Wednesday, November 29, 2017

he inauguration of Premajayantha. This day The celebrations con- Tthe National Inven- was dedicated to honor a sisted of a host of exciting tors Day was held on noble scientist and inven- events for the benefi t of 26th October 2017 at the tor from , fi rst the inventors. The main BMICH with the patron- Commissioner to the Sri event was the apprecia- age of the Hon. Minister Lanka Inventors Commis- tion of the outstanding dailynews.lk DailyNews_lk of Science Technology sion Mr. A. N. S. Kulasin- inventors who won the ... and Research Mr. Susil ghe on his birthday. Continued on Page 03...

he Global Research National Science Foundation, TCouncil is a virtual or- Sri Lanka (NSF) is organizing ganization, comprised of the the Asia Pacifi c (ASPAC) Re- heads of Science and En- gional Meeting of the Global gineering funding agencies Research Council (GRC) in from around the world, dedi- November, 2017. There will cated to promoting the shar- be a back-to-back Workshop ing of data and best practices on ‘Research Management’ for high- quality collabora- on 28th November and the... tion among funding agencies Continued on Page 03... worldwide.

he week from Nov 10th the week, for the betterment of was, ‘Science for Global Un- T-17th had been declared as the fi eld of Science Technology derstanding’ A signifi cant event the ‘National Science Week’ and Research by the Ministry among the several programs by the Ministry of Science, of Science Technology and was the National Science Day Technology and Research. Research and its subordinate Walk... Accordingly several programs institutions. The theme of the Continued on Page 03... have been organized within World Science Day this year

he new offi cial website of the consists of latest technological fa- TMinistry of Science Technology cilities and convenient access for and Research (www.monstr.gov.lk) anyone in need. has been launched recently with The purpose of this valuable cause the Minister of Science Technology is to achieve sustainable develop- and Research Susuil Premajay- ment goals... Ministry of Science, Technology and Research antha presiding over. The website Continued on Page 03... To read Vidya as an Paper visit www.dailynews.lk /vidya (www.mostr.gov.lk) 2 Wednesday, November 29, 2017

ational Science Foundation is ruary, 2107. The second Joint Com- the premier science funding mittee Meeting on the MoU was held N th in Pakistan on 15 September, 2017 body in Sri Lanka which acts to where both parties jointly selected promote the international exposure and recommended six collaborative of the local scientists by opening research projects between both coun- up avenues for them to interact tries for joint funding. The activities with the scientists abroad, thereby related to the awarding of these grants are in progress with the auspice of the utilizing the maximum potentials Government Treasury and the Ministry towards the promotion of their of Science, Technology and Research. scientifi c research and related activi- ties. Memorandum of Understanding Following are some recent activities (MoU) between the National Sci- ence Foundation, Sri Lanka (NSF) under MoUs on Bilateral Scientifi c and the National Science Founda- Coorperation by the NSF tion, China (NSFC) on Science and Technology Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Scientifi c and Technological Coop- The NSF signed the second MoU with eration between the National Science the National Natural Science Founda- Foundation (NSF) and the Pakistan Sci- tion, China (NSFC). The signing took th ence Foundation (PSF) place at an offi cial ceremony on 8 April, 2016 during the visit of Honor- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) able Ranil Wickramasinghe , Prime on Bilateral Scientifi c Cooperation Minister of Sri Lanka , to China. As was signed between the National Sci- a result, the First Joint Workshop ence Foundation , Sri Lanka (NSF) between scientists of Sri Lanka and th th and the Pakistan Science Founda- China was held from 4 to 7 July, tion (PSF) on 05th January , 2016, 2017 in Beijing, China on themes such during the visit of His Excellency as Health, Water and Climate Change. Nawaz Sharif, the Honorable Prime A delegation of 24 Sri Lankan scien- Minister of Pakistan to Sri Lanka. tists headed by Hon. Susil Premajay- The fi rst Joint Committee Meeting antha, Minister of Science, Technology ences will be accepted from the scientists Science and Technology Agency (JST). under that MoU was held on 18th and Research participated at this event. by both parties till 29th of December for This was initiated at the ‘NSF Global Part- November, with The Joint Workshop enabled them to have selection for joint funding. nerships’; a series of meetings organized the participation of the offi cials in depth discussions towards initiating joint by the NSF on 6th and 7th September, 2016 from both institutes. As agreed research programs. As a follow up to that, Memorandum of Cooperation between with the aim of strengthening the interna- at that meeting, the fi rst Joint the First Joint Call for Research Proposals the Japan Science and Technology tional scientifi c cooperation. The signing th Call for research proposals in was launched on 29 September, 2017 Agency (JST) and the National Science of the MoC was attended by a Sri Lankan the history of the NSF was and the collaborative research proposals Foundation, Sri Lanka (NSF) delegation of offi cials from the Ministry of launched during mid-Feb- on Health, Water and Environmental Sci- Science , Technology and Research and Thirdly, a Memoran- the NSF, and this delegation was headed dum of Cooperation by the Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister (MoC) on Bilateral of Science , Technology and Research. Scientifi c Cooperation As such, the NSF is striving to increase was signed on 02nd the international exposure of the local October, 2017 at the scientists and thereby to upgrade the sta- ‘STS Forum- Japan’ tus of the science in our motherland. The event held in Kyoto, bumping harvest of the present efforts is to Japan between the be reaped in the years to come. NSF and the Japan Thilinakumari Kandanmulla Scientifi c Offi cer, International Liaison Division, National Science Foundation

