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READ ABOUT OUTCOME OF FOLLOW-UP MEETING TO DEVELOP A NATIONAL GROUNDWATER POLICY  AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE WORKSHOP ON GROUNDWATER HELD IN ANURADHAPURA    :::::::   PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENTS -- 3 % OF GDP  -- IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION - READ ABOUT IT IN THE NEWS SECTION      :::::::       MAKE USE OF THE LINKS ON THE HOME 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

 

 

 

DEBUNKING LEGENDS

In News page we carry a report on the recent excavations carried out in Anuradhapura by Dr. Siran Deraniyagala and his team of Archeol-ogists. The findings of this excavation and C-14 dating of the artifacts found there seem to show the existence of a flourishing ancient civilization that had been engaged in wetland rice cultivation, domesticat-ion of horses and cattle, and construction of brick structures and drainage systems, some 300 years before the arrival of Prince Vijaya in the Island. Thus, at last we can lay to rest the leg-end that the Sinhalese race originated from a beast (a lion), and attribute any bestial instincts we may exhibit to other causes!

We also record the passing away of two distinguished scientists and outstanding human beings – Norman Borlaug and Warren Breckenridge – on the world and Sri Lanka stages respectively. Borlaug was a wheat and maize breeder who revolutionized farming by breeding high yielding short stemmed varieties that ushered in the green revolution and increased food product-ion in poorer countries. As he himself once modestly put it, this was "a temporary success in man's war against hunger and deprivation".

Breckenridge’s res-earch, although not having the same immediate impact on the lives of so many people, made a significant contribution to better understanding of the ecology of amphibian life forms and threats to their ecology and survival resulting from man’s activities. He will also be remembered for his contribution as an educationist, both at the University of Peradeniya as Professor of Zoology and as Principal of Trinity College, Kandy. His many students and colleagues will bear witness to the gentle intellectual qualities that he brought to his research and teaching.


LETTERS

Is Homoeopathy a form of Medical Nanotechnology?

 Prospects for Nanotech-nology as a research field in Sri Lanka have received considerable publicity and attracted major invest-ment.

Complementary systems of medicine have drawn sufficient patronage to encourage Britain's Nation-al Health Service to consider their systematic inclusion into therapeutic procedures. To this end, a very high level group of Commissioners consid-ered a comprehensive collection of such therapies and identified merit or promise in some. Homoeopathy was one among them.

It is interesting to have our specialists in these two fields to enlighten your readership on whether the two discip-lines are amenable to comparison and thereby to endorse whether an employment of their possible relationships may be a rewarding field of inquiry for Sri Lankan science. At the least, it is hoped that some informed comments of specialists in the two fields would enlighten readers.

Nanotechnology seems to involve miniaturisation.  Homoeopathy uses con-cepts of "infinite dilution" ," potentiation" by energy infusion, "templates" and "theories of similarities". Have these a place or parallels in the Nano-technology field?

Informed speculation would greatly interest readers. Will the specialists in the two fields oblige?

 Dr U.Pethiyagoda.


Thanks!

Dr. (Ms.) Vinitha M. Thadhani

Senior Lecturer

College of Chemical Sciences,

Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon 

13-10-08

The President

National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka

120/10, Vidya Mawatha,

Colombo-07.

 Dear Madam,

 I am writing to thank the National Academy of Science Sri Lanka for nominating me to the Inter Academy Panel of the Third World Academy of Sciences and thus giving me the opportunity to partici-pate at the Annual General Meeting of New Champions, held from 25th Sep. -28th Sep.2008 in Tianjin, China.

 The experience and knowledge I gained through participating at this event was very much higher than what I have gained from the national and internat-ional conventional chemistry conferences, which I have attended in the past, where we just need to present our work.  There was far more interaction amongst participants of various disciplines when compared to conventional conferen-ces.  It created a networking initiative for cooperation amongst various sectors of the scientific community for the fast application of scientific and technological advan-ces.  It truly was an efficient way of building consensus on priorities and solutions.

 Herewith I attach a summary of the sessions and a few recommendations for your kind consideration.

