwa District. It will be presented in a very simple way for the public to understand different celebrates at aspects of science and technology. ACCIMT To page 11

As an newspaper to the internet Lake house Government Another mission of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research Log on to www.dailynews.lk/vidya Relations 02 Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Internet of Things (IoT) could be possible for sophisticated IoT tracking considered as the nova emergence sensors that could transform logistics of internet. It connects devices such operations from end to end. Smart cit- as sensors and actuators through ies: 5G will enable wider applications internet for a targeted application. in smart city initiatives from water and The IoT is an expansion of internet waste management, traffic monitor- for connecting of devices, connectiv- ing to enhanced healthcare facilities. ity of physical objects and monitoring Retail: IoT for Retail will see a positive and processing of devices remotely. impact from the coming of 5G as they The internet technologies interact as attempt to shape customer engage- the transporter for such IoT data. In ment and experiences through mobile recent age the IoT is used on many phones.5G and IoT together will also applications of smart Wearables help in bringing every item on the in healthcare, telemedicine, Smart shelf to the internetby creating digital City, Smart grids, Industrial internet, twins for them. Agriculture industry: In agriculture and etc.As a whole entirely IoT-based smart farming, in IoT applications use smart a system is built for moni- sensors or nodes positioned on toring the crop field with wireless area network. Power the help of sensors light, and size constraints, accuracy humidity, temperature, and affordability are main advan- soil moisture, etc. and tages of using wireless nodes in automating the irrigation wireless sensor network (WSN) system.Smart Environ- which is a subset of IoT. The ment: The applications IoT can bisect in to two catego- of IoT in environmental ries, consumer IoT (cIoT) and monitoring are broad, industrial IoT (iIoT). Consumer environmental protec- IoT aims at improving the qual- tion by extreme weather ity of people’s life by saving time and Evolution (LTE) wireless technology IoT is to have multiple connected monitoring for forest fire detection, money. It involves the interconnection provides the foundation for 5G. Unlike devices gathering data in real time snow level monitoring and early de- of consumer electronic devices, as 4G, which requires large, high-power over a particular period. However, the tection of landslides, earthquakes and well as of anything belonging to user cell towers to radiate signals over continuous exchange of data puts a flashfloods. environments such as homes, offices, longer distances, 5G wireless signals strain on the network and the battery To meet the societal needs of our and cities. Conversely, industrial IoT will be transmitted via large numbers life of the devices. The new wireless nations the collaboration of industries focuses on the integration between of small cell stations located in places network will see a 90% reduction in with the R & D sector will enhance the Operational Technology (OT) and like light poles or building roofs. This network energy usage, with up to economic in the country.To be have a Information Technology (IT) and on next generation of mobile technology, 10 years’ worth of battery life for low high-end research culture among the how smart machines, networked sen- is predicted to be the technological power IoT devices.There are cur- young technologist in universities who sors, and data analytics can improve party in IoT. In other words, 5G is rently an estimated 6.4 billion con- become the entrepreneurs is a must business-to-business services across targeting to reach both high speed nected devices in the world, but with to our country.How we achieve this a wide variety of market sectors and (1 Gbps), low power and low latency home appliances, door locks, security high-end research culture to produce activities, from manufacturing to public (1ms or less), for massive IoT and cameras, cars, wearables, animal col- high tech entrepreneurs? Does IoT services. tactile internet.Does IoT need 5G? 5G lars and so many other inert devices and 5G can?Yes,The Sri Lanka’s The 5G is seen as the fifth genera- promises a more IoT friendly ecosys- beginning to connect to the web, and revolution of the 5G together with IoT tion cellular network technology that tem. The 5G will be able to embrace the researchers predicts that by 2020, on smart applications; As a one nation provides broadband access by late up to 100 times more interaction of that figure will rise to 20.8 billion we are proud to say the first time in 2018 and will hit the market by 2020. heterogeneous devices per unit area Where 5G and IoT could work togeth- south Asia on year 2019 the first pilot Fourth-generation (4G) Long-Term with low latency. Does 5G expand the er; Self-driving cars: Sensors on self- IoT platform? Yes. The idea behind driving cars generate a large amount on 5G service was poweredand the of data, measuring temperature, traffic first 5G smartphone was connected conditions, weather, GPS location etc. to the Sri Lanka’s 5G network. It’s a Healthcare: The medical field will also Blissful news to the nation and the see improvements in their services testimony of the beginning of connec- as all sorts of medical tivity for IoT. Technological upgra- devices become IoT dation of local telecommunication enabled. Rural areas service providers, commitment and and other similar remote enthusiasm of universities and R & D locations without proper institutes and stakeholder collabora- healthcare facilities will tion of innovations will partake in gain- hugely benefit from IoT ing of knowledge to our community on connectivity. With such this extreme impressive and amazing low latency, world class technology. healthcare services like surgeries performed remotely become a pos- Y. S. Praveen Weerasinghe sibility. Logistics: Research Engineer 5G connectiv- National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka ity will make it Wednesday, August 7, 2019 03