Review Committee members in Sri Lan- kan institutions. Those interested should contact the Ethics Review Committees he Collaborative Institutional Train- million researchers across the globe, subjects research , responsible conduct of relevant University or the Manager IT Ting Initiative (CITI) program for Sri including members of Research Ethics of research , biosafety and biosecurity Unit, National Science Foundation Lankan Researchers and Ethics Review Committees, students and academic , confl icts of interest, export control and [[email protected]] Committee members has been intro- staff. The Collaborative Institutional Train- information privacy and security. duced by the National Science Founda- ing Initiative (CITI) program site offers NSF has paid an annual subscription fee tion (NSF), Sri Lanka in collaboration web-based training in multiple areas of of USD 3,000 to make this program avail- Mahesha Nadugala with the University of Miami, USA. The research compliance and ethics. The able for Sri Lankan Scientifi c Community. Scientifi c Offi cer, CITI program is a web based educational site of CITI Program includes courses The courses are offered completely free International Liaison Division, program that has trained more than 10 in animal subjects research, human of charge to Researchers and Ethics National Science Foundation Wednesday, November 29, 2017 3

‘We should bridge the technological gap between our country and the developed countries’

the best ments. We possess an inven- accurate vision and a - Minister Susil Premajayantha - tor in the well planned schedule commer- for the betterment of and National Engineering Research and cialized the fi eld of Science and Technology in the Development Center.Hon. State Minister inventions. country. We are currently reaching towards of Science Technology and Research Mr. Mr. B.W.K.M. it..’ stated the Minister, addressing the Lakshman Seneviratne, Secretary to the Bhopaththa ceremony. Ministry Udaya R. Senevirathne, Sri Lanka Continued from page 01... was also awarded a special award from the In addition to the “Sahasak Nimawum” Inventors Commission Commissioner Ma- World Intellectual Property Organization. Award Ceremony, the inaugural ceremony of hesh Edirisinghe, state offi cials, inventors awards at “Sahasak Nimewum 2017” ‘ we have a reality to be achieved no matter establishing 3 pilot laboratories as incuba- and school children were also present at the National Inventions Exhibition. The awards who rules the country. That is to bridge the tors for support startup for new inventors to event. were presented in 14 categories to winners technological gap between our country and conduct their research and operational func- at the school, open, and commercial levels. Dulip Nayanapriya the developed countries. To achieve this tions was also initiated. These incubators Media Unit The award for the best inventor in school goal we should properly utilize the human are to be established at the Uni- Ministry of Science Technology & category won by G. W. Thimith Nawodya and natural resources in the country to in- versity of Peradeniya, Research of Gurukula Vidyalaya, Kelaniya. He was vent and to bring those inventions up to the Univer- awarded the junior “Dasis” Award for the international market. We need to add value sity Rolls Machine and won two special awards and to improve the quality of our products at the Indian Innovations Association and via researches of the fi eld of Science and the Indonesian Innovation Association. Best Technology. Accordingly 1% of the Inventor of the Open Section was Dr. B. W. gross domestic product should K. M Bhopaththa for his invention of “Acces- be reserved for the re- sory Device of Nebulization for Intubated search and develop- Patients” and Mr. Prince Chandrasena won the award for his “Dipping Cooler” as

