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THE AGM OF THE NASSL WAS HELD AT 5.00 PM ON WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2008 - AWAIT THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS AND OTHER NEWS TO BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS THEY ARE RECEIVED FROM THE GEN. SECRETARY     :::::::      MAKE USE OF THE LINKS ON THIS AND THE "NEWS" PAGES TO ACCESS S&T SITES THAT GIVE YOU THE LATEST SCIENCE NEWS AS WELL AS SUPERB VIDEO PRESENTATIONS BY EMINENT SCIENTISTS AND PUBLIC FIGURES  

Welcome to the Home Page of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL). The NASSL is a non-governmental body of eminent scientists of Sri Lanka that provides independent advice on policy matters to the Government and the public in general on all matters of national importance relating to science and technology. The NASSL also promotes the advancement and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

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EDITORIAL

 

 

 

Election of Fellows

 

The procedure for the election of new Fellows to the NASSL is extraordinarily complicated and long-drawn out, rivalling the system followed in the American Presidential elections – perhaps rightly so in order to maintain certain standards and to keep out those who do not conform to the requirements of Fellowship in the Academy. On the other hand, once elected, it seems that Fellows would cease to belong to the Academy only if they were to die, fail to pay their subscriptions for two years, or behave absolutely disgracefully, like Vermin Silva for instance!  

Once elected, many Fellows just add the letters FNASSL (Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka) after their names on their visiting cards, or simply hold on to the title hoping that it would make their obituary look more impressive. They regard it like an honorary doctorate (Vermin Silva and some others come to mind again!) or a knighthood or a higher rank in the army which confers the privilege of using the title but no obligation to contribute anything afterwards.  

I would like to make a very controversial suggestion - that we set up a mechanism to de-list any Fellow who shows no sign of life over a period of say two years! This would be akin to the power of recall of office bearers or politicians that exists in many legislatures and institutions in other countries. It has been suggested that any Fellow who does not attend meetings or participate in the activities of the Academy over a two period, should be asked by a disciplinary subcommittee to show cause as to why he or she should not be struck off from membership roll of the Academy.  Let us know what you think.


LETTERS

 

Suggestion to de-list Fellows of the National Academy of Science

 

This is in response to the controversial suggestion made in the Editorial of the NASSL Newsletter Volume 2 (6) to establish a mechanism to de-list Fellows of the National Academy if they do not participate in its activities for a period of two years.

 

Before such a drastic decision is taken the NASSL should consider certain salient facts as to why there is poor participation not only in its routine activities but also at Council meetings (vide minutes of the 28th AGM). Almost all activities of the Academy are held in Colombo and often after 4.30 p.m. perhaps to enable members from Colombo to attend after working hours. Is it fair for the Academy to expect regular participation of Fellows from out stations (Galle, Matara, Kandy Jaffna etc) for such events? Today a one way trip by public transport takes around 3 to 4 hours from all these out stations and perhaps more than 24 hours from Jaffna.

 

This means a person has to spend some 6 to 8 hours on the road to attend a one or two hour event. Furthermore the cost of such travel has to be borne by the participant. Even if the event terminates at 6.30 p.m. it would be around 10.30 or 11.00 p.m. by the time the participant reaches the bus stand or the railway station of his home town and he’ll have to find other means of transport to reach his home perhaps around 12 midnight. What is the support given by the Academy for out station Fellows to encourage their participation?

 

For a change, why doesn't the Academy organize some activities in the out stations and see how many from Colombo would participate? It has to be borne in mind that most of the Senior Fellows have retired from service and are eking out a frugal living on their retirement benefits and do not enjoy the luxury of having official transport. The comp-arison with politicians is absurd. They are paid a sitting allowance of Rs.1000/- for each meeting, a duty free official luxury vehicle and driver, a fuel allowance and hostel facilities in Colombo.  If the NASSL can provide even half of these incentives there will be enough participation.

 

Above all, it has to be borne in mind that a Fellow is elected by an extraordinarily complicated process (according to the Editorial) by the votes of the entire membership after a thorough peer review of his scientific contributions and  achieve-ments. A Fellow’s election is certainly in recognition of his/her achievements and not simply to attend meetings.  Therefore any system to de-list a Fellow should (if at all) be taken by the membership and not by a few temporary office bearers of the Academy. In fact it would be more prudent to evaluate a Fellow’s continued contribu-tions to his or her field of expertise if one wants to pass a judgment whether his membership should continue or not.

