Newsletter of the Association for the Advancement of Science

www.slaas.lk Vol. 14 No. 3 Sept. - Dec. 2019 75th Annual Sessions 08, 9, 10, 12 &13 December, 2019 Ceremonial Inauguration Scientific Sessions Date: 8th December, 2019 at 1.15 p.m. Date: 10, 12 & 13 December, 2019 Venue: UCSC Auditorium, University of Venue: University of Colombo

All Island School Inventors’ SLAAS Annual Dinner

Competition cum Exhibition Date: 9th December 2019 Date: 10 - 12 & 13 December 2019 Venue: Hilton Hotel, Colombo Venue: University of Colombo

Annual GeneralTheme Meeting: Seminar 13th December 2019 2019 at 11.15 a.m.

Date: Date: 9th December 2019 Venue: UCSC Auditorium, University of Colombo

Theme: “Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” Keynote address: Bioinformatics

Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future The Sri Lankan Genome Prof. Vajira Dissanayake Dr. Lawrence Banks Director-General Medical Geneticist | Chair & Senior Professor of Anatomy | Di- International Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology rector, Human Genetics Unit | Chair, Specialty Board in (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy Biomedical Informatics

University of Colombo Medical Biotechnology Is Liquid Biopsy Ready for Personalized Medicine in Cancers? Marine Biotechnology Prof. Chamindie Punyadeera Marine Biomaterials: Research, Innovation and Biomedical Ap- Head, Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Research Team, plication Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovations, The School of Prof. Mahanama de Zoysa Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Health, College of Veterinary Brisbane, Australia Medicine, Chungnam National University, Republic of Korea. Agricultural Biotechnology Biotechnology for Crop Improvement in Sri Lanka: Current Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Status and Future Directions Harnessing the Power of Genes: Establishment of Genelabs Dr. Pradeepa Bandaranayake Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa Director/ Senior Lecturer Founder & Chief Scientist Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture Genelabs Medical University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Nawala Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. Industrial Biotechnology Violet Biotechnology White Biotechnology for going Circular! Just genes: Ethical, Legal and Social Questions for Biotechnol- Prof. Ajith de Alwis ogy Senior Professor Prof. Dianne Nicol Department of Chemical & Process Engineering , University of Director, Centre for Law and Genetics, University of Tasmania Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Australia.

Registration fee & further details visit - www.slaas.lk SLAAS "Vidya Mandiraya" 120/10, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07. Tel: 2688740/2691681 Fax: (+94) 0112691681 Edited by Prof. Nelum Deshapriya & Dr. Sajani Dias; Designed by Kasun Jayasinghe; Printed by Sarangi Printers Sectional Activities Section A on 08.09.2019 at the Renuka Early childhood develop-  A training program for inmates of Sri Sambodhi Homes, ment centre, Homagama for 120 participants. The activ- Angunakolapelessa, Hambantota for Males with special ity was coordinated and conducted by Dr Pushpika Abey- needs, Booweliara, Angunakolapelessa was conducted on sekara.