Continued from page 01... Science Day Walk... he opening ceremony of the “Vidatha THaritha Kadamandiya - 2017”, a mar- which was held on the 11th of November with the goals. The walk was organized from ketplace to promote the products of small participation of Minister of Science Technology and the ITI premises 7, to Vihara- entrepreneurs was held on 26th Oc- Research Susil Premajayantha and State Minister mahadevi Park. A large crowd including tober 2017 at the ITI premises with Lakshman Senevirathne. The purpose of organ- scientists, researchers, academics, govern- the patronage of the Hon. Minister izing the walk was to make people aware of the ment offi cials and school children participated of Science Technology and Re- responsibility of the fi eld of Science Technology and at the walk and several exhibitory vehicles had search Mr. Susil Premajayan- Research in achieving sustainable development adorned the event. tha and Hon. State Minister of Science Technology and Research Mr. Lakshman Continued from page 01... Asia Pacifi c... Senevirathna. The main objective of the th Regional Meeting is to be held on 29 joint statements of policies to be prac- eign participants and 20 local partici- Vidatha program imple- th and 30 November. ticed among the granting agencies world- pants are expected for the Regional mented by the Ministry The New Zealand Ministry of Business, wide. The discussion topics at the Asia Meeting. of Science Technol- Innovation and Employment will be Co- Pacifi c Regional Meeting that the NSF is ogy and Research is organizing this meeting along with the organizing would be; ‘Peer Review’ and The concluding session of the meet- to strengthen the rural th NSF. The Ministry of Science, Technol- ‘Science Diplomacy’ ing will be held on 30 November and economy by providing ogy and Research of Sri Lanka is also During the ASPAC Regional Meeting to the fi nal meeting summary will be pre- scientifi c and techni- th th giving its full cooperation to organize this be held on 29 and 30 November, the sented with the concurrence of the Co- cal knowledge to rural event. two discussions topics (i.e. Peer Review Chairs, Executive Support Group (ESG) areas of the country. Usually, at every Regional meeting, two and Science Diplomacy) will be dis- members as well as the participants from Under the direct su- the Vidatha program has been able to generate topics are considered for discussion. The cussed respectively. Dr. Prudence Wil- the GRC. pervision of the Minis- nearly 3000 small and medium scale entrepre- outcomes of the discussions (on same liams, New Zealand Ministry of Business, try, around 270 Vida- neurs across various sectors. topics) of all regional meetings are con- Innovation and Employment and Prof. Thilinakumari Kandanmulla (Scientifi c Offi cer, tha Resource Centers The Vidhatha Green Marketplace is annually sidered fi nally at an annual meeting of Sirimali Fernando, chairperson, NSF will International Liaison Division, have been established organized by the Ministry of Science, Technol- the GRC, in order to come up with the co-chair these meetings. Around 40 for- National Science Foundation) in Divisional Secretari- ogy and Research with the objective of encour- at level in this country. aging and empowering local producers to pro- These Vidatha Re- duce quality products without poison. Vidhatha Continued from page 01... Science Technology & Research... source Centers will Green Marketplace was being able to hold with provide technical knowl- of the country to the level of upper middle ence Technology and Research invites the the participation of 80 persons who had been edge and guidance to income with the contributions of school people who are interested in the fi eld of successful in the small and medium scale pro- people who want to cre- children, minor and middle scale entrepre- Science and Technology to join them via duction with quality products. Food products, ate products with the neurs, self employers, university students, the website, www.monstr.gov.lk, in order handicrafts, garments, ornaments, liquid clean- natural resources more scientists, technologists, researchers, to create a research culture in the coun- ers, electronic accessories and various products abundant in the rural areas and the academics. Currently several well try with an invention based economy, were sold. at grass root levels. This planned and important programs have been in the country’s journey of achieving will create small and medium organized by the Ministry of Science Tech- sustainable development goals. scale entrepreneurs. By now, Dulip Nayanapriya nology and Research. The Ministry of Sci- 4 Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Wednesday, November 29, 2017 5