 

S. A. Kulasooriya

Fellow of the Academy since 1986         


Letter from Deshamnaya, VidyaJyothi Dr. Ray Wijewardene

 Colleagues… May I respond again to the editorial challenge in Vol.2 Issue 5, with a plea for a change in attitude of our fellow-scientists in S’Lanka, towards a clear identification of the client for whom we (are supposed to) serve. While very deeply involved in agricultural research for the tropical farmer… based then also in the Philippines , in Africa, and in India , I have become increasingly concerned with the ‘reasons’ for which the results of agricultural research are NOT taken up by the farmer.

I was very much taken up by the words of that fine Ag.Economist John Kenneth Galbraithe (also J.Kennedy’s Ambassador to India) who wrote, ‘Farmers rightly sense there is danger in the counsel of any-one who himself does not have to live by the results.’….

 In conversation with JKG one day thereafter, he explained to me that the objective of most scientists is towards the writing of a formal paper and getting it suitably ‘published’… whereas the objective of the farmer is to make a profit…. a living. This very apposite outlook has been further endorsed in many writings of Prof. Amartya Sen. The dichotomy of purpose and intention between that of the scientist and that of the farmer (- the eventual user of that research) is the reason why a great deal of research is wasted as it is not applicable to the persons for whom the research it should basically be intended.

 I take the liberty of attaching (to follow) a copy of a letter I have recently sent to the Chairman of the Coconut Research Board, and draw your attention, particularly, to the paragraphs under items C, D, and E. ….Too often we tend to ‘label’ research strictly into ‘disciplines’… (e.g. Agricultural… or Engineering… or Economcs etc., ) without an appreciation for their integration towards the objectives of for-whom-ever the research is intended. Sadly, much of the ‘so-called’ research of (for example) the agriculture-science-based organisations is ‘sponsored’ by the ag.-chemical vendors who will use the ‘doctored’ results thereby for commercial reasons. Sadly, again, we see this happening also in the field of medical-sciences. It also happens in the field of engineering (e.g. ‘energy’)

 Perhaps as ‘FELLOWS’ we need to ensure the supremacy of the science, and objectives of the end-user, versus the commercialism which we have all seen creep into our respective ‘disciplines’.

 Ray Wijewardene

<raywijewardene@yahoo.com>

4 Feb. 2008

The article referred to by Dr. Ray Wijewardene in this letter appears elsewhere on this page. Click HERE to go there.

 


 

A Journal of the NASSL ?

A suggestion has been made to the Council mooting the publication in print and electronic media of a journal of the National Academy of Sciences. It could be a biannual or annual journal similar to the Proceedings of the National Academies (PNAS) of the United States. It could contain:

  • cutting-edge research papers,
  • review articles,
  • perspectives on current issues,
  • colloquia papers, and
  • reports on activities of the Academy.

It would be run by an Editorial Board with the assistance of peer review panels for each disciplinary area (medicine, science, engineering, etc.). It would receive wide circulation through the National Academies of various countries. 

Please let us know what you think about this proposal as soon as possible. Would you be interested in having your research and review papers published in such a journal?

ARTICLES ON THIS PAGE

 

Editorial

Notices

Letters

A Case for Scrutiny by the NASSL

Customs Officers Undergo Training to Curb Bio-smuggling

NASSL Workshop - Groundwater in Sri Lanka

NASSL AGM - Presidential Address -2008

Sri Lanka: The Way Forward

Scientists push open access for developing nations


Our Mission

The Mission of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka is to be the foremost resource in the country for expert advice on matters of national importance involving science and technology.


Profile

The National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL) is a high level, non-governmental scientific body, established in 1976 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1988.  Scientists who have achieved excellence in their respective scientific / technological fields are nominated by Fellows of the Academy to be considered for membership.  Admission to the Academy is by election following nomination and evaluation of the nominees. The membership of the NASSL was 110 (90 men and 20 women) in February 2004.

The objectives of the organization include:

 Ø  promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge,

Ø  recognizing outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and

Ø  acting as a consultative body to the Government of Sri Lanka on all matters and activities related to the application of science and technology in national development. In addition, the NASSL reports on the rational utilization of Sri Lanka’s natural resources consistent with the sustainable use of the biosphere.


A Case for Scrutiny by the NASSL

 

Dr U.Pethiyagoda   Fellow and Former President of NASSL 

The "Daily Mirror" of March 5 carried the disturbing news that a Senior Professor attached to the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS) was detected attempting to smuggle what was described as "four samples of rare plant chromosomes endemic to Sri Lanka" It further adds that "a multi-million dollar gene smuggling racket has been carried on for over a decade by several local academics attached to the IFS".