30.08.2019. Thirty-seven participants attended the pro-  A live radio program on “Carcinoma in female reproduc- gramme. It was coordinated by Dr. Anuji Gamage and tive track ” was broadcast on12.09.2019 at SLBC. The conducted by Dr. Pushpika Abeysekara. activity was coordinated and conducted by Dr. Kaumadi- Karunagoda.  Guest talk on “Ayurveda for women’s health” was deliv- ered by Dr Kaumadi Karunagoda at the Sevavanitha An-  Workshop for Intern Medical Officers –BAMS and BUMS nual general meeting 2019, at CCMP, Narahenpita, on 2011/2012 Group was organized in collaboration with . the Career Guidance Unit of Institute of Indigenous Medi- 31 .08. 2019 . Activity was coordinated by major Pathmal, cine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya on13.09.2019 at CCMP and 57 ladies of the Provost Ladies Club partici- the Auditorium, National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, pated. Borella. Resource persons were Dr. Amali Sarathchandra,  A Conference on Applications of Biotechnology in Veteri- Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Iresh Jayaweera, Consultant nary Medicine. “Biotechnology for future of Veterinary Venerelogist, Dr. Pathirage Kamal Perera, Consultant Medicine” jointly organized with GRC, SLAAS was held on Pharmacologist. This activity was coordinated by Dr. Ka- 04.09.2019.Resource persons; Prof. Basil Alexander, Fac- mal Perera ulty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Dr.Roshan Priyantha, Veterinary Research Institute,  A live radio program on “Carcinoma in female reproduc- Peradeniya, Dr.Rohini Wadanambi, Microbiologist, Lanka tive track II” was con- Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd. Target audience: Veterinary profes- ducted on 03.10.2019 from sionals, Scientists, Post graduate students. Activity coor- 1.30pm – 2.00 pm at SLBC. dinated by, Dr. Samantha Iddamaldeniya, Veterinary Re- The activity was coordi- search Institute, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya nated and conducted by Dr. Kaumadi Karunagoda.  An Oral Health Education and Screening Programme for oral health problems and management was conducted Section B gram of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and talked about the Ecohydrology. On September 18, 2019. It was  A special Orchid Show for the year 2019 was organized in broadcasted on October 10, 2019

collaboration with the Orchid Circle of Ceylon parallel to  An awareness program on the importance of herbal plants the 85th anniversary of of Sri Lanka was organized along with the establishment of the Orchid Circle of a herbal plants garden at Galigamuwa Divisional Secre- Ceylon On 07.09.2019. tariat premises on 28.08.. 2019. Dr. Thilak Chandrathilake, Prof. Surawit Wan- Dr. R.M. Dharmadasa, Mr. Sisira Kumara, and Mr. Chalitha nakrairoj from the De- partment of Horticulture Weerasinghe from Link Natural Products participated as of Kasetsart University, the resource persons for the event. There were more than Thailand participated as 200 participants including all Grama Niladaris and Develop- the chief guest and rep- ment officers of the Galigamuwa DS division. resentatives from  Section B is planning to organize a one-day seminar session SLAAS, members of the orchid circle of Ceylon, and many on “Global and national environmental trends” on 2nd No- others participated in the event. vember 2019. Orchid plants under many categories were displayed at the show and the best orchid and the second-best orchid in  Oil palm cultivation and health benefits awareness pro- each category were gram will be organized jointly with the University of Ru- awarded certificates and huna, Faculty of Agriculture and Malaysian Palm Oil Council prizes. (MPOC) on December 8th 2019.

Dr. Chandrathilake partici- pated as the resource per- son for Vidulowa radio pro-