ri Lanka Standards Institution,the sole represent- tories i.e, Chemical, Electrical & Electronics, Food, Systems Certification Sative of Sri Lanka in the ISO, is an organization Materials, Microbiology and Textiles. All these labo- SLSI provides Systems Certification in the disciplines with a conscientious vision to provide leadership in ratories are equipped with modern equipments and of Quality, Environmental, Food Safety, Occupational uplifting the quality of life of the nation through stand- perform tests by technically competent staff. Facili- Health and Safety (OHSAS 18001) and many more. ardization and quality improvements in all sectors of ties are available for testing of more than 200 profes- Quality Management System Certification provided the economy. Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) sional standards. Chemical, Food and Microbiology by SLSI certifies an organization’s consistency in is the National Standards Body of Sri Lanka, estab- laboratories are accredited by Sri Lanka Accreditation producing quality products in accordance with ISO lished under the Bureau of Ceylon Standards Act No. Board (SLAB) according to ISO/IEC 17025 require- 9001 series. Environmental Management System 38 of 1964. The Institution functioned under the name ments. Testing services are provided to implement Certification takes legislative Requirements and or- of Bureau of Ceylon Standards until the Act was re- Conformity Assessments, Regulatory Requirements, ganizations’ understanding of environmental impacts pealed and replaced by the Sri Lanka Standards In- Import & Export and needs of local industries. into account for certification, which strictly follows ISO stitution Act No. 6 of 1984.Since its formation, SLSI 14001 standard requirements. Food Safety Manage- has become a role model of excellence and devel- Import Inspections ment Certification is to certify the ability of an organi- oped a self - motivating organizational culture for its SLSI has a mandatory Import Inspection Scheme, zation’s control over their food beneficiaries, as well as its em- chain to manage food safety haz- ployees. ards in order to ensure that food is safe at the time of human con- SLSI, in its quest for better sumption. SLSI uses ISO 22000 quality management in the rap- standard for evaluation. HACCP idly growing Sri Lankan econo- certification is provided by SLSI to my, provides countless servic- ensure customers of Food Safety es. As the National Standards in all the levels of the food chain in body, our Prime function is for- accordance with SLS 1266 guide- mulating Standards. Services lines. In addition, organic certifi- such as instrument calibration, cation, super market certification, systems certification, product ISO 50001 certification, Vidatha certification, training activities, certification and vegetarian certi- laboratory testing, import in- fications are also granted by the spection and the Sri Lanka National Quality Awards which ensures that Quality of Products imported Systems Certification Division. have successfully pushed the quality bar of living in tally with the Sri Lanka Standards. This compulsory Sri Lanka to a scintillating new level. mechanism was framed under the Imports and Ex- Product Certification ports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 as amended by Act The Product Certification Scheme, which is widely With its flawless service over the years, SLSI has No. 20 of 1987 and covers more than hundred items. known as the “SLS Marks Scheme” is used to meet secured the confidence of the public. Hence, SLSI’s SLSI’s Import inspection scheme has the utmost au- the quality level of products from both local and in- recognition is both vital and sufficient to convince the thority to refuse the release of any product into the ternational manufacturers to Sri Lankan Standard. A customers of the quality of the product. You too can market if its test results are unsatisfactory. permit is granted to use the SLS Mark on product af- get the assistance from Sri Lanka standards Institu- ter product quality evaluation through laboratory test- tion to guide your organization to reach heights, in Certifications ing and auditing of the factory processes. success. SLSI provides quality certification for both products A thorough evaluation of the manufacturing proces- and various disciplines of management systems. The sis done by a team of qualified and competent staff of Services of the Sri Lanka Standards certification ensures the customers that the product or the Institution, to ensure the manufacturer’s capabil- Institution the service consistently manufactured or provided in ity to maintain consistent quality of the process. The accordance to the standard requirements. maintenance of the quality of the product is assured Formulation of Standards through regular product testing and system audits. National Standards are formulated through Technical committees and Training they are consultative processes The organization strongly believes that with the co-operative effort of all in- creating awareness about Quality Man- terested parties. agement plays a vital role in achieving any organization’s mission and its vision. Instrument Calibration Variety of programme are designed for The Metrology Division of the SLSI the career development of personnel in serves to meet the requirements for organizations. Diploma courses in Quality the wide range of measurement ca- Management, Food Quality Management, pabilities of the fields of engineering, Certification course in Quality Management medical science and different indus- and Foundation course in Quality Manage- tries. It provides an opportunity for ment. Programmes in standardization and industrialists to ensure reliability of quality management through workshops, result of measurements. As an ISO/ training programmes, in-house training IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, programmes and distance learning pro- the metrology division of the SLSI is grammes for all categories of industrial per- ready to meet the new challenges of sonnel viz: top management to shop floor the increasingly competitive world workers including operators. of quality measurement. The trace- ability of measurement results is Sri Lanka National Quality Awards central to the structure of a national The Sri Lanka National Quality Award that measurement system in order to recognizes performance excellence of or- have a line of traceable calibrations ganizations in Sri Lanka. Evaluation is done which relate to national and interna- based on the Malcom Baldrige criteria used tional measurement standards. for National Quality Awards Programme in USA. All applicants will receive a complete Laboratories evaluation of their entity. Laboratory Services Division of the SLSI is comprised of six labora- Sri Lanka Standards Institute 04 Wednesday, August 7, 2019