* NSF as a leading institution in con- Parliament. At present NSF consists of tributing for research projects? around 150 staff members. The deci- sions we take as the board of directors, This institution was established in is are executed by the staff under the 1968 as National Science Coun- Director General. We possess around cil, wit h the prime purpose of 150 active committee members from he National Science Foundation (NSF) was estab- and principles of sus- developing and encouraging the outside to support us Our main activ- Tlished in 1998 by the Science and Technology De- tainability. field of Science and Technology ity is providing financial assistance velopment Act No. 11 of 1994 as the successor to the The prime roles of in Sri Lanka. Later this institu- for the research projects. Accordingly, Natural Resources Energy & Science Authority of Sri the NSF are to initiate, tion was converted to the NSF has become the first institution to Lanka (NARESA). NARESA was established in 1981 facilitate and support ba- as the successor to the National Science Council sic and applied scientifi c Natural Resources Energy & provide fi nancial assistance for re- Prof. Sirimali Fernando, Chairperson - (NSC) set up in 1968. In 2008, NSF celebrated its 40 research by universities, Science Authority (NAR- search projects. We started funding for years of dedicated services to Science and Technol- science and technology ESA) as an institution research projects in 1972 and we have National Science Foundation ogy in Sri Lanka. The National Science Foundation is institutions and scientists, with separate powers. been engaged in funding of projects presently operating under the purview of the Ministry with a view to: strengthening The National Science since then. The fields such as Agri- of Science, Technology and Research. scientifi c research potential, progress review, six months from the * Have you focused your research of the research project should be useful The NSF is committed to generating, disseminating including research in the Social Foundation (NSF) was culture, Medicine, Engineering, Social date of having provided funding for the projects to meet the current needs of to the country, and it should be socially, and transferring knowledge and to ensuring the effec- Science, and Science Education established with the Science and Science Education etc. project. We acquire a research report the country? financially and environmentally signifi - tive utilization of knowledge, for the greater benefi t of programs ,developing the natural Science and Technol- have benefitted greatly by our research from the researcher and further inspect We have selected themes such as cant. Further we look at how innovative the people of Sri Lanka. It is the leading institution for resources of Sri Lanka ,promot- ogy Development grants. A researcher presents his/her whether they have used our funds in Food Security, Water Security, Energy the concept is, its contributions to our supporting science based research and development ing the welfare of the people of Sri Act No.11 of 1994. proposals for a scientific research then a productive manner. At times we call Security etc. and identify the current future and the capacity of the research technology promotion, science and technology policy Lanka ,training research personnel This institution we assign a committee for further study research, International liaison and popularizing sci- in Science and Technology to foster the researchers to NSF to measure the needs in those fields. Then we invite group to carry out the project success- ence among school children and the general public. the interchange of scientifi c informa- is operated by of the project. Accordingly we discuss progress of the projects, or else we visit researchers to initiate research projects fully. We decide on making financial tion among scientists in Sri Lanka a Board of Man- the concepts of the proposal and con- their institutions to check up on them. in those respective fields. We not only contributions having studied their exist- NSF brings different segments of the S&T community and abroad, to award scholarships and agement under sider its importance for the society. We always train the scientists to think. fund projects which researchers are ing resources, demands, their back- together through workshops, seminars, committees fellowships for scientifi c study or scientifi c the chairman Usually a research is carried out to already working on but we also as- grounds, the process of utilizing them and several other interactions. These collaborations work at recognized Science and Technol- knowledge. We at NSF are dedicated as per the * What is the method of funding for look at a problem and find a scientific sign them with research which needs in the research, their contributions in provide benchmarks and leadership for Research, De- ogy institutions, to maintain a current register to drive them to achieve productive Act of research projects? solution for it. Accordingly a researcher to be carried out based on the current fulfilling our expectations and whether velopment and Innovation (RDI). The NSF also fosters of scientifi c and technical personnel, and in results in their research projects. strategic collaborations with key national and global other ways to the availability of, and the current We receive financial aid for the re- has to think independently. There- needs of the country. We have called their results can be implemented in counterparts that address national and international and projected need for, scientifi c and technical search projects from the General Treas- fore, there is a less chances in getting for research proposals in the fields of society. Twenty three (23) out of 100 Pramitha Randali Pabasara science and technology priorities. resources in Sri Lanka, and to provide a source ury. Thus we have the responsibili- results which are useful for the country Food Security, Water Security, Climate research projects deliver successful Photograph- * Procedure of providing The vision of the NSF is “To be ’s premier of information for policy formulation on science , ty to utilize those contributions and essential for the industries. Hence Change and Medicine. In the field of results. It is the average for research Thushara Fernando financial contributions? driving force in promoting Science, Technology and technology and other fi elds, to popularize science NSF is the leading institution which provides properly, rendering a we have prepared a separate plan as medicine we focus on carrying out projects. In any country, we should let Innovation for economic and social prosperity of Sri amongst the people by funding and executing pro- funding for scientific research projects in Lanka”. The missions of the NSF include, Initiate , grams for the purpose. great service to the a solution. Accordingly we have taken research projects on Cancer, Dengue, people to think in order to improve their Sri Lanka. Accordingly when we receive re- Facilitate and Support Research, Development, society we live steps to gather as the board of direc- Diabetes, and Kidney related diseases. search proposals, we analyse them through Innovation and Technology transfer through in. We car- tors to discuss the problems persisting The process hasalready started. We the committees assigned for the respec- funding, knowledge creation, capacity build- tive fields and eventually provide them with ry out in the country and assign the research- provide financial assistance, equipment ing, partnerships , information dissemination funds. The funds are usually for research a and popularizing science so as to; create a ers to find solutions to those problems, and we pay for temporary research projects and equipment. Furthermore when knowledge driven economy and well in- through research projects. assistants considering the duration of the research papers are presented for the formed society effi ciently and effectively, the project. All these things are carried international conferences, we provide funds for registrations and air fare. In addition we and contribute to improve the quality out according to a MoU signed between ties, we employ scientists employ foreign scientists for local workshops of life and standard of living of our the researcher and NSF, based on the from the universities and and seminars and the requirements of those people, by nurturing a competent research proposal. The results research institutions as institutions, teachers and the students are staff and ensuring transparency , resource persons. fulfilled by the NSF. accountability , fairness, equity * The contributions for * What are your plans for 2018? 2018 is a very special year for us as our 50th the National Science anniversary falls on May 2018. Accordingly Day Celebrations? we expect to recognizeand award people We organize inter school under two main categories. People who ren- science society competi- dered long term service, from different levels tion concurrently with the at the organization and local and international National Science Day. doctors and professors who are strongly con- Accordingly, this year, win- nected with our institution. Special Golden ners of this competition will Jubilee editions of the NSF Journal and the be felicitated at a Vidurava Science Magazine of NSF are ceremony sched- scheduled to be launched as well. We expect uled for the 4th of to include all in our celebration, including Dr. Jayantha Wattevidanage May 2018. The school students, teachers and scientists etc. best teachers will to mark our anniversary in a grand manner. received the na- Furthermore the launch of the Sri Lanka Bio Director General (Acting) – NSF tional awards for Technology Institution at Pitipana, over 50 * The operations of the NSF in promoting of sci- acres of land, is another milestone for the ence; Prof. M.T.M. year. The institution consists of 15 floors and popularizing Science? Jiffry Memorial Award for popularzing of NSF are dedicated to uplift and popularize committees for popularizing of science and island have been registered at NSF under a special fund is initiated concurrently with science is also awarded at this ceremony. science technology and research, sup- uplifting of STEM education function for this the school science society programme. Ac- the construction process. Thus with those The Sri Lanka science and engineering fair is port innovations & inventions and eventu- purpose. Under the theme of ‘Science for All’ cordingly we have created a national platform new propensities we expect to carry out the also scheduled to be held concurrently to the ally have them contribute to the economic these committees are dedicated to popular- in the field of science for them. We publish duties of the NSF more effi ciently than ever event. The first three winners of this competi- development of the country. Accordingly a ize and promote science throughout the and provide the ‘Vidurawa’ magazine which before. tion, are to be sent to the USA for the Intel separate division has been established for country. It is important to focus on the groups consists of scientifi c knowledge in all three International Science and Engineering Fair popularizing of science among the general such as the school community, the univer- languages to school science societies free of (Intel ISEF) . W.A.S Nisansala Kumari public and many activities are carried out sity community and the general public here. charge. Further when we receive requests for Photograph- Sarath Peiris by this division to achieve this goal. The Currently around 848 schools throughout the science programs from school science socie- 6 Wednesday, November 29, 2017

