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.

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.

NASSL PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 2009

by Professor Sunethra Atukorala

Distinguished Past presidents, members of the council & Fellows of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka, one year has passed since this council was elected and I took over as President.

In my brief presentation I would like to summarize what has been achieved and what is planned for this year and the constraints towards progress.

The meeting room which the NASSL shared with the Institute of Chemistry was refurbished by MAGA Engineering at no cost to NASSL at the request of our General Secretary, Eng. Mervin Gunasekera and I wish to express my sincere thanks to our General Secretary for his efforts. We hope to recruit an Administrative Assistant and move to a bigger room in the near future as more space is required for the science education project.

The global financial crisis and the increased consumption of the country’s limited resources for control of terrorism, rehabilitation, and other welfare schemes, as well as wastage and corruption has resulted in a drastic reduction in funding for research in Science and Technology . This would undoubtedly have a long term effect on the country’s progress. At a presentation on: “Current developments in S&T in Cuba” jointly organized by NSF, SLAAS & NASSL, Dr. Sergio Pastrana of the Cuban Academy, informed that Cuba’s progress in S&T despite all constraints was due to the fact that the government continued to provide funding & support for research in S&T . In our country, the budgetary allocation for S&T is far below that of other developing countries in the region, such as India and Bangladesh. In fact, the NASSL has not received the government grant during the past two years. As I stressed in my address last year, strong political will to promote and utilize science and technology and the commitment and motivation of scientists are key factors in achieving progress. The Minister of S&T, Prof. Tissa Vitharana, who is a Fellow of the Academy has also repeatedly stressed the importance of adequate financial allocation for S&T development, but there has been no change. The council has proposed that we issue a press statement highlighting the importance of adequate funding for S&T.

We have had several activities using our limited resources. The regular issue of the newsletter is an achievement that the Academy can be proud of because it is not only interesting and informative but has critical comments on topical issues. We are very thankful to the Editor, Dr. Kingsley de Alwis for preparing the newsletter. He completes his term as Editor, but I hope he will continue to provide guidance and support for preparation of the newsletter, other publications and also the Academy website. The publication on: Proceedings of the workshop on: “Ground water in Sri Lanka – a most precious but threatened resource” edited by Dr. Kingsley de Alwis was launched at the SLAAS theme seminar with presentations by Drs. U Pethiyagoda and Gemunu Herath. Prof. Aluwihare presented the first copy to General President, SLAAS. The publication was available for sale at the SLAAS theme seminar and was well received by the experts who were present at this seminar. It is available at the Academy office. A follow up discussion on ground water policy has been planned for end of April.

The need to stimulate interest in science among rural children was highlighted in my presidential address last year. I am pleased to inform all Fellows that the Academy has been successful in obtaining a grant of US$ 50,000/= from the InterAcademy Panel for developing a science education programme through ICT for secondary school children in rural areas, on the theme: “Science behind everyday life”. Educational CDs & DVDs will be developed on four main themes, how your body works, science behind farming, the environment you live in and natural hazards and disasters. We have completed the first CD on How your body works. We hope to complete the development of educational CDs and implement the educational programme in a few areas this year. I would like to repeat my request made last year for Fellows, other than council members to join in this endeavour and assist in the preparation of educational CDs. It is important to point out that the InterAcademy Panel also considers “Inquiry based science education” as a key outreach activity.

Interaction with other Academies is important for progress of our Academy. The meetings at which our Fellows participated include, the Science and Technology in Society Forum, Sustainable energy development in Asia and the IAP workshop on: “Best practices in advisory roles and fellowship appointments”. I attended the workshop on best practices and advisory roles, held at the IAP secretariat in Trieste, Italy last month and it was emphasized that although academies are institutions of tradition which recognize highest scientific achievement, a changing world demands an evolving role for Academies. Involvement of young scientists in activities of Academies will help to invigorate the traditional academies. In fact, two young scientists nominated by our Academy have already attended such meetings organized by the IAP. We will be nominating more young scientists for participation at this years meeting.

As many Fellows live in or around Kandy, it has been suggested that we initiate the Kandy Cell. As the first step to achieving this it was decided to have the May council meeting in Kandy with a view to initiating the Kandy chapter. Dr. Siril Wijesundera, a Fellow of the Academy who is the curator of the Peradeniya botanical gardens has kindly agreed to permit us to have the meeting there. Our immediate past president Prof. Aluwihare and Prof. Veranja Karunaratne have agreed to take the lead in making necessary arrangements.