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” Section C Status and Way for Sri Lanka”, compiled by Dr. R.M.P.S. Bandara, submitted in July 2019, will be pub-  A 3-day training workshop for Assistant Directors/Science lished in the Sri Lanka Engineering News(SLEN) of the Insti- of the Educational zones of Sabaragamuwa and Central tution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. Provinces to inculcate Science and Technology Research in school education was organized and conducted in collabo-  An article on, “Glyphosate application in Sri Lankan agricul- ration with the Science Education Committee and General tural lands: do we circumvent Chronic Kidney Disease of Research Committee of SLAAS from 28th - 30th August 2019 unknown etiology (CKDu)”compiled by Dr. Buddhika Gun- at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Maharagama. awardana and Prof. Mahesh Jayaweera, submitted in Sep- Mr. Vipula Kulathunga (Assistant Director Science/ Ministry tember 2019, will be published in the International Water of Education) and Ms. WPG Dilhani (Deputy Director Sci- Association Blog on current environmental issues. ence/ Ministry of Education) attended and facilitated the Dr. R.M.P.S. Bandara programme. Around 40Assistant Directors/Science partici- participated in a dis- pated in the event. Following resource persons contributed cussion on “How to to the event:Prof. Bandunee Athapattu (OUSL/SLAAS); Dr. minimize energy con- Meththika Vithanage (USJP); Dr. M.N. Kaumal (UoC/ sumption in build- SLAAS); Dr. Roshan Perera (OUSL); Dr. Shaminda Fernando ings” in the “Vidu (OUSL); Prof. Chamila Jayasinghe (Wayamba University); Asin” programme at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corpora- Dr. Jagath Jayasinghe (USJP); Dr. Janitha Walpita (USJP); tion, which was broadcasted on 12th September 2019. Mr. Nimal Premathilake (Ministry of Megapolis and West- ern Development); Dr. Shiromi Karunaratne (SLIIT/SLAAS); Manamperi Award (Engineering) – 2019 Dr. Buddhika Gunawardana (UoM/SLAAS); Dr. Kumari Fer- Thirty applications were received under individual and nando (KDU/SLAAS); Dr. Chulantha Kulasekere (SLIIT/ group categories for SLAAS); Dr. R.M.P.S. Bandara (KDU/SLAAS); Eng. Kumudu the annual competi- Amarawardhana (KDU/SLAAS); Dr. Sameera Samarakoon tion. Evaluation pres- (UoC). Representing the section F, the president, Dr. Ku- entations were con- mudu Seneviratne conducted one session on “Inquiry- ducted on 5th and 6th based research model in the classroom context” on 29th October 2019 at August. SLAAS office.  An article on “Building Energy Standards/Codes: Present Section D pated. The activity coordinator was Dr. Sampath Senevi- ratne and his group (Avian Evolution Node) at the Univer-  Dr.H.D. Bandupriyawrote an article to Vidusara Newspaper sity of Colombo. on“Biotechnological approaches for ex situ conservation of  Dr. Helani Munasinghe delivered a talk on“Personalized plant genetic resources”-“඾ාක ජාන වම්ඳත් වංර槊඿ණය Medicine”- “mqoa.,dkqnoaO ffjoH m%;sldr l%u ”on Sep- වදශා ජජල තා槊඿귒ක ප්රෙsව්ශය඾ය” which consisted of 2 tember 26, 2019 at the Sinhala National Service of the Sri parts. The first part was published on October 16.10. 2019. Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

 A one-day workshop on “The Art and Science of Naming Planned Activities Animals: The Process of Zoological Nomenclature” was  A workshop on "Scientific Writing & Publishing Research held at the Work" will be held at Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, SLAAS audi- General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, on 28th of torium on th October 2019 from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The resource 26 Septem- persons are Prof. Preethi Udagama, Prof. Chamari Hetti- ber, 2019. arachchi, Dr. M. N. Kaumal, Prof. U. K. Epa, Prof. Dinithi Mr. Thasun Pieris Dr. Kamal Ranathunga and Prof. CharithaGoonese- Amarasinghe kera. The activity was organized and coordinated by Prof. Chamari Hettiarachchi and Dr. K. D. K. Peshala Kumari. from the University of  Prof. Dinithi Peiris will write an Article on “The Pesticides Indonesia conducted and Male Fertility”-‘පලි‍බ ෝධකි‍සහි‍퇔රැෂි‍ප්රc覱නන ’ි‍in Octo- the workshop for the research community ber. Mr. E.N.C. Perera will write an article on “The recent of Sri Lanka where 43 trends in Geospatial Science”-�ි‍ බ ොර뗔රැි‍ විද්යාlබනි‍ න ි‍ researchers partici- ප්රc ත l”ි‍in October.