web –based crop Aforecasting system developed under the project NTRP/2012/FS/PG- he journal of the 01/P-01 conducted by Dr. TNational Science R M Herath and his team, Foundation of Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture (JNSF) publishes the with technical expertise from results of research in all the University of Colombo aspects of Science and School of Computing, has Technology since 1973. been accepted by the Four issues of the journal Ministry of Agriculture and are published per year the system is accepted to in March, June, Sep- be used by the Ministry tember and December. after doing minor modifi ca- Contents of the journal tions, for monitoring food production island wide and are peer reviewed and Wickramanayake, University of to demonstrate the importance of to implement the fertilizer subsidy are currently indexed Colombo School of Computing. the different components of the scheme. The program was de- in Thompson Another project on Home Garden home garden and its diversity by The JNSF is published ployed by HE the president. Science Citation Index Ex- was awarded to Prof. G Mikunthan, this project. Resettled people in fi ve both online and in print A Mobile based Agriculture panded, Chemical & Bio- University of Jaffna. A model home districts in Northern Province were form. The journal has a Information System which could garden was established at the Fac- assisted with developing their own logical Abstracts, BIOSSIS wide circulation both lo- disseminate crop information to ulty of Agriculture at Ariviyal Nagar, home gardens. Previews, Zoological Re- cally and overseas and farmers has been developed and Kilinochchi cords , SCOPUS, TEEAL, the full text of JNSF can deployed as an outcome of the Ulrich’s, AGRICOLA and be accessed through the project NTRP/2012/FS/PG- EBSCOhost. The Impact 01/P-02 of Prof. G.N Sri Lanka Journals Online Factor of the JNSF (SLJOL) website (http:// for 2017 was jnsfsl.sljol.info/) free of 0.42. charge. More informa- tion of JNSF can also be reached through http:// www.nsf.ac.lk/index. php/nsf-science- magazine.