ith rapid urbanization, and busy life styles, ous fat lead abdominal obesity. The “pot belly” effect, • Stroke W“abdominal obesity” has emerged as a public in which the abdomen protrudes excessively and this • High blood pressure health problem over recent decades. The reason for body type is also known as “apple shaped”. that had been identified as consumption of energy Prevention and Control dense diet with mainly, high amounts of oil, refined Assessing Abdominal Obesity Reducing abdominal fat is highly difficult once it is carbohydrates (polished rice, bread, foods made There are various ways of assessing abdominal obe- deposited, hence all possible attempts should be of rice flour/wheat flour, noodles made of refined sity including; made to prevent/minimize the deposition. Weight loss can be achieved by reducing energy intake, or increasing energy expenditure, thus achieving a nega- tive balance. Therefore, best ap- proach is to better understanding of risk factors associated with abdominal obesity and have a self motivation for, • Consuming healthy diet with low calories • Unpolished rice, foods made of whole grains, roots/yams, whole fruits • Increasing portion of flour), sugar, saturated fat (red protein in meals meat, cheese, ice cream, butter) 1. Waist Circumfer- eg: whole eggs, fish, and “trans” fat (margarines, bakery ence (WC) dried fish, meat, leg- products, potato chips, deep fried fast The international cut- umes, nuts, fresh milk foods) foods for their main off values • Improves feeling of meals and no or less physical of WC for fullness thus prevents activity. Thus, this probably will Asians, to overeating continue as a major contributory define ab- • Consuming food rich factor of the burden of national dominal obe- in fiber non communicable diseases. sity as per eg: brown rice, oats, According to the national study, World Health kurakkan, corn, kohila, conducted among adults over 18 Organization ladies fingers, guava, years at 2010, shows, prevalence of (WHO) are mango, apple over weight, obesity and abdominal ≥ 90 cm (36 • Slow down the accu- obesity are 16.8 %, 3.7 %, 26.2 % inches) for mulation of visceral fat respectively. Tharangi Mudalige men and ≥ suppressing appetite Therefore, by considering the individu- Assistant Director 80 cm (32 and delaying gastric als who are at a health risk due to so (Accreditation) inches) in emptying called problem as well as to enhance Sri Lanka Accreditation women • Drinking high amount the nutritional level of the Sri Lankan Board for Conformity of water Assessment community, it is timely necessity to Waist cir- • Adults needs 1-2 concern on “Right way to Reduce cumferences L of water daily and Abdominal Obesity”. representing normal, depend on the activity overweight, and obese level and age What is abdominal obesity? • A permanent routine Abdominal obesity occurs when excessive ab- 2. Waist-Hip Ratio of exercise dominal fat around the stomach and abdomen (WHR) eg: aerobic has built up to the extent that it is likely to have The circumference of exercises (walking, a negative impact on health. When energy the waist divided by running, swimming, intake is higher than energy expenditure, thus that of the hips of >0.9 for men and >0.85 for women playing etc.) for 30-60 creating a positive energy balance and it leads minutes for several days of week deposition of excess energy as fat. 3. Body Mass Index (BMI) • Leads major reduction in sub cutaneous fat and In Biology, fats are deposited in adipose The BMI is defined as the body mass (kg) divided by prevent accumulation of visceral fat tissue and its main role is to store energy the square of the body height (m), and is universally • Having adequate night sleep in the form of lipids. In humans, adipose expressed in units of kg/m2. • Average 6-7 hours of night sleep needed to maintain tissue is located beneath the skin and lowest level of visceral fat subcutaneous fat, and located inside the WHO cut-off points of BMI • Reducing stress with engaging stress relieving peritoneal cavity, packed in between Underweight ≤ 18.5, Normal weight = 18.5–24.9, activities internal organs (liver, pancreas, intes- Overweight = 25–29.9, Obesity ≥ 30 eg: listening to relaxation music, meditation, tines and kidneys) and visceral fat. yoga exercises etc. Adipose tissue is found in specific Major Health Risks Associated with Abdominal • Cortisol hormone levels are increasing at stress- locations, which are referred to as Obesity ful situations which is contribute to accumulation of adipose depots. Visceral fat is • Diabetes (Type 2) abdominal fat composed of several adipose • Asthma depots and an excess of • Alzheimer’s disease Now, are you ready to follow; “Right way to re- visceral and subcutane- • Ischemic heart disease duce abdominal obesity” from today onwards? Wednesday, August 7, 2019 05