This detection reportedly sparked off a raid on the IFS which uncovered "over 40 samples of such processed rare plant chromosomes endemic to the country". It is also implied that certain senior officials and academics evaded questioning by the raiding party. In keeping with a deplorable convention, no names are mentioned - and consequently all are suspect!  If the facts as stated are untrue and the alleged misdemeanors are explicable as  legitimate scientific actions, it is incumbent upon the IFS to say so, clear the air and absolve the scientists from blame.

The situation of science in Sri Lanka is bad enough without need for further erosion of credibility. If however, the allegations are substantially correct, the situation is incredibly serious. The activity would be highly unethical and immoral and even bordering on treachery and criminality. I believe that it is a duty cast on the Academy to seek to embark on a thorough and professional investigation into this incident and matters peripheral to it.

The IFS has always been a controversial establishment with many alleged and visible imperfections. The ambit of an investigation should rightly include consideration of the rationale for the IFS and the manner and relevance of its functions. If need be, the Academy should have the stature and courage to even call for the closure of the Institution with a re-deployment of its resources in a way to better serve the nation and the cause of science.


Customs officers undergo training to curb bio-smuggling

By Kurulu Kariyakarawana

The Customs Department has introduced a special training programme for investigators attached to its Bio Diversity Unit, to upgrade their knowledge of genetic smuggling. The intention is to curb such crimes in the future. This programme was introduced after a local higher academic recently attempted to smuggle plant genes out of the country. The attempt was foiled when it was detected by the airport authorities.

The special programme will be of several weeks duration and deal with many aspects of the relevant subjects. The programme is now in progress. Some voluntary officials are also undergoing training.

The superintendent of the Customs Bio Diversity Unit, Samantha Gunasekara, told Daily Mirror that comprehensive training was needed to fight bio piracy and the smuggling of genetic material. He said such crimes could become a grave problem in the future.

He said that attempts to smuggle out genetic material could not be stopped unless the investigators were at least one degree smarter than the smugglers, considering the sophisticated tactics adopted by the latter.

“Daily lectures are being held for a group of trainees, comprising 15 officials who had earlier been trained in the field of archives and archaeology by their respective directors,” Mr. Gunasekara said. 

Meanwhile, the investigations into the recent gene smuggling attempt by a higher academic attached to the Institute of Fundamental Studies, in Kandy, is continuing, the Superintendent said.

 Courtesy of the Daily Mirror 23 April 2008


 

DAILY CARTOON click to enlarge
ANDERTOONS.COM SCIENCE CARTOONS



THE DOCTORS

 

When a panel of doctors was asked to vote on adding a new wing to their hospital, the allergists voted to scratch it.  The dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the neurologists thought the administration had a lot of nerve, the obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.

The ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted; the pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body", while the pediatricians said, "Oh,Grow up!"

The psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness. the radiologists could see right through it, and the surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.

The internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the plastic surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter." The podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water.

The anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas and the cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the proctologists left the decision up to some asshole in administration.


Science and Technology in National Development        the Role of NASSL

Prof. Sunethra Atukorala

Presidential Address, National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka, March 2008

Immediate Past President, Prof. Aluwihare, Members of the Council and Fellows of the NASSL, I am indeed honoured and privileged to be elected the President of the Academy, specially after an eminent person of the calibre of Prof. Arjuna  Aluwihare.  I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Council & Fellows of the NASSL for electing me as their next President.  I pledge to uphold the honour and traditions of this position and do my utmost to serve the interests of the Academy. 

 In my brief presentation, I would like to discuss the role of the Academy in “The Application of Science and Technology in National Development”. As you are all aware, the objectives of the Academy are:

    

  • Promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge
  • Recognizing outstanding contributions to the advancement of science
  • Acting as a consultative body to the Government of Sri Lanka on all matters and activities related to the application of science and technology in national development.
  • Reporting on the rational utilization of Sri Lanka’s natural resources consistent with the sustainable use of the biosphere.

 In the past, the Academy has advised the government on many issues and helped to preserve the Natural Resources of our country. The workshop on “Impediments to Science & Technology (S & T) Development in Sri Lanka” held in 2004 was another important activity.  I would like to recall some key issues highlighted at this workshop which are presented in a publication of the Academy (2004). According to criteria commonly used to rank S&T (WB, 2002), Sri Lanka lags behind its neighbours,  although Sri Lanka is ahead of some of these countries in the human capital needed for successful  S&T development. The reasons attributed for this low productivity include lack of demand, absence of an enabling environment and lack of a science policy.  The need for a science policy with clear, simple and coherent vision, increased financial support for          S& T and prioritization of research was recommended.  It was also considered desirable to have a separate Scientific Administrative Service which will be sensitive to the needs of a vibrant S& T culture.  The establishment of institutionalized linkages between apex S& T bodies and decision making legislative and administrative structures is necessary, so that there is continuing input of S&T into government policy.  The report of the above workshop which had a number of important recommendations was presented to the Minister of Science & Technology, who is also a Fellow of the Academy.  We need the commitment and co-operation of all Fellows, not merely the council, to ensure that at least some of these recommendations are implemented. Otherwise it would be another lost opportunity. 

