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National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka
c/o SLAAS 120/10 Vidya Mawata, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka |
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Volume 2 Issue4 November - December 2007 |
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EDITORIAL Science and Technology Policy
What? Another attempt to formulate a national science and technology policy? We reproduce in this issue - for your edification or entertainment, as the case may be - another proposed Science and Technology Policy for Sri Lanka, this time by the National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC). This reminds us of President Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” education policy which spelled out various good intentions to improve the standard of education in the USA, but was not backed up with funds and a program of action to implement it! When you don’t have any funds to commit, just commission another policy study! How much is the government currently spending on science and technology in Sri Lanka in real terms, as compared with expenditure in previous years and as a percentage of GDP? What is its commitment of funds for the SLAAS, NASSL and other scientific bodies this year? What percentage of his time is the Minister of Science and Technology spending on S&T development, as against carrying out a never-ending public relations exercise for the President? On the proposed policy itself, we would like to have your comments on this list of good intentions. Nobody will quarrel with this wish-list, which would have been better timed if it came with the New Year. But does it at least take cognizance of the present sorry state of S&T in Sri Lanka and set out some targets for total annual investment in this sector (from both state and private sources)? You be the judge and let us have your comments.
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NOTICES/ NEWS New Council Member Prof Veranjan Karunaratne has accepted the NASSL President’s invitation to serve on the Council of the Academy to fill the vacancy created by the death of Prof. V. K. Samaranayake. TWAS report and Sri Lanka joining the new COSTIS The President tabled a letter from Dr Locana Gunaratne reporting on the TWAS 17th General Meeting and giving information about the Consortium on Science Technology and Innovation for the South (COSTIS). It was recommended that Sri Lanka should join the new COSTIS. Dr. Gunaratne has been requested to arrange a meeting between the NSF Board Members and the Academy and SLAAS to discuss this matter. A date to be arranged by the next meeting. 2008 Volvo Environment Prize The documents are available at the academy office. The deadline for submission is 1st December, 2007. Please contact the General Secretary. Promoting science education- Science to reach the rural sector through ICT Prof Sunethra Atukorale informed the council of the interest of the Science Education Committee of SLAAS in collaborating with the Academy on this programme. The council requested Prof Atukorale to pursue the matter. A concept paper will be written up by the two organizations in consultation with Dialog and the Ministry of Education. Nomination for Fellows of NASSL for 2007 The Council has nominated the candidates as Fellows of NASSL for 2007. Their candidature will have to be approved at the next AGM. Higher Education by the non-state sector The NASSL expects to organize a seminar on Higher Education by the non-state sector within the next month or two. Students and relevant bodies will be invited to participate.
LETTERS
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Proposed National Science and Technology Policy of Sri Lanka
Introduction In the increasingly competitive global economy, Science and Technology have become strategically more important in national development. The rapid advancements and the pervasive role of S & T in the global economy necessitate the nation to build up and enhance its capability in Science and Technology to take advantage of potential wealth creating opportunities. In view of the above, a thrust should be made to harness S & T as key drivers in raising the national capacity to acquire and utilize knowledge in Science and Technology to foster innovations. Successive governments in Sri Lanka have been involved in developing a consistent Science and Technology policy. Comprehensive statements were drawn up by a Presidential Task Force in early 1990’s, the Natural Resources Energy and Science Authority (NARESA) in 1995, and the National Science & Technology Commission (NASTEC) in 2002 and thereafter. The present document is a distillation of the foregoing policy statements and of the new thinking that has occurred in response to the rapid advances and changes in global Science and Technology, as well as the social, political and economical developments in Sri Lanka. The proposed National Science and Technology Policy elements and strategies are expected to be the basis for the attainment of a scientifically and technologically advanced society and for a holistic approach to strengthen and develop Science and Technology. The policy goals also emphasize on capacity building and strengthening of Science and Technology through intensification of advancement and dissemination as well as the application of knowledge and technologies in particular, the leading–edge technologies. These policy elements constitute an overarching statement that provides a framework for more specific policies and implementation plans. They have been designed keeping in mind the social and material well being of the people of the country, protection of the environment and the need for sustainable growth and development. It is envisaged that the National Science and Technology Policy when adopted, will provide a consistent, long-term framework for growth and development in Science and Technology of the country, leading to the achievement of the status of a developed nation in the foreseeable future.