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”  Dr. Lanka Undugoda will write an article on “Gluten free tional Service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. Bakery products”- 燊ටනි‍රᇒ ි‍බේකි‍엒ස්පlද්යන”ි‍in Octo-  A Seminar on “How Spatial Analysis leads to insight” willbe ber. conductedto the undergraduates and professionals at the  Dr. Dimuthu S. Manamgoda will participate in the radio Auditorium of SANSA campus in November, 2019. The programme on “Economic benefits of Fungi”- 뷒ᗓර ලි‍ event is coordinated by Mr. E. N. C. Perera. Dr. Manjula ආර්뗒කි‍ ප්රcබ ො覱න”,in October 30, 2019 at the Sinhala Na- Ranagalage, Senior Lecturer and GIS & Remote sensing spe-

Section E1  Dr. Chinthaka De Silve, (General Secretary SLAAS, Member  A guest talk by Prof. Mohamed Henini from the School of Section E1) published four newspaper articles during the Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, UK on month of September. One article titled “Space Communica- “Development of Advanced Semiconductor Materials and tion” was published in the -Vidya and the other Devices for Next Generation Photovoltaics: Opportunities අභ්යාලකා඾ව වේප්රෙව්ශයදනයwas published in and Challenges” was delivered targeting the General Pub- 뷒නමිණවිදයාඅරේප්රෙයකය on Wednesday, September 4th. The lic, University Undergraduate and graduate students on article titled “Aircrafts on Take-off” and 09.09.2019 at the SLAAS auditorium. “燔ලනඅරාවේ槊ප්රෙෙන燔ල යානා” were published on Daily news newspaper and 뷒නමිණ() newspaper on  Two more guest lectures are scheduled for October on Su- Wednesday, 04.09.2019. perconductors, by Dr. W W P de Silva, of the Department of Physics University of Sri Jayewardenepura (UoSJ) and Dr. S Jayewardene from Department of Physics, University “Mathematical Epidemiology: A battleground for applied of Sri Jayewardenepura participated in the Mathematicians” targeting both physical and biological “වි뷔ප්රෙ඼ොල” (Vidulowa) radio program of SLBC as a resource science stream undergraduates, by Dr N Ganegoda, of De- person by the invitation of section E1. The topic of discus- partment of mathematics UoSJ. The two talks will be held sion was “Nanotechnology”. The one hour segment was at University of Kelaniya and University of Sri Jayewar- recorded on 22nd August and was aired on 21st September denepura, respectively. at 2130h.  A workshop targeting university undergraduate and gradu- ate students, academic and academic support staff have been conducted with the support of junior academic staff members of the Department of Mathematics, UoSJ and supervised by Dr. Thanuja Paragoda of the same affiliation. The workshop was titled as “Hands on experience on using LaTex in Word processing”. The event was venue at the Mathematics Computer Lab, Department of Mathematics, UoSJ, on 24th August.

 Dr. A. L. A. K. Ranaweera, the Vice President of Section E1, from the Department of Physics, University of Kelaniya, delivered a talk “Physics of Speech “ in a staff development program organized by the Thulana Research Centeron 20th August. The program was for the teachers of students with hearing disabilities.

Section E2 workshop were Dr. Thusitha Erampawala and Dr. Imalka  A hands on workshop on advanced scientific instruments Munaweera . Eighteen participants attended the second was held on 20th and 27th July 2019 at the Instrument Cen- day of the workshop. Dr. ter, Faculty of Applied Sciences in the University of Sri Jaye- Asitha Cooray coordi- wardenepura. The workshop on 20thJuly was conducted by nated the workshop. Dr. Asitha Cooray and by Dr. Dakshika Wanniarachchi Funds generated would Twenty participants of different backgrounds varying from be utilized for activities technical officers from universities and industries to gradu- of Section E2. ate and undergraduate students participated on the first day of the workshop. Resource persons for the 27.07.2019

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”