Since A Remedy for Multiple Diseases with a tremendous variety of potential the uses. Leaves of this plant are highly developed Murunga (Moringa oleifera) is one of the nutritious and a signifi cant source of products such as most useful tropical trees. It is a popular vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin C, protein, Moringa leaf pow- vegetable in the country and heavily iron, potassium and calcium. Numerous der and Moringa tea are grown in the dry zone region. Moringa scientifi c reports highlighted that leaves nutritionally rich with many has been used in traditional ayurvedic contain more vitamin A than carrots, biological activities, consump- medicine since in ancient times as a rem- more calcium than milk, more iron than tion in daily life may be useful edy for variety of diseases such as ane- spinach, more vitamin C than oranges, to combat malnutrition particu- mia, skin infections, blackheads, anxiety, more potassium than bananas and more larly among children and breast bronchitis, catarrh, chest congestion, protein than milk. Moringa leaves can be feeding mothers in the coun- asthma, blood impurities, cholera, glan- eaten fresh or can be used in prepara- try. The developed Moringa dular, swelling, headaches, conjunctivitis, tion of various delicious dishes and a cream exhibited skin whitening cough, diarrhea, eye and ear infections, variety of herbal preparations. Further, and anti-ageing properties fever, abnormal blood pressure, hysteria, the dried leaf powder can be stored for mediated via anti-tyrosinase, pain in joints, pimples, psoriasis, respira- many months without signifi cant loss of anti-glycation, antioxidant tory disorders, scurvy, semen defi ciency, its nutritional value. Therefore, during last Section of ITI in early 2011. This re- and matrix metalloproteases sore throat, sprain, tuberculosis, for few decades it has received enormous search was funded by Sri Lankan Treas- enzymes (anti-collagenase and anti-hay- intestinal worms, and diabetes. attention as the ‘natural nutrition of the ury and several researchers including aluronidase) inhibitory activities. Further, However, very recently it has been tropic’ to combat malnutrition especially Dr. G.A.S Premakumara, Ms. W.P.K.M this formulation complied with the SLS rediscovered as a multipurpose tree among infants and breast feeding women Abeysekera, Dr. W.K.S.M Abeysekera requirements and a novel product to the in many developing and Dr. P. Ranasinghe was involved in cosmetic industry. Since synthetic skin countries, particu- the project. Our initial studies of this plant whitening and anti-aging cosmetics have 17 Times 15 times larly in India, Pakistan, were able to identify diverse nutritional many side effects this novel product may More more Philippines, Hawaii and and functional properties in the leaves. be useful to consumers. However, further Calcium Pottasium many parts of Africa. clinical studies are necessary for thor- in Milk in Banana Moringa Leaves and Value Added ough understanding of its potency and Products stability on skin whitening and anti-aging. The technologies of developed Moringa ITI Research on With that basis we developed several based value added products can be Moringa 50% Moringa Moringa leaf based value added prod- obtained as a technology transfer from More ucts since to date scientifi cally proven ITI to the customers. The technology of Vitamin C Industrial Technology such value added Moringa leaf based preparation of Moringa leaf powder was in Oranges 4 Times Institute (ITI) as a pio- products are not in the local market. transferred in 2014. The fi ndings of the More neer multidisciplinary The developed value added products research have been published interna- Vitamin A 25 times research institute in the included nutritionally and functionally en- tionally and locally. Currently, further in Carrots More research is going on in developing more Iron in country has initiated hanced Moringa tea and leaf powder and Spinach research on Murunga skin whitening and anti-aging Moringa value added products from leaf, pod and at Herbal Technology cream. seed of Moringa. Wednesday, November 29, 2017 7