 At the last Annual General Meeting and at several previous meetings of the Academy, concern was expressed regarding the inability of Scientists, specially those in administrative positions, to express their independent and impartial opinions without being victimized.  Similar views were expressed in a statement issued at the eighth biennial meeting of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies held in April 2007 in Sri Lanka.  The relevant extract of the statement reads “In the Sri Lankan context, special concern was expressed about the problems faced by academics and scientists (including assassination and abduction) between 1988 and the present. In particular, the sentiment was strongly expressed that basic human rights need to be respected and observed by all parties, even in the most difficult of situations, and that justice needs to be seen to be done.  The meeting also recognized that there may be a need to change legislation to ensure that dismissal without a valid reason and recourse to some form of open public enquiry does not occur. The proceedings of this meeting are being complied.  This issue was highlighted in a press statement issued by Prof. Arjuna Aluwihare, the President in 2007.

Many policies have been developed over the past thirty years including the National Health Policy, Agriculture Policy, Nutrition Policy.  A National Science and Technology Policy is currently  being developed by NASTEC and is in its final stages.   It is essential that these policies are translated into action plans which are ultimately implemented. In some instances the policy document which is produced at tremendous cost and effort remains merely a document and does not progress to development of an action plan and implementation.  It is necessary to provide resources to meet the cost of implementation.  National policies should not change with successive governments merely for the sake of change. It is the duty of scientists in the field to be impartial and consider the long term benefit to the country.  Fellows of the Academy who are a group of Senior Scientists in different fields, could ensure that policies are implemented.

In an editorial on “Deriving benefits from Science and Technology” published in the Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (Ratnasiri, 2006), it is stated that “a key issue is the necessity and strong political will to promote and utilize science and technology”.  The importance of having scientists and technologists involved in the planning, reviewing and monitoring of policies, strategies and action plans for national development at the highest levels has also been highlighted in this paper.  However, Scientists themselves must be independent and sufficiently motivated to ensure that strategies and action plans carried out can achieve long term sustainable gains rather than short term political gains. Further, the different policies should be interlinked as the ultimate goal is the well being of the people of our country.

Since independence, several welfare schemes have been introduced by successive governments, including free and equal access to education and health care, food rations, food stamps, Janasaviya, Samurdhi, mid-day meal and more recently a glass of milk and a Poshana Malla for pregnant women. Which of these programmes have had a positive impact? I would like to consider an example of a nutrition intervention to illustrate this. Thriposha has been distributed as a food supplement for over 30 years at tremendous cost to the country, although no evidence of significant benefit in terms of improvement in maternal weight gain, growth rates of young children or reduction in prevalence of anaemia has been demonstrated. Food supplementation programmes should be targeted to the most vulnerable groups eg. those affected by natural disasters or civil strife.   Also, scientists should study the feasibility of using indigenous foods commonly grown in Sri Lanka, as raw ingredients for Thriposha.  Food supplementation programmes should be linked to activities aimed at achieving household food security.  It is essential that research in food and agriculture be effectively disseminated to end users.

 We should reduce the dependence on handouts except for people exposed to natural disasters or civil strife. Giving anything “free of charge” may have short term political gains, but no significant impact in the long term. Isn’t it better to provide them with the knowledge and tools to become self sufficient rather than be dependent on the state?  The following Chinese quotation seems very appropriate.

“If you give a hungry man a fish, he is fed for one day

      but is dependent on you for continued sustenance

  If you teach a hungry man to fish he is independent for life”

The NASSL being a non-governmental body of eminent scientists should advice successive governments to desist from actions which are not cost effective.   It is imperative that sustainable long term benefits be considered in developing policies. 

 Natural disasters have become more frequent during the past decade. The Academy had two activities relating to this.  The workshop on: “Formation of an active seismogenic zone in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and effects of earth quakes on dams” was held in 2006 and the second activity was a seminar on “Landslides” held in 2007.  There was active participation of experts at both activities, although the participation of Fellows of the Academy was less than expected. Very important recommendations arose out of these activities and publications based on these two activities will be submitted in the near future for necessary action.  I wish to emphasize that it is upto Fellows of the Academy who are experts in these fields to initiate necessary action.   Recently a workshop on:  “Groundwater situation in Sri Lanka” was held in Anuradhapura in February 2008. An increase in the fluoride content of the water leads to crippling fluorosis and has been reported in certain areas of India. In Sri Lanka too there have been reports of cases of crippling fluorosis. The seminar on ground water is of special importance in view of the rapid increase in chronic kidney disease in north central and northwestern provinces. Prevention of renal failure in these areas requires an understanding of its aetiology. Multidisciplinary collaborative research is urgently needed to develop strategies for prevention.  A study is currently in progress to address this problem.