 Thanking you,

 Vinitha M. Thadhani

 cc.  The President, Institute of Chemistry,

The Dean/ Chairman Academic Board, College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of           Chemistry

Click here to go to News page which contains the article

 


 

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?

ON THIS PAGE

 

Our Mission

Profile

Editorial

Notices

Letters

Follow-up Meeting on Groundwater Policy

Nanotechnology is the only technology Sri Lanka has funded

Disinterest, disenchantment or deafness?

President Obama Addresses US National Academy

Funding for Science - Without Comment


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.


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Follow-up Meeting on National Groundwater Policy for Sri Lanka

 

Pictures by courtesy of Dr. Ranjith Mahindapala

A half-day meeting follow-up the workshop on the Groundwater Resources of Sri Lanka that took place in Anuradhapura in February 2008 was held on 22nd July at the IUCN’s Sri Lanka Country Office at Horton Place, Colombo 7.

The original workshop was organized by the NASSL in collaboration with the Water Resources Board and the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Peradeniya.  That workshop, which saw the participation of scientists and practitioners from a wide range of related disciplines, was successful in identifying the main issues confronting the groundwater sector and recommended that:

  • a follow-up workshop should be held with the objective of developing a national groundwater policy for Sri Lanka within the context of an overall national water policy; alternatively, it was proposed that the follow-up workshop should result in a set of recommendations and guidelines for the protection and utilization of the country’s groundwater resources.

  • the NASSL would be the most appropriate body to organize and carry forward this exercise since it draws its membership from the entire spectrum of disciplines that would be involved; and

  • the proceedings of the Anuradhapura workshop should be published by NASSL as a background paper for ultimate development of a National Groundwater Policy.

Following the welcome address by the NASSL President, Prof. Sunethra Atukorale, the meeting commenced with an Introductory Session chaired by Dr. Ravi Pereira. The discussion was introduced by Dr. K. A. de Alwis. Progress on achieving the recommendations of the Anuradhapura workshop was outlined by Dr. Gemunu Herath of the University of Peradeniya. Mr. Linton Wijesuriya (Senior Consultant, Water Resources Board) outlined the current status of Water Policy Development in Sri Lanka.

A discussion followed to identify the main aspects that would need to be addressed in developing a set of guidelines and recommendations for groundwater use and management in Sri Lanka. Working groups for each such area were appointed and it was agreed to e-mail discussions (and snail mail in the case of those who do not have access to this facility) to expedite the work of these groups.

The question of whether the NASSL should try to frame a draft national groundwater policy was inconclusive and it was decided to leave this to the outcomes of the different groups.

 A national groundwater policy cannot obviously be developed in a half-day workshop such as this. All we can hope to accomplish is to set up a policy development team or task force consisting of a number of expert sub-committees or groups to go in detail into the different aspects of a possible draft national groundwater policy. This would need a coordinated team effort over a period of time. It would also require intensive consultations and networking with other actors in the field.

The outcome would be a draft policy paper which could then be circulated widely for comments and suggestions. This process would set the stage for a series of broad-based public consultations with a wide range of stakeholders and interested professionals in a series of workshops aimed at obtaining feedback. It is suggested that the final policy document should be presented to the government and opposition parliamentarians for necessary action and disseminated as a public document. This process will require money and therefore some sponsors and this needs to be given some consideration in our discussions today.

We must bear in mind that we are not starting on a clean slate. Many worthy, as well as not-so-worthy, individuals have already tried to enunciate groundwater policies for Sri Lanka. Some have taken hard positions on many of the issues and are likely to be antagonistic to some of the proposals that would be developed by the NASSL policy team, no matter what they are.

However, one of the objects of the NASSL as spelled out in its Act of Incorporation is “to report on the management and the rational utilization of the national resources of Sri Lanka so as to ensure optimal productivity consistent with continued use of the biosphere on a long term basis, taking into account the repercussions of using a particular resource on other resources and the environment as a whole, and to help in making use of the resources of the country in national development”.  This is our mandate, and we will be doing no more, and no less, in trying to develop a national policy on groundwater - whether our politicians are wise enough to adopt the outcome of this effort or not.