 ‘Little Scientist’, the science tool kit put together by Section  The Inter-University Quiz on Chemical Sciences and Poster E2 was showcased at “ShilpaSena exposition” held at Competition 2019 was held on 05.10.2019, at SLAAS head- BMICH from 18.07.2019 – 21.07.2019. Six prototypes of quarters, ‘Vidya Mandiraya’.The event was quite successful the kit were exhibited at the STEM stall and the chair of the with the participation of more than 120 enthusiastic under- committee presented graduates representing seven universities and institutes. two prototypes to both H. E. the President and  Dr. Russel de Silva, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Prime Minister of the de- Chemistry, University of Kelaniya acted as the Quiz Master mocratic republic of Sri of the Competition while Dr. Sujatha Hewage, Dr. Aashani Lanka. The students and Thilakeratne and Dr. Shashikala Rajapakse served as judges parents expressed keen for the Quiz competition. Dr. Laksiri Weerasinghe, Dr. Su- interest in the tool kit. darshana Somasiri, and Eng. Ruwan Wijemanne served as The event was coordinated by Dr. Theshini Perera. the judges for the Poster competition.

 A guest lecture on "Opportunities for Higher Studies in  Inter-University Quiz competition for Chemical Sciences North American Universities in Science Disciplines" was was won by the University of Kelaniya, while the teams delivered by Dr. Lasantha Premaratne on 15.08.2019 at the from the University of Jaffna and the University of Sri Jaye- Open University of Sri Lanka. More than 80 participated in wardenepura secured the second and third places, respec- this event which was organized in collaboration with the tively. The ‘Smart Eliminator’ quiz round, held for those Buckyball Society of the Department of Chemistry, OU. The who eliminated from the initial selection test and from activity was coordinated by Dr. Dusantha Alwis and Dr. semi-finals was won by the University of Colombo. Thelma Abeysinghe.  The universities competed in the poster competition under  Dr. Theshini Perera conducted a seminar on “Research three themes. The first, second and third places of the Methodology” at an event organized by the Environment theme ‘Value addition to waste’ was won by the University Committee of SLAAS at Puwakaramba Methodist High of Colombo, University of Kelaniya and University of Jaffna, th School on 30 September. respectively. University of Kelaniya was placed first in the theme ‘Green chemistry and industry’ and joint second  Dr. Jeewantha Premarathne will be conducting a seminar place was awarded to University of Colombo and Univer- on Industrial Chemistry that is included in the A/L syllabus sity of Jaffna. The first place of the theme ‘Food safety and at Rathnawali BalikaVidyalaya, Gampaha in November technology’ was won by the University of Colombo, while 2019. This seminar will be attended by 5 more schools in the second place went to the University of Kelaniya, and the Gampaha district. This event is coordinated by Dr. the third place was secured by the University of Ruhuna. Thelma Abeysinghe.

 The event was sponsored by Hela Waga (Pvt) Ltd., Prof. S.  Dr. Hasini Perera and Prof. Nimal Punyasiri will be conduct- P. Deraniyagala and Best Eye Care Opticals, Kadawatha and ing a seminar for school students in the A/L science stream was coordinated by Dr. Sashipraba Vithanarachchi, Dr. at the Holy Cross College, Gampahain October. The date is Hasini Perera and Dr. Asitha Cooray. yet to be finalized. This event is coordinated by Dr. Hasini Perera.

 Dr. Theshini Perera served as Chief Guest of the Children’s Day Program at Zahira College which was carried out under the theme “Happy Children, Happy Teachers” on 1st Octo- ber.

 Dr. Dilrukshi Wijayarathna presented a radio program on 'Jana thakshanaya: ada athi diyunuwa saha apata athi- waasi’ (Gene technology: current development and advan- tages) which was broadcasted on 15th August 2019 by SLBC.

 An article on ‘Radiation: Is it a threat?’ was submitted to published in the Vidya magazine by Dr. Manuja Lama- badusuriya of Section E2. “Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” Section E3

 A Workshop on “Perspectives and challenges in devel- oping National Technology Policies” was conducted by Mr. Namal Liyanage, at SLAAS on 08.08.2019. This event was organized with the collaboration of the Internet Society (ISOC) of Sri Lanka and was coordi- nated by Dr. Rasika Dayarathne.