 Recently the Academy had a panel discussion on:  “Non-state sector higher education in Sri Lanka” at which several key issues, including the views of the IUSF were discussed.  It was pointed out that although higher education is considered to be free, only a minority of children attending larger schools enter the University. The Academy proposes to have further activities to discuss this issue.  At this discussion, it was noted that only 646 schools in the country provide science education and that only a small percent of students enter universities from schools in rural areas.  It is necessary to request government to increase the number of schools providing science education. It was also felt that students in rural areas are not interested in pursuing education in science. To address this issue the Academy proposes to initiate an activity together with some members of SLAAS to stimulate interest in science among children in the rural sector via ICT.  A programme based on the theme: “Science behind everyday life” has been proposed.  In order to carry out this activity, suggestions, ideas from all members, not only those in the council are required.

The proposed plan of activities of the National Academy of Sciences should be designed to have a greater impact on national development. This requires increased financial support and greater involvement of Fellows in the activities of the Academy. Nothing is insurmountable with a little courage, team work and determination.  

 “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. - Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944 

NOTICES

International Geological Congress

The NASSL Council has decided to send the name of Prof. C.B. Dissanayake as the NASSL representative to the above Congress.


Transfer of Genetic Materials and Associated Products.

Dr U. Pethiyagoda, Prof. G. Karunaratne and Prof. Dilip de Silva have been nominated by the Council to represent the NASSL in the SLAAS Consultative Committee on “Transfer of Genetic Materials and Associated Products”. 


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The twenty ninth Annual General Meeting of the NASSL was held on 19 March 2008 at the SLAAS Auditorium. A vote of condolence was passed for the late Prof. V. K. Samaranayake and a period of silence observed in his memory.

 

The following change to the Rules of the NASSL was adopted by a majority vote: The entrance fee for new Fellows will be Rs. 10,000.

 

The following Fellows were elected to the new  Council of the year 2008 - 2009:

 

Prof. T. M. S. Atukorale (President)

Prof. A. R. P. Aluvihare (Immediate Past President)

Dr. K. L. Gunaratne (Vice President)

Eng M. Gunasekera (General Secretary)

Dr. Ravi Perera (Assistant Secretary)

Prof. I. Thabrew (Treasurer)

Dr. K. A. de Alwis (Editor)

Prof. J. N. O. Fernando (Secretary, Foreign Relations)

Prof. Ajith Abeysekera (Member)

Prof. T. R. Ariyaratne (Member)

Prof. I. K. Perera (Member)

Prof. Priyan Dias (Member)

Dr U Pethiyagoda

Prof. M J S Wijeratne            

Dr S Kelegama

Prof  L Ratnayake  

 

Recent Changes:

Prof. Priyan Dias thanked the Council for electing him as a Council Member, but, with great regret, he stated that because of his present work load it was impossible to serve on the Council.  The Council  accepted his resignation and decided to invite Prof. Veranja Karunaratne to fill the vacancy.

Prof. Ira Thabrew stated that because of her work load she will not be able to function as the Treasurer, but was willing to serve as a Council Member.  She was elected as a Council Member

Dr Ravi Pereira resigned from the post of Asst. Secretary as he is leaving the country to take up an assignment in Malaysia.  The Council accepted his resignation and thanked him for the services rendered.

 

 

Sir Arthur C Clarke, 1917-2008: The Final Goodbye from Colombo

 

 

Arthur C. Clarke

Photo by Shahidul Alam

Post on 23 March 2008: Arthur C Clarke embarks on Final Odyssey

‘This is Arthur Clarke, saying goodbye from Colombo….’

This was the characteristic signing off Sir Arthur C Clarke used whenever he made a video greeting to an international meeting on some important issue somewhere on the planet.

From disarmament and new communications technologies to space exploration and conservation, he would offer the uniquely Clarkian take on the subject - in his witty, insightful and funny style.

I have worked with and for him for half my life - 21 years - as part of his personal office in Colombo, Sri Lanka (not to be confused with the government-run Arthur C Clarke Institute which he had nothing to do with). In that time, I helped film a significant number of video greetings to gatherings of the world’s movers and shakers.