o fullfil the needs of more than The main objective is the development T4 million Sri Lankan students, of this SLS 1430:2011 is to minimize standardization Division of the Sri these problems faced by school children Lanka standards Institution prepared the as well as parents. Another objective is standard specification for School Bags. proving a guidline for School bag mani- Concluding this excellent work Sri Lanka factures to produce healthy and high spine due to the weight of the bag. This standard institution published the SLS quantity bags. belt should be equipped with adjust- 1430: 2011 as a standard specification able fasteners or adjustable mechanism for school bags. to make it fit to the body size. This The panel of experts to prepare this bag should consist of seperate places SLS 1430:2011 comprised of officials for lunch box, water bottle and other from the Ministry of Education, Doctors, items. It also should consist of two University Lecturers and researchers of compartments which the contents of the relevent fields. the chamber stationeries in one com- Due to lack of quality, poor handling and partment shall not protrude through the unbearable weight School Children face stiff material to the other compartment. many health problems. And also less These features have been incorparated durability cause unnecessary expenses. to minimize negative impact on health of the students due to load carriage. This specification prescribes quality and performance requirements, methods of test and sampling for school bags. Accordingly school bag manufacturers Requirements have can produce their product in conform- been made for the ity with the standards specifications respective attributes preferred manufacturers will also can to measure the obtained the SLS logo which is consider health and quality the logo for excellence. criteria of the school To obtain the SLS logo, manufacturers bags. shall submit their applications to the Sri For example fabric Lanka standard institution. material which is the Qualified ligible officers will be conduct- main raw material of ed the systematic audits at the relevent the bags should be institution and inspect two samples. If strong and waterproof. And it should not they are comply with the requirements be discolored when bag expose to the and in conformity with the standard light, washing, sweating, rubbing etc. specification they can obtain the SLS Other materials such as zip fasteners, logo. closure clip & adjustable clip shall be strong and compatible with the require- M.A. Chandima Nayani ments. Considering the health, the Mallawasekara unique feature of this bag is that it has Assistant Director (Technology) belt for to reduce the pressure on the Sri Lanka Standards Institute 06-07 Wednesday, August 7, 2019

The first phase of transferring technology to the vil- items were showcased there. lage was commenced in Colombo. Over 300 inventors and innovators presented their Accordingly, Science, and technology creations at the innovation are about to be popularized through zone. This zone consisted the ‘Shilpaasena’ exhibition of Open Division, School at Polonnaruwa, and Division, University Division Hambantota Districts. Sub- and Tertiary Educational Division. In addition, Special sequently, the Ministry of awareness programs were Continued from page 01... Science, Technology and conducted by the Intellectual Research has pioneered Property Office of Sri Lanka he first step of transferring (5G), Space Technology, Personal- the development of regarding the basic steps re- TScience and Technology to the ized Medicine and Nano Technology. these technologies in quired to obtain a patent for ground level started from Colombo Each of these technical themes were inventions. Also there was a and will soon go through Pollon- organized by 12 affiliated institutions other districts, equip- stall in this zone to support narawa, Kandy and other Districts in of the Ministry of Science, Technol- ping the village with inventers to commercialize the form of “Shilpasena” Exposition. ogy and Research. modern technology. their new inventions. The Subsequently, the Ministry of Sci- These technologies were main objective of this zone ence, Technology and Research is introduced to the public was to showcase the inven- the pioneer of equipping the ground in simplified versions. tions of Sri Lanka, encourage level with modern technology. Science, Technol- the public and school children ety, National Science Foundation, The exposition is mainly organized ogy, Engineer- embark on to innovations and Primary Industries and Ministry of under four zones namely, Tech- i n g a n d M a t h e m a t i c to provide the opportunity of wit- Social Empowerment, Department nology Zone, Job Career zone, Education (STEM) had nessing the operation of these of Ayurveda, Ministry of Education, Entrepreneur Zone, and Innovation drawn the most attraction inventions. Agricultural Publications Depart- & Edutainment zone.The technical from School children and the par- The “Edutainment zone” was ment, Ports Authority, Registrar zone, which had the most attraction ents. Students were given hands-on designed to provide educational General’s Department, State consist of 12 main technological opportunities to learn spectrum and entertainment. Engineering Corporation, National themes. Those are Education & other various activities on science, In addition to these key zones, Housing Development Authority, Sri Skill (STEM Education) Robotics technology stream, as well as friendly the public were made aware Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, and Automation, Artificial Intelli- classroom experiences, a variety of of the services rendered to the Ministry of Plantation Industries, gence, Bio Technology, Blue Green dice activities and many other board general public by the Govern- Sri Lanka Tea Board, Sugarcane Technology, New Energy, Internet games. ment Ministries and Institutions Research Institute, Sri Lanka and a The exhibition chamber under the the major- coming under the purview of the number of institutions including the theme of ‘Robotics and Industrial ity of young Ministry of Science Technology Ceylon Cashew Corporation had Automation’ showcased a variety of people, was and Research through the Blue their stalls within this zone. robotic applications in various organized in Sri Lanka Armed Forces Displayed industries. order to impart Information on their Inventions The Artificial Intelli- knowledge and