Nanotechnology is the only technology Sri Lanka has funded

Veranja Karunaratne FRSC

Science Team Leader, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (Pvt.) Ltd.

I would like address some recent concerns raised by the scientific community about the need and the justification for funding nanotechnology research in Sri Lanka. Some comments have been less than charitable falling into the category of unconstructive engagement. On the other hand, others had shown genuine interest in seeking clarifications and detailed explanations. One such answer-seeking letters written by Dr. U. Petyhiyagoda (See Letters on this page - Ed) appeared in the latest NASSL newsletter. In this backdrop, it is pertinent to discuss context under which nanotechnology research was brought into focus in Sri Lanka which no doubt defines its content. 

The Government of Sri Lanka together with the Ministry of Science and Technology launched the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in 2007 with the setting up of a Nanotechnology Company (NANCO) with BOI status. The principal motive behind this move was to provide nanotechnology based research solutions to the export products of the Sri Lankan industry. A sixty acre property in Homogama has already been ear marked for this project with the Government pledging to find over Rs. 5.6 billion over the next five years. NANCO will become a holding company in the “science park” to be created in Homagama where new nanotechnology inventions will be commercialized by interested private companies.

In order to fast-tract the whole NNI the government proposed the setting up of the first ever Government funded start-up research company, namely Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC). SLINTEC is a Rs. 420 million venture with the Government investing 50% and five joint venture partners, namely Hayleys, MAS Holdings, Brandix, Loadstar and Dialog equally investing the rest. The Ministry of Science and Technology is the focal point of the Government’s investment which will oversee its responsibilities through the National Science Foundation. Under its mandate, SLINTEC will provide an industrial platform, based on nanotechnology research solutions, to the product line up of these companies thus enhancing their global competiveness. Therefore, it is clear from the SLINTEC’s mandate that its focus is not to do cutting edge research in competition with Western Nations. In this simple yet profoundly logical model, SLINTEC will strengthen and support Sri Lankan companies to enhance their export earnings thus contributing to the national economy. In other words, this is the first time that scientists have been embedded as close as possible to the industry to carry out research relevant to them. The public-private partnership in R&D at SLINTEC is unique among nations. The World Bank in its 2009 review of the NNI in Sri Lanka hails the SLINTEC model as a practical way to carry out scientific research in nanotechnology relevant to a country such as Sri Lanka. Importantly, investment into nanotechnology “technopreneurship”, the Government has recognized that scientists can make a big difference in national development by helping to exploit good technologies.

Another concern, in these inquiring articles appearing in the local press, is about the safety issues of nanotechnology. No doubt nanotechnology should be implemented with care and synergy with the environment and a careful life cycle analysis of products. For example, several reports allude to the toxic effects caused by the release of nano particles to the environment. Since it is reasonable to assume that benefits of this new technology, which is expected to gross $ 4 Trillion in the next ten years, would out weigh pit falls, it is essential that the scientific community in Sri Lanka begin an “upstream” dialogue with the public and solve the problems that nanotechnology may lead to, while carrying out research. In this regard, it is important to note that SLINTEC is committed to sustainable nanotechnology where a sustainability screen would be applied to all the research they undertake.

Why scientific research has not contributed to national development has been a hotly contested debate which is as old as post-independent Sri Lanka. While there may be many reasons for this disconnect between the industry and the scientific community, not the least of which is the reluctance of the Sri Lankan private sector to venture into new arenas. The “commodity mindset” of our private sector has kept them content in exporting raw material and products with hardly any value addition. I trust we all agree that we must move to the next stage. Sri Lanka has witnessed waves of technologies come to pass with no state funding to harness their potential. Nanotechnology, which is considered as the 5th industrial revolution, is the only technology wave the Government has funded. Therefore, the need of the hour is to nurture and support this new market driven innovation model which has a good potential to win for Sri Lanka. After all, finally, the scientists can show the country that investment into nanotechnology was sound and wise by elevating ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ to a quality label in nanotechnology products.