Some of these were assemblies of sombre men and women in suits at the United Nations, Davos or Pentagon. Sir Arthur would deliberately poke fun at the pomposity and self-importance of these types, in a way that they could still laugh - even at their expense.

Other events were less formal, but no less important: glittering gatherings of Hollywood or Silicon Valley professionals - some of who have more ’soft power’ worldwide than military generals or secretary generals. Again, he would challenge the boundaries of imagination of these professionals whose mega-billion industries were built largely on imagination.

In all these and more, Sir Arthur demonstrated another quality: the great economy of words. He hardly spoke for longer than ten minutes, or 600 seconds. The Grandmaster of the Soundbyte that he was, he knew just how to pack the right mix of power, fun and sense of wonder into each second.

Confined to a wheelchair in Sri Lanka - the country he adopted - in later years due to Post Polio, Sir Arthur used either satellite links or the web to connect to many important scientific, literary and entertainment gatherings in far corners of the planet.

And yes, he did often remind his eager listeners that he invented the communications satellite in his spare time in 1945 - and one of short stories (Dial F for Frankenstein) inspired a British computer scientist to invent the world wide web.

When Sir Arthur said his Final Goodbye from Colombo in the early hours of 19 March 2008 at Colombo’s Apollo Hospital, there was no global witness. He was in the company of just five people - comprising family and staff.

Aptly, however, the news of his demise went right around the world at the speed of light thanks to the comsat and web. In less than an hour, the world world knew.

And now its the world’s turn to say Goodbye to its most trusted ‘Man in the Future’. The world remembers, salutes and celebrates his genius, humanity and imagination. 


NASSL WORKSHOP - GROUNDWATER IN SRI LANKA - A MOST PRECIOUS BUT THREATENED RESOURCE

   

The above workshop was held from Sunday 24 February to Tuesday 26 February at the Nuwara Wewa Resthouse, Anu-radhapura. It was a Residential Workshop for invitees drawn from NASSL members and other concerned authorities from Universities, Water Resources Board, Mahaweli, Irrigation and Agriculture Departments etc. Around 40-45 persons participated. The Chief Guests were Prof. C.B.Dissanayake and Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare.

The workshop addresses three important areas, namely quantity and quality , health and safety and agricultural use issues. A synopsis of the proceedings appears in the News  page of this website. The  proceedings of the workshop will be published as soon as the relevant papers are received from the authors.


Nobel Laureates 2007

Physics:

Albert Fert thumb picturePeter Grünberg thumb pictureAlbert Fert and Peter Grünberg "for the discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance"Arrow link

Chemistry:

Gerhard Ertl thumb pictureGerhard Ertl "for his studies of chemical processes on solid surfaces"Arrow link

Physiology or Medicine:

Mario R. Capecchi thumb pictureSir Martin J. Evans thumb pictureOliver Smithies thumb pictureMario R. Capecchi, Sir Martin J. Evans and Oliver Smithies "for their discoveries of principles for introducing specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells"Arrow link

Literature:

Doris Lessing thumb pictureDoris Lessing "that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny"Arrow link

Peace:

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)  thumb pictureAlbert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. thumb pictureIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change" Arrow link

Prize in Economics:

Leonid Hurwicz thumb pictureEric S. Maskin thumb pictureRoger B. Myerson thumb pictureLeonid Hurwicz, Eric S. Maskin and Roger B. Myerson "for having laid the foundations of mechanism design theory"Arrow link

Go Here for more information on these prizes.


Sri Lankan in Nobel Prize Winning Team

 

MIND (Munasinhge Institute for Development) is happy to announce that Prof. Mohan Munasinghe shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, as Vice Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for building up and disseminating greater knowledge about climate change. He has been in the forefront of the IPCC efforts recognized by the Nobel Prize award -- to integrate climate change policies into development strategy, and thereby make development more sustainable.
 
Some background info. is attached. Please also visit our web site www.mindlanka.org.
 
Thank you for your attention and kind regards,

Nishanthi De Silva
Executive Assistant to Prof. Munasinghe
and Information Manager, MIND
10 De Fonseka Place, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka
Phone/Fax: +9411-255-1208
www.mindlanka.org

 

A briefing note supplied by MIND is found in the NEWS page

-Editor


Promotion of Science Education

 

The NASSL Council is proposing a programme to stimulate interest in science and scientific inquiry among rural school children, using locally available materials. As a pilot project in some selected schools, the Academy would investigate the possibility of using ICT for this purpose.