We have elected new Fellows at today’s AGM and look forward to their contribution to promote the objectives of the Academy. I wish to express concern that many Fellows do not contribute to the activities of the Academy after they are elected. I would like to request all Fellows to play a more active role in the activities of the Academy.

In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks to the General Secretary and all members of the council for their active participation and cooperation extended to me at all times and I hope we will continue to work together as a team.

Thank you.

President Obama Addresses The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

President Barak Obama addressed members of the National Academy of Sciences on April 27, announcing a renewed commitment to science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Topics included America's energy future, revitalizing our health care system, science and math education, and allocating funding and implementing policies to ensure that America reclaims a position of world leadership in scientific innovation. He promised to make major investments -- 3 percent of the gross domestic product -- in research and innovation.

You could watch a video recording of President Obama's speech at the website: http://national-academies.org . This is highly recommended watching, and the text of his speech essential reading for our own President Mahinda Rajapakse ,our Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Tissa Vitarana and all Fellows of the NASSL. Go to the News Page for a fuller account.

Funding for Science - Without Comment

(Except to note that the President of Sri Lanka has 2 Fellows of the NASSL, one a Minister and the other a Senior Adviser, advising him on matters of science and technology.)

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Tissa Vitarana, commenting on the 2009 budget said:

While thanking the recognition made by the President of the need to produce high quality products using latest technology and allocating Rs. 300 million to be steered by the National Research Council (NRC), the Minister stated that the amount voted for Science & Technology was well below the 1% of the GDP which the Mahinda Chinthanaya promised. This is one of the lowest in the world at 0.13% of the GDP. Also he mentioned that there had been a massive cut off of Rs. 81 million in the allocation to the NSF this year and wished that this blow would be suitably adjusted.

The President of Sri Lanka laid out his priorities in his budget speech:

Our Government is taking measures to expand domestic and international airline services, operate Mihin Lanka Airline to be able to offer an affordable service to the general public and to construct the Weerawila International Airport. Although Mihin Lanka Airline suffered a setback due to increasing oil prices and inadequate capital, the operations could be revived by providing the required capital, since we have secured long - term financing to acquire the required aircrafts. This move will improve domestic and regional air travel and also be a major concession to the export of fruits and vegetables. We have already included the required allocation of Rs. 6,000 million in the Budget Estimates. The Airport and Aviation Authority will make the required investments to construct the Weerawila International Airport. I propose to allocate Rs. 500 million as the Government contribution for the year 2009 for this construction.

In the meanwhile, a headline in India announces: India to double investment in science: PM

While announcing a doubling of the investment in science from 1 to 2 per cent of the national income, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday urged the Indian industry to invest in research and development aimed at boosting science and technology so that young minds are attracted to seeking a career in science.

"We need a new wave of investment from the private sector so that young people will be encouraged to seek a career in science," the prime minister said while inaugurating the 96th Indian Science Congress at the Northeastern Hill University in Shillong. The Hindu Shillong (IANS)3 Jan. 2009

Economic planning: Economists vs. Scientists

Prof. O.A.Ileperuma

The recent newsletter of the Academy had a news item that we should mobilize the economists in the NASSL to propose economic reforms to put the country in a path for economic development. I beg to differ. Economists have planned our economies for so long and the consequences have been disastrous. Even now, President’s economic planning committee is comprised of reputed economists including former professors of economics. There is not a single practical scientist in his team of advisors. As a result, there has been no proposal or consideration to use science and technology for economic prosperity. Science and Technology has been used as the main vehicle for economic prosperity in many of the newly developed economies in Asia. As a country rich in excellent quality minerals and educated youth, our development can be enhanced considerably if these resources are judiciously developed. Sadly, this is exactly what the economists have avoided in planning the budget.

For example, our Eppawela apatite, in spite of the recommendations of the Academy, is still not used to produce soluble phosphate fertilizer. This would have saved the country millions of dollars in foreign exchange. A high quality iron deposit found recently at Buttala is idling and our mineral sands are sold for a pittance. We have no chemical industry at all for developing the mineral potential. Sri Lanka is perhaps the only country in the world without a basic chemical industry such as a manufacturing plant to produce an acid and a base, two basic starting materials. We even import more than 50% of our salt requirement and this is an insult for a country surrounded by ocean all around. Our graphite is mined and exported without any value addition. Such is the fate of our excellent quartz deposits. Naphtha is the base for producing industrial organic chemicals such as the raw materials used to manufacture of alcohol, polyethylene, plastics, PVC etc. This valuable byproduct from our petroleum refinery was sold abroad for many years.