Advice th Did you know that the asteroid our solar system. 9 Planet was discov- Udaya R. Seneviratne 2012 TC1 has slated ered through numeric calculations. It is Secretary dangerously close to the Earth? located at a distance 1500 times of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research distance of the Earth from the Sun. The On the 12th of October 2017, the predicted planet could be a super Earth, J.M. Mangalatissa asteroid 2012 TC1 has slated above with an estimated mass of 10 Earths, a State Secretary Ministry of Science, Technology and Research the Southern Pacifi c coastal line, in a diameter two to four times that of Earth 50180km proximity to earth. The dis- and a highly elliptical orbit with an orbital H.M.B.C. Herath tance from the earth to moon is around period of approximately 15,000 years. th Additional Secretary 384,400km. Thus it appears that the Thus one year on the 9 Planet is similar to 15000 years on Earth. Five analytical (Technology & Research Development) asteroid has been slated even closer 2017 Nobel Prize for Physics than the moon to the Earth. evidences have assisted in the discov- ery of these facts. Konstantin Batygin Nandanie Samarawickrema The magnitude of the asteroid is around Three people have been awarded with th Additional Secretary 13 diameters and it has been fi rstly stated that, if the existence of 9 Planet the Nobel Prize for researchers on grav- became doubtful, fi ve problems would (Administration & Finance) found on the 12th of October 2012, by ity waves in 2017. the PanSTARS 1 telescope. be left unanswered. If you’re interested Guidance Albert Einstein was the fi rst to predict in the fi eld of astronomy, you will be able P.M. Dharmatilake about these gravitational waves 100 to know more about the 9th Planet soon. years ago. He had spoken of this, in Director his theory of Relativity. If he was alive (Science and Research today, this era would undoubtedly be Development) extraordinary for him. The Nobel Prize Himali W. K. Athaudage of this year was received by the physi- Director cists Rainier Weiss, Kip Thorn and Bary (Technology and International Relations) C.Barish. Nazeema Ahamed The 9th Planet Director (Planning) Nimali Kulathunga In January 2016, the scientists Michael Director (Planning) E. Brown and Konstantin Batygin dis- covered a new planet which belonged K. Arunu Prabha Perera to our solar system. It was introduced Director as the 9th Planet. It was believed that (Sri lanka Planetarium) it existed in the Kuiper belt, which is A.K.P. Peiris very far from the Sun. According to Chief Accountant research carried out by the scientists, Michael Brown and Konstantin Batygin, M. C. Gamage The Great Scientist it was confi rmed that the 9th Planet Chief Internal Auditor Albert Einstein defi nitely existed and that belonged to Co-editing Mahesh Samarasekera (Media Secretary) 0112-372288 Dhammika Rathnayake Madhuka Subhashini Amarasinghe L.D.I.U. Kumara (Technology and Research Development Division) Offi cial Photographs Dulip Nayanapriya Ministry Media Unit