 Disinterest, disenchantment or deafness?

by Dr U.Pethiyagoda

We scientists never tire of pointing out that development and progress are dependent on a commitment to Science and Technology. Politicians are never short of proclaiming the State’s deep appreciation of this truth and their intense support. Experience suggests the lack of sincerity in both.

There have recently been at least four developments with a massive scientific content and implications. The Science community has been surprisingly unconcerned and silent. Is it that we do not care, or are frustrated in the belief that no notice will be taken anyway, or are we so obsessed with our narrow personal interests that we have not even noticed?

I refer to the following, although there are undoubtedly others.

A recent official pronouncement suggests that Sri Lanka is seriously considering moving into nuclear power generation . Will not even the smallest power reactor produce electricity far in excess of our projected needs? We, not so long ago were unable to effectively deal with a fire at a Milk Factory, allowing it to burn and smoulder to ashes, in total impotence to handle this relatively small disaster. Are we morally or practically justified in even contemplating a nuclear plant? Our capital city is unable to handle its domestic garbage.  Could we be entrusted with the safe disposal of reactor waste?

A claim has been made by an individual of a process capable of converting waste polythene to diesel. Would our chemists stand by the commercial (or even scientific) possibility of such an achievement? It is rumoured that official and financial support has already been committed.

A University body claims a process for conversion of straw to automobile fuel. Projected yields defy microbiological and physico-chemical possibilities.

A huge investment is projected for the field of nanotechnology by our impoverished country, unable to meet the more mundane needs of its established institutions. Are we presuming to compete with more advanced and wealthy countries in pioneering novel products and processes, or have we an action plan for valid research priorities in accord with our resources and needs? Taking the scientific community into confidence for clarifying these and related matters is imperative. Sheltering behind a purported need for confidentiality is dangerous. We cannot and must not repeat the mishaps that attended earlier misconceived efforts.

If we as scientists continue in undisturbed slumber while relevant matters of great import are decided and embarked upon, we will have a serious case to answer to our collective consciences and to our nation.


 

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


 

DAILY CARTOON click to enlarge


NOTICES

Book Launch

The launching of a new book, “Small Village Tank Systems of Sri Lanka: Their Evolution, Setting, Distribution and Essential Functions”, by Vidyajothi Dr. C. R. Panabokke was held at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) on October 7 at 4.45 p.m.  The Vice Chancellor, University of Vocational Technology Prof. Kapila Goonasekara, was the chief guest. The welcome address was delivered by Director of HARTI, Prof. Ranjith Premalal De Silva.

Click Here  | to see Reviews of this book.


Induction of New Fellows 2009
The Induction for the new Fellows of the Academy elected in 2009 took place at an Induction Ceremony held at the SLAAS Headquaters Building on Friday 20 November 2009. Brief resumes of the new Fellows appear in the News Page under the caption, "Know Your Fellows". We congratulate these Fellows on their election and induction into the NASSL and hope they will play an active role in helping this organization to carry out its programmes and meet its objectives.

 

Free access for IAP members to the Royal Society's Phil Trans B issue on Population Growth

The following letter was received from IAP
 

Dear IAP colleagues,

A recent issue of the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions B focuses on "The impact of population growth on tomorrow's world".

Given the enormity of this subject and its interest to all of us, not least in light of the fact that IAP's first ever statement was on population growth (http://www.interacademies.net/?id=3547), the Royal Society has made it possible for IAP members to access this issue for free using the following link:

http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1532.toc

You will need to use the username: iapsec and password: population. Please note that this free access period will expire on 30 November 2009.

With best wishes,

Chen Zhu and Howard Alper
IAP Co-Chairs

and do visit the Website for the IAP Conference on Biodiversity and General Assembly 2010 - www.interacademies.net/CMS/4017/generalassembly2010

.aspx


Award

At the 19th International Congress of Nutrition, held in Bangkok, Thailand from 4-9 October 2009 a special event called "Living legends in Nutrition" was held for the first time to honour respected leaders in nutrition whose significant contribution is recognized at national, regional and international levels. Professor Priyani Soysa, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics, University of Colombo & Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka was one of 29 Living Legend Awardees. Other awardees included Prof. C Gopalan and Dr. M S Swaminathan from India.