 A Workshop on “STEM Education” was conducted by Dr. Lochandaka Ranathunga for Science, Mathematics and Technology for teachers of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nu- gegoda, on 27.09.2019. The event was organized by the technology teachers of Sujatha Vidyalaya.

 Dr. Senaka Amarakeerthi’s presentation on “Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) and their applications” in a radio program of Sinhala National Service (Swadeshiya Sewaya) of SLBC which was broadcasted on 17.10.2019

 Dr. Menaka Ranasinghe’s presentation on “Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Education” will be broad- casted in (Swadeshiya Sewaya) of SLBC late October 2019.

Section F tions to Deforestation, Cascade Restoration, and Eco- Labels” was conducted by Dr. Sahan Dissanayake, an Assis-  Dr.Kumudu Seneviratne (President-SLAAS section F) deliv- tant professor in Environmental Economics, Department of ered a public talk on the “Art of living through scientific Economics, Portland State University, USA, on 03.09.2019 inquiry at the ShilpaSena National Exhibition organized by at the SLAAS Auditorium. Ministry of Science, Technology and Research at the BMICH on 21.07.2019.  A capacity building workshop was organized by section F SLAAS in collaboration with the Kitulgala Education Divi- sion, and the Adventure Training section, Kegalle District Youth Service Office to develop mindful leadership with transversal skills of 100 prefects of 20 schools in the divi- sion, Dehiowita Education Zone in Kegalle DistrictDr. Ku- mudu Seneviratne (President-SLAAS section F) and Mrs. Suvisal Herath, Retired In-Service Advisor in Sinhala/ Kitul- gala Education Division were the resource persons for this session. Additionally, a session with practical demonstra-

tions of training activities was conducted for school leaders by Mr. Channa Jayewardene, Kegalle District Youth Service Officer, Adventure Training Coordinator. The workshop  A Training workshop to inculcate Science and Technology was conducted on 17.10.2019 at Yatiyayntota Central Research in school education was organized by the SLAAS College. Science Education Committee (SEC) for Directors of Science in the zones of Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces from 28.08.2019 to 30.08.2019 at the National Institute of Edu- cation. Representing the section F, the president, Dr. Ku-

mudu Seneviratne conducted one session on “Inquiry- based research model in the classroom context” on 29th August.

 A guest lecture on” Using Environmental Economics to Guide Policy: Non-Market Valuation Methods and Applica-

“Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” General Research Committee GRC

. Faculty of Medi-  A workshop titled “Research Methodology Training for cine, University of Higher Education” was successfully conducted at NIA Kelaniya dis- on 28th, 29th and 30th August. Tamil medium workshop cussed on Analy- will be conducted in October 2019. sis of Mouse Genes: Introduc-  Seminar on “Application of Animal Bio Technology” was th tion to PCR based conducted on 04 September 2019 at the Sri Lanka gene mining. Federation of University Women (SLFUW), Kittulwatta Road, Colombo 8. This seminar was jointly organized by the Section A and General Research Committee of SLAAS. Prof. Ruchira umaranatunga, from the Univer-  A Research workshop titled “Facilitating Scientific Re- sity of Ruhuna discussed on Fish Reproduction Bio search’ will be conducted in collaboration with NSF in Oc- Technology, Dr.Rohini Wadanamby from the Lanka tober/November 2019, at the Eastern University of Sri Hospital discussed on Microbiome, Dr. Roshan Priyan- Lanka. Prof. Sagarika Ekanayake, Prof. Sithy Iqbal, Dr. May- tha from the Vet- uri Thammitiyagodage, Dr. Gawry Moorthiand Dr. Inoka erinary Research Sandanayake will be participate as the resource persons. Institute dis- cussed on veteri- :Prof. Nilwala Kottegoda from the Department of Chemis- nary vaccine re- try, University of Sri Jayewardenepura will deliver the lated to Bio Tech- Benard Soysa Oration in November 2019 at the SLAAS nology and Dr. auditorium. Prasanna Gal- hena from the Environment Committee EC  A public dialog on controversy over “Importation of Clinical Nature E-Photo contest 2019 Waste” was successfully conducted by EC-SLAAS in collabo- ration with the Center for Environmental Justice on 31.07. This years Nature E-Photo contest was launched on 05.06. 2019 at SLAAS Auditorium from Mr. Hemantha Withanage 2019 in parity with the World Environment Day. 102 photo- (Executive Director CEJ), Dr. Lohitha Samarawickrema graphs from all around the country was received. The best (Acting Chairman/ Director - Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regu- photographs and the most popular photograph will be re- latory Council), Mr. Jagath Gunawardana (Lawyer), Mr. warded with Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. Coordi- Manju Gunawardana (Director - SLINTEC) and representa- nator of the event: Mr. Ruwan Kalubowila tive form Sri Lanka Customs were the resource persons of the event. More than 70 participants were reported. Media coverage was received from News 1st, Swarnawahini and Hiru TV Channels. The event was highlighted on “Live at Eight” news program of Swarnawahini TV channel. Coordi- nator of the event: Mr. Trishan Perera