Policy Elements
1. Foster a national science and innovation culture that effectively reaches every citizen of the country by: a) Providing equal and adequate opportunities for all to acquire a basic education in science and its practical applications
Contd. on Page 4Page 3 |
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Policy Elements (contd. from Page 3)
a) Encouraging a questioning mind and the application of scientific methodologies in every day life for efficiency and productivity b) Cultivating among all Sri Lankans, an appreciation of the values and ethics of science and technology and related research, leading to entrepreneurship as an essential aspect of modern society c) Promoting public awareness of S & T
1. Build up, sustain, and progressively increase the resource base of scientists and technologists necessary to respond to the developmental needs of the country by: a) Improving the working and living conditions of the scientists and technologists b) Providing incentives for research and innovation that would help to retain recognized high calibre scientists and technologists in Sri Lanka and attract the Sri Lankan expatriate scientists to contribute to national development c) Training scientists and technologists in advanced technologies and knowledge management to support local industries and other needs of the country
2. Recognize the key role of science and technology as an important and essential item in national development by: a) Establishing an Inter-Ministerial Task Force chaired by the President b) Including scientists and technologists in the formulation of policies and plans, and decision-making at the highest levels c) Integrating scientific and technological planning into the ministerial, provincial and national level plans of the country d) Involving scientists and technologists in monitoring and reviewing strategies, legislation, and institutional framework for science and technology in all relevant sectors
3. Foster scientific and technological activities in priority areas and encourage the development of self-reliance in scientific and technological capability by: a) Progressively increasing the public and private sector investment in science and technology (up to 1.5 % of GDP, by the year 2016) b) Developing and strengthening the existing S & T institutions and universities to generate high quality research and train scientists c) Establishing where appropriate, new centres of science and technology in the high priority areas where advanced international level research facilities are available Continued on Page 5è Page 4
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Contd. from Page 4 a) Improving the autonomy and flexibility of science and technology institutions
c) Promoting and expanding public-private partnerships in science and technology activities and encouraging investment in R & D
1. Develop, select, acquire, and adapt scientific knowledge and technology necessary for the progressive modernization of all sectors so as to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the world economy by : a) Encouraging multi-disciplinary development research b) Up- scaling of research based new processes and technologies to pilot and commercial scales with state support c) Encouraging industries and R & D institutions to give greater emphasis to technology transfer and technology adaptation d) Development of technologies suitable for transferring to small and medium enterprises, particularly enterprises at the village level through collaboration between R & D institutions and the SME sector
2. Ensure quality standards of S & T institutions, S & T products and services to face the challenges of competitive global markets and needs of the domestic market by : a) Implementing effective, science based, transparent monitoring and reviewing systems for S & T institutions and taking corrective steps to ensure quality b) Ensuring the effectiveness of activities of the institutions mandated to maintain international quality standards of institutions, services and management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14000, ISO 22000 etc. and certification of product quality through their own certification schemes with the application of appropriate S & T c) Ensuring the effectiveness of activities of the relevant accrediting bodies for laboratory accreditation against international standards such as ISO 17025 etc. d) Ensuring the effectiveness of accreditation activities for conformity assessment in supporting Quality Assurance
3. Ensure sustainable development while conserving the natural resources of the country and protecting the environment, through the appropriate use of Science and Technology by: a) Promoting the acquisition, transfer, and development of clean technologies in industry through application of S & T
Contd. on page 6 Page 5 |
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Continued from Page 4 a) Strengthening and implementing laws and regulations to protect the environment b) Formulating transparent policies governing the use of natural resources such as soil and water to meet the long- term needs of the country c) Establishment of monitoring and evaluation systems for the successful implementation of the above. 8. Encourage and strengthen co-operation in science and technology between Sri Lanka and other countries, with a view to building capacity in technologies which will have a positive impact on the economic development of the country by : a) Establishing memoranda of understanding for cooperation in S & T activities with other nations, international organizations, academic, and R & D institutions, and relevant scientific and technical industries. b) Promoting international cooperation in S & T activities, including initiation and conduct of joint programmes of study and R & D, with a view to building technological capacity c) Developing joint ventures involving S & T, for socio-economic development d) Establishing exchange programmes for senior scientists and technologists e) Providing opportunities for young scientists and technologists to acquire knowledge in S & T as practiced in other countries 9. Encourage research in fundamental and applied aspects of science and technology and development related to areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, material science, energy, information & communication technology and electronics by: a) Providing the necessary funding, infrastructure, and training support b) Encouraging joint venture partnerships to develop relevant technologies for establishment of industries 10. Encourage utilization of local resources and further development of indigenous knowledge and technologies by: a) Promoting industries based on local resources ensuring value addition b) Establishing a database of available S & T based indigenous knowledge and practices c) Researching into the acceptability of the available indigenous knowledge, and further development of such knowledge and technologies while ensuring Intellectual Property Rights d) Where appropriate, encouraging the development and practice of indigenous knowledge e) Promoting research related to sustainable use of biodiversity of the country
Page 6 Contd. on Page 7
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11. Encourage the use of science and technology to mitigate and manage harmful effects of natural hazards, and other phenomena such as global warming by: a) Making people aware of the general and scientific principles and underlying causes of natural and man made hazards b) Disseminating information regarding preliminary indications of hazardous occurrences, and their harmful effects c) Using S & T based methodologies to identify and map hazard-prone areas, and to develop early warning systems and adaptive measures d) Developing local and national emergency plans to respond to natural disasters, including evacuation plans, provision of food, and ensuring the health of the affected population
12. Develop capabilities in science and technology to strengthen national security by: a) Using science and technology inputs to ensure security in water, food, shelter, energy, healthcare and national defense for the people as well as security from crime and fear b) Fostering bilateral and multi-lateral links with other nations and international organizations, in areas such as defense technologies, and technologies pertaining to control of and defense against chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons c) Building human resources and infrastructure capacity in the above areas by local research and development, international collaboration, and training programmes
13. Encourage and reward science and technology based innovations and inventions and ensure the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) by: a) Strengthening and enforcing laws and regulations governing IPR b) Assisting scientists and technologists to patent innovations c) Further developing systems of national recognition and awards for successful researchers and inventors for their inventions d) Developing a system of national recognition and awards for S & T institutions supporting inventions and innovations e) Encouraging the provision of venture capital to individuals and organizations interested in converting inventions into innovations f) Inculcating IPR awareness among scientists and technologists and the general public Page 7 |
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Contact Us: President: Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare Tel: (071) 472- 4089 E-mail: aluwihare@mail.pdn.ac.lk
Vice President: Prof. Sunethra Atukorale Tel: (011) 269-7485 E-mail: sunethra@eol.lk
General Secretary: Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama Tel: (011) 258 - 5038 E-mail: hirimk@pts.cmb.ac.lk
Treasurer: Prof. Oleap Fernando Tel: (011) 264 – 5501 E-mail: oleap@iname.com
Editor: Dr. Kingsley de Alwis Tel: (011) 266 - 5427 E-mail: kingsleydealwis@yahoo.com Website: http://www.nassl.org
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