Some Policy Options for Groundwater Management  in Sri Lanka

 C.M. Madduma Bandara, Emeritus Professor, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

 (Key Words: Sri Lanka, Aquifer Systems; Governing Concepts, Groundwater Policy  Options, Management Framework)

See News Page

Symposium on “Chemical Education in Sri Lanka - Impediments, Challenges & Prospects”
A farewell symposium (jointly organized by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) Chemistry Department and its Bucky-ball Society) to mark the retirement of Professor J. N. Oleap Fernando, Senior Professor of Chemistry (after over 25 years in the Chair of Chemistry and 43 years in the Sri Lankan University System) was held at the OUSL Auditorium on 14th October 2009.  Professor Fernando l delivered the keynote address on “The past five decades: Recollections, Reflections and Recommendations”. Other speakers were Professors S. Sotheeswaran & H. D. Gunawardhana, Drs. S. P. Karunanayake & G. Bandarage and Mrs. M. N. K. de Z Goonetillake.

OBITUARY

Prof. W. R. Breckenridge

(1938 - 2009)

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of another Fellow of the Academy, Professor W. R. Breckenridge. He leaves behind his wife, Chandra and two daughters Nadine and Anouk. His funeral took place at 4.00 p.m. at the Mahaiyawa Cemetery in Kandy after lying in state for a day at the Trinity College Chapel.

He was Professor of Zoology at the University of Peradeniya, specializing in Parasitology and Physiology. He was also President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Biology (1996). After his retirement from the University, he served as Principal of Trinity College, Kandy for several years.

To read an eulogy of Breck by Jayantha Dhanapala, click here |ì


 

Follow-up Meeting on Groundwater

A half-day meeting was held recently to follow-up the decisions of the Workshop on "Groundwater in Sri Lanka - A most precious but highly threatened resource" held in Anuradhapura last year. The outcome of the meeting, which aimed at setting up a team to develop a National Groundwater Policy for Sri Lanka, is given elsewhere on this page.
       

World Congress World Congress for Freedom of Scientific Research

 
the newsletter

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To read the NASSL Newsletter

for September- October 2009

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NEW NASSL PUBLICATION

Copies available at Rs. 500 ea

+ Postage: Rs. 100

Send cheque drawn in favour of National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka

to Editor:

Dr. Kingsley de Alwis

6/1 Hyde Park Residencies

79 Hyde Park Corner

Colombo2

(Click here | to see Synopsis of Workshop Proceedings)


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.


Click on the icon below to see

 

| The IAP Bulletin 33

INTERACADEMY PANEL ON INTERNATIONAL ISSUES


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. Sunethra Atukorale

 


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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The NASSL is run by a Council, the office bearers of which are presently as follows:

President

Prof. Sunethra Athukorale

Immediate Past President Prof. Arjuna Aluwihare
Vice President Dr. K. L. Gunaratne
General Secretary Prof. I.K. Perera
Assistant Secretary Prof. R. Hewamanne
Treasurer Dr. Ranjith Mahindapala
Secretary, Foreign Relations Prof. J.N.O. Fernando
Editor Prof. R. B. Mapa
Council Members: Prof. Ira Tabrew
  Prof. Ajith Abeysekera
  Prof. T. R. Ariyaratne
  Dr. K. A. de Alwis
  Prof. M. S. J. Wijeyaratne
  Prof. L. Ratnayake
  Prof. Veranja Karunaratne
  Eng. Mervyn Gunasekera

The Academy has no permanent employed staff at present. The scientific work as well as the correspondence is done by the Fellows of the Academy.  A permanent office has, however, been rented from the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science at their Headquarters for use by the Academy.    

 

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Contact Information

 

Telephone :(94)(11) 258-5038
Postal address :120/10 Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
 
Electronic mail
 
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Actg. Editor:              kingsleydealwis@yahoo.com