activities. Also interviews ing technical assistance and provid- gence (AI) theme, on Artificial for recruitment to the army ing technological assistance for new which attracted Intelligence. were also conducted at these innovation& inventions. A waste Applications stalls. recycler, an equipment to detect skin of AI such as There were also trade stalls diseases, an automated electrical in sinhala and to sell electrical appliances, energy stall displaying many details jobs zone. A large number of officers burette, a clock with time and eclipse tamil computer assisted translation kitchen utensils, textiles, on new energy sources. The Space from various public and private sector which was invented by a schoolgirl, Activities related system, transportation and advanced ready-to-wear handicrafts etc Technology stall was specially de- institutions were attractively engaged tea fibre separator for tea factories, agriculture were exhibited. Internet to make life easier for people. to the 12 technical signed, organized and presented by in issuing application to job seek- easy use hopper and string hopper (5G) is another theme identified There was also a book fair themes were the astronomy team of the Nalanda ers and enlightening them about the machines for businesses, eco-friendly which attracted the attention of young Green Zone.This region consisted of with exclusive discounts on offer College Colombo. vacancies at their respective organi- wastewater treatment plants,a special implemented by 12 people. There were many opportuni- 67 stalls. The Department of Survey, with the participation of large num- Under the personalized medicine zations. lightning grounding equipment, an al- ties to engage a variety of fun games Ministry of Highways Development ber of a publishers. institutions theme many advanced technologies The Invention Zone was operated by ternative electronic equipment to pre- using the latest technology to gain and Petroleum Resources Develop- affiliated to the of Western medicine and Ayurveda the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, vent smokers from smoking, a safety knowledge and to familiarize with the ment, Department of National Botani- medicine, Unani etc. were introduced. which is affiliated to the Ministry of electric circuit, a road carpeting using Ministry of Science, modern technologies. cal Gardens, Department of Agrarian Vindhya Paadukkage Opening entrepreneurial gateways Science, Technology and Research. garbage, and a digital wiring system The Sustainable Energy Authority of Photo - Hirantha Gunathilaka / Technology and through Science, Technology and In- The main objective of this zone was Development, Health Promotion for homes, healthy mosquito repellent Dulip Nayanapriya Sri Lanka (SLEA) had set up a new Bureau, Sri Lanka Red Cross Soci- Research. novation was expected of the career/ promoting local innovation by provid- equipment and many more interesting 08 Wednesday, August 7, 2019

he environment consists of air, land, water, forest, Tand the natural resources. The physical, chemical and biological changes that take place are called as environmental pollution. The earth is always consist different type of sounds. Sound is a very common oc- currence of everyday life. Sound is a very useful phe- nomenon in our modern society and also in the ancient days. We rarely appreciate all of its functions. Commu- nication through speech, sounds from children at play, music, natural sounds in parks and gardens, sound from TV, radio and human activities are all examples of sounds. Sound provides enjoyable satisfaction in everyday life, At times it can alert or warn us – for ex- ample, with the ringing of a telephone, a horn or bell, a wailing siren. In urbanized modern society, sound also annoys us. Many sounds are unpleasant or unwanted- these are called noise. The level of annoyance depends not only on the quality of the sound, but also our attitude to- wards it. As an example some type of music enjoyed by some people could be regarded as noise by others, especially if it is loud. The judgement of loudness will also depend on the time of the day and attitude and is also dependent on the situation. For example, the higher level of noise will be tolerated during the day than at night. Also anger, changes in mood, social or any conflicts depend on the attitude to sound. Sound can also damage and destroy property. A bomb blast sound, instant noise can shatter windows, cause hear- ing damage and shake plaster off walls. to 45-60 decibels in the urban environment. etation, effect of road noise can be reduced. Noise is an unavoidable part of everyday life. Indus- The followings are the major causes for sound pollu- trialization, urbanization and technology develop- tion in our society Community Noise ment has resulted in an increase in noise level from l Traffic noise Community noises are also common in Sri Lanka machines, factories, motorways and communities, l Community noise these days. Noise pollution by various activities has etc. The growth in noise pollution is unsustainable be- l Industrial noise become a major problem in today’s society. Although cause it involves direct, as well as cumulative, adverse Environmental noise is a worldwide problem. This this is not a concern, there are lot of social noises, es- health effects. It also adversely affects future genera- problem is not only affected to the Sri Lanka but also pecially in urban areas and rural areas. There are peo- tions, and has socio-cultural, aesthetic and to Asian countries in Western and European ple who have some knowledge about this in the recent economic effects. countries too. The problem is dealt with vari- past. Loudspeakers which used for business, events, Noise annoyance is not easy to judge but ety of methods that differ widely from coun- music shows and trade shows have become a power- noise levels can be simply measured. In try to country. Noise problems are also de- ful sound polluting media. Similarly, home-based noise the case of noise annoyance there are so pendent on culture, economy and politics. generators (cassette recorders, radios) and