Alternative technologies such as use of VCDs or downloading of lessons using wireless broadband links would be explored. The possibility of  collaborating with the Commonwealth of Learning, the e-Sri Lanka Project and wireless broadband service providers would be examined. Fellows interested in participating in this initiative, please contact the President, Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare. 

 


National Library and Documentation Centre

The National Library and Documentation Centre provides library and information resources to all Sri Lankans through the National Library and Documentation Centre and network of libraries and resource centres.


The National Library and Documentation Centre has 5 floors with floor area of 11,250 sq. m.. At present the book stock is approximately two hundred and fifty thousand. There are three reading rooms and several study rooms with a total seating capacity of 320, air conditioned auditorium with 120 seats and a conference room with 60 seats.

The NLDC is a reference library and open to all members of the public. It does not lend books to individual readers but on occasion it lends books to selected libraries on inter-library loan for reference purposes. There is an information desk on the ground floor to help with inquiries. Photocopies are provided at reasonable rates.

The NLDC consists of main Divisions name ( 1. Acquisition 2. Reader Services 3. National Bibliographic Services 4. Documentation Services 5. Information Technology Services 6. Conservation and Preservation )

The NLDC is located at No14, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07 in close proximity to the Colombo University, National Museum, National Archives, National Television and Radio Services.


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Comments on recent events
Arjuna Aluwihare
President, National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka

Both in my personal capacity and as President of the National Academy of Sciences I was very disturbed by some recent events,  and it would seem the Council shares my views. Please comment and if you  wish quote these remarks!

1.The way in which the very senior official of the  Bribery Commission was removed is appalling. It goes against what our Academy
 has publicly stated and also against the views of the International Network for Human Rights of
Academies and Scholarly Societies stated at there April 2007 meeting in Colombo. This erodes credibility in the governing  process and suggests underhand motives.

2. The way in which Ministry of Health policies on  drugs was changed, again very suddenly after a meeting supposedly between Representatives of the Pharmaceutical Industry and the President, with capitulation by Ministry officials, is very unsatisfactory. If there was an error it should have been discussed, and the Ministry allowed to change it’s decision. The lobbying power of the drug firms is so huge that with this kind of decision making process it is difficult to imagine that a science and  human rights based
decision was made. Cost effective and science based health delivery should be the criteria here.

3. The Kandy Society of Medicine sessions were
 threatened with a boycott by the local GMOA because one paper came with and was to be delivered by a staff member of the Allied Health Sciences Faculty of the University of
Peradeniya- which delivery would be consonant with the KSM constitution. An academic was thereby put under pressure to withdraw the paper, which was accepted by the scientific committee and scheduled. It is very unacceptable
that a leading Trade Union of Medical Professionals should do something like
this- and equally bad for a scientific society to capitulate to something
akin to medical terrorism.

4. The Rupavahini post Minister Mervyn Silva saga goes on unabated.

These matters suggest that the strengthening of good  governance in public and private sector are more urgent that ever. The lack of progress on the constitutional council seems to be a further symptom of a social and political malaise.
 

Sri Lanka: The way forward

Arjuna Aluwihare
Former Vice Chancellor, University Grants Commission Chairman, Human Rights Commissioner, Professor of Surgery etc. Currently President of the National Academy of Sciences

Dare I add to the debate about the current situation in the country? I write as an individual and not in any official capacity, in the belief that small and apparently simplistic steps may help to prevent further injury to Sri Lanka and facilitate a healing process.

This multiethnic and multi-religious country, which is still wonderful, potentially rich, and full of able people, has problems. Economic development is held back by the nepotism, bribery, and massive corruption that pervades many strata of society- especially those close to and in the political establishment and feel they have political patronage. The disgraceful politicisation of politics, disregarding the principles of a proportional representation constitution, compounds all of this. This latter scenario aggravates the sense of alienation amongst sections of the population, creates a scenario inviting civil disobedience, and feeds terrorist organisations. In passing I add that given the ability of our political persons to destroy the country we hardly need real terrorists as such. There have been two major episodes of terrorism in the predominantly Sinhala areas of the country- in 1971 and 1989-90, and one originating in the North and East. Different sections of the population have felt marginalized and unfairly treated (Sinhala and Tamil, and Muslim), and on several occasions have suffered major damage to property and life (especially Tamil on many occasions since 1956 in particular culminating in 1983). The rights of individuals and communities, even those suffering severe deprivation (post Tsunami, Internally displaced persons, those below poverty lines) seem forgotten unless it is expedient to refer to them. Similar problems have occurred during the written history of Sri Lanka. It is difficult to forget some of the somewhat risky comments one made during the JVP/DJV period between 1989 and 1991. Detailed analysis of all this is not appropriate, nor is it the purpose of this letter. Some suggestions are advanced that could perhaps be considered, divided into groups.