3rd session of MCC (Marine Conservation Conversations) with SLAAS EC and Oceanswell was conducted on The Most Popular and the Best Photos selected for 2019 24.07.2019. The resource person of the session was Dr.  National Dialog on National Policy, Strategies and Institu- tional Framework for Water Resources Development, Con- servation and Management (ජ඼ වම්ඳත් වංලයධනය, වංර槊඿ණය ශා කෂෙනාකරණය ව඲ශා ජාරේක sරේඳත්රේ, උඳාය ොයග ශාආයතවේක රාල 퇒ᗒබ඲ ජාරේක කරේකාලත)Organized by SLAAS Environment Committee and Center for Environ- mental Justice was held on 17.09.2019 at the SLAAS Audi- torium.

Asha De Vos who shared her knowledge and experience with the audience. Research paper discussed was “Chinese market prices of beche-de-mer: Implications for fisheries and aquaculture”. Coordinator of the event: Mr. Trishan Perera “Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”

End Plastic Pollution - School programs  A Beach cleanup program will be held at Crow Island on 30.11.2019 as the last event of the EC for the year 2019.  A series of awareness programs on “Plastic Pollution” for Coordinator of the event Mr. V.N.P. Liyanage school children were organized . The topics addressed are: “what is plastics?”, “ Dos and Donts”,and “4R concept” and Booklet on Environment Friendly Agriculture practices a session on “Basic research methodologies” were con- ducted for school children. Program was conducted by Dr.  Booklet on Environment Friendly Agriculture practices was Shantha Egodage from University of Moratuwa, Dr. developed by EC SLAAS which discussed simple environ- Theshini Perera from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, mental friendly practices for small home gardens. Dr. Madhubhashini Maddumaarachchi from Univesity of Sri Coordinator of the activity: Dr Nilanthi Wijewardena Jayewardenepura and Dr. Thilini Gunasekara from EC- SLAAS. Five schools have been identified to conduct the program. 20.09.2019 – Sir Jhon Kothalavala Maha Vidyalaya – Pilian- dala , 70 students 23.09.2019 – Raththanapitiya Ananda Vidyalaya, 50 stu- dents 30.09.2019– Methodiest Vidyalaya – Moratuwa, 100 stu- dents 11.10.2019 –Girls High School– Mount Lavenia, 100 stu- dents 14.10.2019 - S De S Jayasinghe Collabge – Dehiwela, 100 students Sponsorships Coordinator of the event: Dr Thilini Gunasekara Bank of Ceylon and Hayleys Dipped Products PLC has been generously supported the actiites of EC 2019.