home ap- many non acoustical variables such as age, Noise control/protection programmes differ pliances have become the noisy medium. Two dec- education, sex, social status, attitude, etc. In from country to country due to the follow- ades ago, sound generators were used only for very general noise has become a serious prob- ing factors: legal requirements being not important purposes, such as public meetings and lem in many metropolitan areas and it is dif- identical, variation in control techniques and entertainment activities. That was just for the venue. ficult to regulate by physical means alone. methods and different political focus These loudspeakers are common in use these days The audible sound pressure variation are the unnecessary usage of these loudspeakers has be- very small ranging from about 20 μPa (20 X Channa Kalansuriya Traffic noise come a major social problem. Sound levels of loud- 10-6 Pa) to 100 Pa, compared to the static Senior Research Often the most European and developed speakers are as high as 70-80 decibels. Loudspeakers air pressure(105 Pa). 20 μPa is the quietest Scientist countries in the world produce vehicles are being used by disturbing residents during the day sound that can be heard by an average per- Industrial with low noise levels. But, due to the lack and night time. son and it is called the threshold of hearing. Technology Institute of standardized vehicles in our country and A sound pressure of approximately 100 Pa the lack of proper maintenance, the noise Industrial Noise is so loud that it causes pain and therefore emanating from vehicles is very high. Main- The noises generated by industries also have become called the threshold of pain. A direct application of lin- ly on Colombo highways day to day noise levels are in a serious environmental problem. The main reason for ear scale (Pa) to the measurement of sound pressure the range of 70-75 decibels. There is also a very high this is the establishment and placement of industries leads to large and unwieldy numbers. Additionally the noise level at night. High noise level can also be found without proper mechanism. When maintain industries ear responds not linearly but logarithmically to stimu- on other highways too. There is a clear increase of and buildings, first should think about surrounding lus. For these reasons, it has been found more practi- noise level compared to the situation on several dec- homes and environment and also need to take neces- cal to express acoustic parameters as a logarithmic ades ago. Day time noise level of the main roads (cat- sary action to control the noises. In accordance with ratio of the measured value called a decibel or dB. The egory A roads) is in the range of 60-70 decibels. sec- the provisions of the National Environmental Act, the linear scale with its large numbers is converted into a ondary roads (category B roads) exceed 65 decibels. Gazette Notification No. 924/12 of 1996 has set rules manageable scale from 0 dB at threshold of hearing That level exceeds the noise level assign to industries and regulations for industrial pollution. Accordingly, an (20 μPa) to 130 dB at the threshold of pain (100 Pa). in accordance with the National Environmental noise Environmental Protection License is required to oper- The number of pressure variation cycles per second is regulation Act. These noises are mainly due to the ate or operate any industry. called the frequency of sound and is measured in hertz noise emanating from the silencers of the vehicle and (Hz). The normal hearing for a healthy young person the sound of the horns. In addition, heavy noises can The main need for a long term program for (teenage- average 13 to 19 years old) ranges from ap- be observed vehicles like buses, tippers, three-wheel- pollution control proximately 20 Hz to 20000 Hz (20 kHz). This range is ers and containers. In Sri Lanka, now the gazette noti- This will ensure good environmental conditions while called as audio frequency range. Our hearing systems fication has been issued regarding the sound of horns also providing opportunities for industries which are are not equally sensitive to all sound frequencies in vehicles. But the values are not still determined in essential for the economic development of the country. The minimum noise level in a rural environment is in relation to other sounds of the vehicles. the range of 30-40 decibels. This level has increased We can careful planning and growing of roadside veg- Wednesday, August 7, 2019 09

metrology are achieved through pro- providing the cess- framework es, for trace- promotes able meas- innovation and urements. increases knowl- “Trace- edge and develop- ability” is the ment. property of Let us consider a a measure- simple scenario. In a ment result production line, thou- whereby sands of products are the result manufactures in each day. can be They are produced in ac- related to a cordance with specifications reference to ensure a consistent quality through an product by machines. Over time, unbroken the machinery that produces chain of these products can shift slightly, calibra- become dull, or lose alignment tions. The in a cay that causes problematic concept of differences. That’s where metrol- traceability is ogy comes in. A quality controller central to the inspector, check the samples by structure of a using properly calibrated measuring national system equipment to ensure compliance of of measurement specifications. If the measurements so that industrial, are off the root cause have to be rec- commercial or sci- tified to minimize wastage. So without entific measurements reliable accurate measurement, the have a line of traceable correct decision cannot be made. calibrations, which rela- As explained in the above, measuring teultimately to National and equipment used in quality related ac- International Standards. tivites have to be calibrated to ensue Metrology is categorized as sci- the measurement reliability and ac- entific metrology, industrial metrol- curacy. As a leading ISO/IEC 17025 ogy and legal metrology. Scientific accredited calibration