Government Relations Dept. Coordination/ Graphics and Creations Supervision Samantha Karunasekera Managing Editor – Government Relations (Lake House) 0112 429297 / 077 3493785 Editor Zahrah Imtiaz th Group Meeting on the Establishment Translator 4of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi desh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Science and Technology Commission. Mrs. Nirasha Karunarathne Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-or- ) had participated for this meeting. S.M Nazmul Hasan the Director of the BIM- Creations poration (BIMSTEC) , Technology Transfer The meeting was inaugurated by Hon. Susil STEC Secretariat also participated. After Danushka Bandara / Ashani Jayawardana Facility (TTF) was successfully concluded. Premajayantha Minister of Science, Tech- deliberations the Memorandum of Associa- Photo Editing The meeting was held on 21-22 November, nology and Research. BIMSTEC meeting tion to establish the TTF was fi nalized. Lake House Production Graphic Department 2017 in Colombo. 08 members from the was headed by Sri Lankan delegation Prof. Printing BIMSTEC Member Countries (Bangla- Jayantha Wijerathne, Chairman, National Lake House Printing Department 8 Wednesday, November 29, 2017

he 10th of November of 2017 has been designated as Tthe “National Science Day” and the week commenc- ing 10th to 17th November has been designated as the “National Science Week” coinciding with the “World Sci- ence Day” fallen on the 10th of November 2017, under the theme “SCIENCE for GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING”. This “National Science Day” and “National Science Week” Ministry of Science, Technology and Research necessary steps taken to implement various programs island wide to raise the awareness of the practical and productive use of Science and Technology applications among communities in the country. World Science Day Programs 1. D S Senanayake Vidyalaya – Colombo 2. National Institute of Fundamental Studies 3. “Science Walk – 2017” 4. Science Film Festival – more than 100000 viewers including school children university students and general public were attended.

Printed & Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No.35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10 on Wednesday, November 29, 2017