Obviously our planning needs greater input from scientists who are knowledgeable of this vast resource base and how to utilize them for economic prosperity. There is more to a budget than balancing budgets with borrowed money. The academy should examine ways and means to impress upon the government the role of science and technology which can make a real difference to the balance sheet of the country.

Report on the Fifth Annual Meeting of the

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY Forum

Held during 5^th – 7^th October 2008 in Kyoto, Japan

Background

The Science and Technology in Society Forum is a global initiative to annually bring together in Kyoto several highly placed scientists, academics, business leaders and policy makers to discuss the most pressing current issues facing humankind. The first Forum was launched in 2004 by the Founding Chairman, Hon. Koji Omi, a Member of the House of Representatives and a former Minister of Finance of Japan.

Following a recommendation made by the National Academy of Sciences (NASSL), I received an invitation to participate in the fifth annual Forum scheduled for 5^th – 7^th October 2008. I applied on 11^th September 2008 for funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to attend the Forum. The NSF, by letter dated 15^th September 2008, confirmed that my application had been successful.

The Forum

The programme commenced on Day One with three Plenary Sessions on the following broad topics:

- “Science and technology and the future of humankind” ;

- “Crucial issues and the development of science and technology ;

- “How is ICT affecting humankind?”

These were followed by seven Concurrent Sessions.

Day Two commenced with a Plenary Session on the topic:

-“Science and technology in the service of health”.

This was followed by seven Concurrent Sessions before a Working Lunch session. A further seven Concurrent Sessions followed and the Day Two ended with a Plenary Session.

Day three concluded the Forum with three consecutive Plenary Sessions, on the topics:

- “Summaries of the Concurrent Sessions” ;

- “Role of science and technology in the 21^st century”; and

- “Returning to harmony with nature – What can we do?”

The final version of a ‘statement’ on the outcome of the Forum was received and is available for those interested.

Concluding Remarks

This was an outstanding Forum of great interest and value. The speakers and Chairmen of Sessions were extraordinarily good. There were more than 750 participants most of whom had excellent credentials. There was even a sprinkling of Nobel laureates among the scientists. The opportunities for interaction between the participants were good. The organization of the Forum was excellent. The participation was at such a high level that the concluding session was graced by HIH the Crown Prince of Japan.

K. Locana Gunaratna

Colombo

6^th November 2008.

TWO SUGGESTIONS

A Cell of the NASSL in Kandy

Two successive Presidents of the NASSL have been from Kandy. They have, justifiably we think, been grumbling about the difficulty and time involved in traveling down from Kandy to Colombo once or twice a month specifically for NASSL Council meetings and activities. This problem affects other Fellows from the Kandy region as well, even more so perhaps since it is only their interest in some event rather than an obligation to be present as an office bearer that would make them brave the traffic, and undergo the expense in time and money of travelling to Colombo. A partial solution to this problem has been suggested i.e. to have a Cell of the NASSL in Kandy.

The authority for this has in fact been given in the form of a resolution which was passed at the last AGM of the Academy. So now it is up to the Fellows in the Kandy area to start the ball rolling by calling a meeting of the Fellows there and electing a Cell committee and office bearers who would be responsible for arranging a programme of activities, possibly including workshops, seminars and public lectures or presentations. Invitations could obviously be sent to the Fellows in Colombo (and elsewhere) to participate so that the boot would be on the other foot this time. We would like to suggest that the conveners for the formation of the Kandy Cell should be present and past members of the NASSL Council.

A Journal of the NASSL?

A suggestion has been made to the Council mooting the publication of an electronic journal (on the internet and in CDs) and perhaps later in print, 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?

ìThe Allergists voted to scratch it, and the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

ìThe Pathologists yelled; 'Over my dead body!' while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'

ìThe Radiologists could see right through it, and the Surgeons decided to cut their losses and wash their hands off the whole thing.

ìThe Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

ìIn the end, the Proctologists left the decision up to some assholes in Washington.

At the Party with the Chemists

One day, all of the world's famous chemists decided to get together for a tea party. Fortunately, the doorman was a student, able to observe some of the guests......

Profile

Funding for Science - Without Comment

Report on the Fifth Annual Meeting of the

K. Locana Gunaratna

JOURNALS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLoS ONE Launched

View PLoS ONE Launch Photos

Improve your PLoS ONE experience

PRESS RELEASES

PLoS ONE Is Here

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Contact Information