laboratory, Me- metrology deals with the organization trology Division of SLSI, fultils your and development of measurement calibration needs by providing indus- standards (SI Units) and with their fields trial calibration services traceable to maintenance. It signifies the highest in- SI units in the fields of force, mass, level of accuracy within the given cluding length, pressure, temperature, area (mass, volume, etc) and is science, torque and volume. Further more, supplemented by legal and industrial human health and SLSI Metrology division fulfils the metrology. Industrial metrology con- safety, environment national obligation by being a part cerns the application of measurement and transportation. Because of the National Measurement science to manufacturing and other reliable measurements help to en- System of Sri Lanka. sure the fit for the purpose and they processes and their use in society, ensuring the suitability of measure- easurements have been have always been a requirement of ment instruments, their calibration carried out for as long as an organized society. It was conse- M and quality control of measurements. S. Udakara civilization has existed. Started quently, understood that the neces- Director (Metrology) Legal metrology concerns regulatory as the need for human beings sity of internationally recognized, Metrology Division requirements of measurements and to observe, analyze and ex- effective, well-organized metrological Sri Lanka Standards Institute measuring instruments for the protec- plore the world, measure- infrastructure to fulfill economy, soci- tion of health, public safety the envi- ment’s application held ety and citizens needs in any country. ronment and consumers, for enabling an important role as Therefore, effective, efficient meas- taxation, and for fair trade. discoveries has de- urement systems are introduced to Metrology all around ensures quality. veloped, not only in achieve the above objective in most Without the correct measurements, the manufactur- of countries of the world today. the ability to produce consumer and ing sector and The science of measurement, em- user requirements would not be pos- international bracing both experimental and theo- sible. It ensures that all we invest will trade but retical determinations at any level of measures up to satisfying customer also in uncertainty in any field of science and expectations in regards to perfor- all technology is named as ‘Metrology’. It is a broad description to match the mance. All in all, Metrology is a broad amount of industries, technolo- very important approach in the gies, and applications it holds in industrial world. It helps to today’s world. create safe environ- The objectives of ments and Wednesday, August 7, 2019 10 sbestos is a natural fiber that was used for decades in forms of Asbestos pose a health hazard. According to ceilings Ainsulation, siding, asbestos floor tile, joint compound, WHO, 107,000 people die each year from Asbestos related 3) Policemen on traffic duties exposed to asbestos ema- asbestos ceiling tile, asbestos roofing, and brake pads. Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma & Asbestosis due to mainly nating from vehicle brake pads Asbestos was commonly used in these products due to from occupational exposures. Asbestos factory workers, 4) Carpenters/ masons working on demolishing of asbes- its heat resistant characteristics and durability. Asbestos carpenters who work on roofing projects, labourers of As- tos roofs and ceilings containing insulation, gaskets, and packing has been bestos stores facilities & workers at building demolishing 5) Persons who lives under asbestos roof used in conjunction with high temperature equipment sites are in high risk categories. IPCS 2011, worked with such as boilers, turbines, steam pipes, pumps, valves, members to strengthen the capacities of the Ministries In Sri Lanka, blue asbestos was banned in 1997 but and furnaces. Asbestos containing materials were also of Health to provide leadership for activities to improve white asbestos has been used mainly for the production commonly used during the construction of homes and of- workers’ health, to formulate and implement policies, ac- of roofing sheets. Sri Lanka ratified the Rotterdam con- fices, as well as on ships and in industrial settings. tion plans and stimulate intercessional collaborations etc. vention in 2006 and the Sri Lankan government officially Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufac- More than announced that the import of asbestos fiber would be turers & builders due to its sound absorption, tensile strength, resistance to fire, heat, electrical & chemi- cally damage & affordability. Older generation in Sri Lanka were exposed to woven Asbestos in their homes as wicks of lamps & mantles in Patrolmax lamps during kerosene days. Also, Asbestos products became very popular in Sri Lanka as substitute building material be- cause of scarcity of other building materials such as timber, clay tiles. According to the statistics, for more than 60 years Sri Lan- ka has been importing white Asbestos mainly from various countries. Though there are many forms of Asbestos, Sri Lanka imports only the white variety of Asbestos (Chrysotile) for production of roofing and ceiling sheets, where Asbestos is mixed with cement act- ing as a binding agent reducing fiber escape. It has already been scientifi- reduced by year 2018 due to health and environmental cally proven that blue and brown asbestos risks. fiber can cause cancer, and hence it needs to explore the 50 countries have banned the use of asbestos fiber. Since the use of Asbestos roofing and its production pro- impact of white asbestos fiber on human health. According to Basel convention on trans-boundary move- cess shows many health impacts on the people who in- Asbestos is not a mineral itself. It is a collective term giv- ment of hazardous wastes & their disposal, 1992, Asbes- volve in the production of asbestos and also on the users, en to a group of minerals whose crystals occur in fibrous tos has been listed in the category of controlled waste. it is highly justifiable that Sri Lanka should ban the use of forms. The term Asbestos was adopted for commercial Although International Labour Organization convention this product and should go for an alternative product to identification. Asbestos fibers are naturally occurring on safety in the use of Asbestos, 1986, was introduced safeguard the future of the country. As the use of asbes- minerals found in underground rock formations. It is a and signed by 162 countries in the world, it has been rati- tos is already controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals which has fied by 36 countries only. with effect from 2018, it is high time to find out an alterna- long thin fibrous crystals. These fibrous materials can be tive and environmentally friendly product which could be released by abrasion and other processes (King, 2007). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a solution for non-asbestos roofing in Sri Lanka. The six minerals commonly referred to as Asbestos come 2006, identified the classification of hazard substances. from two distinct groups of minerals such as Serpentines According to the classification, there are five groups of Recent study was carried out to; & Amphiboles. Amphiboles group is sub divided in to 5 human carcinogens such as, Group 1 –Cacogenics to • find out an environmentally friendly alternative fiber ma- groups such as Amosite (Brown Asbestos), Crocidolite humans – 108 agents, Group 2A – Probably Carcino- terial instead of asbestos fibers and; (Blue Asbestos), Anthophyllite and Termollite & Actinolite genic – 63 agents, Group 2B– Possibly Carci- • Check the feasibility of selected alternative fiber materi- (King, 2007). nogenic – 271 agents, Group 3 – Not classifiable – 509 als for non-asbestos roofing solution in Sri Lanka. Asbestos has got many unique properties, which has agents & Group 4 – Probably not Carcinogenic -1 agent. led to its application in more than 3000 products. The Presently, IRAC has classified Asbestos in group one. During the study, Asbestos fiber was replaced by alterna- main properties are high tensile strength, high resistance tive cellulose fiber materials found in Sri Lanka. Selected to abrasion, resistance to corrosion, resistance to heat, Concentration of Asbestos fibers in the air, duration of the alternative cellulose fiber materials are Rice husk, Burnt non-combustibility,resistance to alkali attack, durability & exposure, frequency of exposure & size of the Asbestos Rice husk, Paper pulp, Coir fiber & Coconut Charcoal. toughness, good electrical insulation properties & chemi- fibers inhaled are some of the factors that contribute to These materials are found in abundance in Sri Lanka and cal inertness. the seriousness of Asbestos related health hazards (Min- are thrown to the environment as waste materials. Fly International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) with istry of Health, New Zealand, 2014). ash was also selected to the study in order to improve the World health Organization(WHO), 2011, reveals that all strength while sand was used as a filler material. According to the test results, the rice husk can be used as an alternative fiber material for Asbestos fiber in the production of roofing sheets as per all tested parameters complied with both International organization for stand- ardization, ISO 10904: 2011 & Bureau of Indian stand- ards, IS 14871:2000 standards. The second option is pa- per pulp as per the test results of all parameters obtained from both ISO 10904: 2011& IS 14871: 200 standards The persons who compiled except marginal failure are prone to risk of of breaking load test at once out asbestos related of five samples. diseases in Sri Lan- ka are the: 1) Workers in As- bestos manufactur- ing industries Eng. Priyanga Peiris Assistant Director 2) Carpenters work- Engineering Standardization Division ing on installation of Sri Lanka Standards Institution asbestos roofs and Wednesday, August 7, 2019 11

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1. What is the certificate issued by the Sri Lanka Technologies annually organizes Standards Institution, ensuring that food is safe for a world asteroid day program. human consumption? 2. How do you ensure that the quality of a product Astrophysicist Dr.Nalin Samar- is maintained throughout? asinghe delivered a commemo- 3. What are the criteria used to assess the abdomi- nal obesity? rative lecture and answered 4. What is the internationally recognized unit of the school children’s body mass index? 5. What is the sound range that a healthy person questions via can hear? What is the unit measuring of the inten- sity of sound? Skype. Professor 6. What are the health problems that school chil- dren face due to the lack of quality of School bags? he United nation has Chandana Jayar- 7. What is the symbol of the excellence provided by Tdeclared 30th of June athne and a group the Sri Lanka Standards Institution? of scientists also 8. What type of fibre can be used to replace asbes- every year as world asteroid tos fibre? What are materials that we can obtain day since 2014.This day has contributed to this these fibres from? special celebration. 9. What are the deceases which can occurr due to been named as the “world asbestos? asteroid day “ signifying the Dr. Nalin Amarasinghe cconnecting 10. What are the properties of the measurement with Skype Technology system disaster which occurred as a 30th 1908. Send your answers to reach the following ad- result of the 60 meter mete- dress on or before 25th August 2019. With your The astronomy division of the Ar- Chinthana Wijewardene orite crashing into the Tunguska Deputy Director (Media) name and personal address. Please mentioned thur C Clarke Institute for Modern Arthur C Clarke Institute for as “Science knowledge” on the upper left cor- region of Siberia, Russia on June Modern Technologies ner of the envelop. Director (Research), Science and Research Development Division, Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, 3rd Floor, Sethsiripaya (Stage 1), Battaramulla

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