First ‘things’ we (the public, chambers of commerce, industry, commercial organisations, foreign delegations, etc) can do, .1. Do not offer bribes, free holidays, family trips and anything like this to politicians or their very very extended families of henchmen (as there seems every likelihood that they may not refuse), officials of importance and so on. Later the small man can be also be shut out of the net. 2. Do not invite politicians to functions and leave when they speak if one is at a function at which they are present. 3. Look for trilinguality, recognising the plurality of Sri Lanka, and comment on it’s absence 4. All those who drive/ have drivers, read the highway code and adhere to it. Especially those who are professionals, or executives, or politicians’, diplomats, NGO’s drivers, and other VIP categories. May be 3 wheeler drivers and pedestrians can be the next ones to comply. 5. Continue to do what we can do develop the micro and macro economy, which fortunately many small and big private sector people and many in government service are doing.

Secondly, ‘things’ intermediate groups can do 1. Stop abductions- a cowardly and criminal activity- epidemic in the JVP/DJV era and it’s control. Especially distressing for me (as a former UGC Chairman and Vice Chancellor) and unacceptable were the Eastern University Dean’s abduction and now the abduction of the Vice Chancellor in daylight in Colombo. Those who did the latter need to return him forthwith if they are to retain any measure of trust at all. In due course there names will emerge to public view; even now there must be many who know who they are. I have to appeal to them to release him. Please. Do not descend to the level of those who have still not expressed regret over the assassination in office of two Vice Chancellors between 1989 and 1990. 2. Chambers of Commerce and Industry- expel and publicly shame those who give bribes and commissions (pre and post event)- be undemocratic if you have to be but do now wait for the kind of evidence a court may want. This will reduce the ‘food’ available to the ‘hungry’.

Thirdly, the political establishment. Some of these might actually be possible to attempt given the SLFP UNP MOU (if it survives) and the fact that both the JHU, TNA and JVP posture as very moral parties, and these ideas are likely to have the support of the TULF. All will have widespread public support, I think! I would hope that some of the politicians might try in a small way to start trying some of these measures and create a momentum in favour of them. 1. Expel (i.e. the party to withdraw the mandate) from Parliament (Provincial Council or Local body) any Minister, MP etc thought to be involved in bribery, nepotism, corruption, giving appointments on family or religious or ethnic or other grounds other than merit, giving patronage and shelter to the drug and illicit liquor trade and similar, crossing over in parliament, etc. Given the nature of the Constitution and proportional representation everyone from President to lowest MP can be replaced without an election; so the fear that Parliament (or other elected body) etc. might be almost empty need not be there. In particular I think the President can send out of a ministerial or many official posts any such person without that person going to court. The public will support such moves.2. Avoid taking into a party those who cross over. 3. Recognise the right of all Sri Lankans to be equitably governed- the use of language, translation, etc to be done in a fair manner. All Sri Lankans must feel the government is for them 4. Stop being an employment or housing agency for friends and relatives. 5. Do not interfere in police activity (arrest of criminals, stopping illicit timber felling or gemming or the brewing of illicit liquor etc), transfer systems, or any other public body. The parties should expel interferers. 6. By action make clear that a culture of impunity in the forces or police, or any terrorist organisation as regards rights issues, is unacceptable. All Sri Lankans must feel the police and army are for them and the security forces must set by their actions exemplary standards.

Finally what about terrorism. Those of you who have looked at the 1990’s youth commission report or have looked at the history of terrorism elsewhere might well agree that if we act in such a way as to prevent future terrorist leaders and organisations emerging, the present problems will be reduced in due course, in that terrorism will not be necessary and public support will vanish. The pressure to settle matters by negotiation will increase as the credibility of all parties, and the type of scenario after peace comes, will all be much better.


PAUSE A MINUTE ...........

During a lecture, Paul Dirac the Nobel prize-winning British physicist made a mistake in an equation he  was writing on the blackboard. A courageous student raises his finger and says timidly : "Professor Dirac, I do not understand equation 2." Dirac continues writing without any reaction. The student supposes Dirac has not heard him and raises his finger again, and says, louder this time: "Professor Dirac, I do not understand equation 2." No reaction. Somebody in the first row decides to intervene and says: "Professor Dirac, that man is asking a question.”

"Oh," Dirac replies, I thought he was making a statement."

v v v v v

Someone who had begun to read geometry with Euclid, when he had learned the first proposition, asked, "But what shall I get by learning these things?", whereupon Euclid called in his slave and said, "Give him three pence since he must make gain out of what he learns.”  (Stobaeus)

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