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New Fellows 2009

RESUME OF NOMINEES INCLUDING THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS

 

PROFESSOR U.S. AMARASINGHE

(Scientific discipline:   Fisheries Biology)

B.Sc (Sp), M.Sc (Fisheries Biology and Management),  PhD (Inland Fisheries).

Proposer: M.J. Wijeyaratne. 

Prof. U.S. Amarasinghe joined the University of Kelaniya, in 1992 and promoted as a Professor in 2004. His research findings have a high positive impact on inland fisheries of Sri Lanka. Several inland fisheries regulations have been formulated and implemented, based on his research findings. He also served as a member of the IPFC working party of experts on inland fisheries in FAO. He served as an international consultant to the International Development Research Centre, Canada and as a consultant to Network of Aquaculture Centre in the Asia-Pacific to conduct a series of workshops on culture-based fisheries in Lao PDR, Cambodia and Indonesia. He was also a consultant to the University of Stirling, UK to prepare a syllabus for B.Sc. degree programme in Fisheries Science in the Mzuzu University, Malawi.

 

In 1993, Prof. Amarasinghe won the prize for the best young scientist in biology, jointly awarded by the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and Natural Resources, Energy and Science Authority (NARESA) and also he received Presidential awards for the authorship of scientific papers figuring in Science Citation Index. In 2000, he was awarded a Commonwealth Postdoctoral Fellowship to work as a visiting academic at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London. He was also an academic visitor in the Netherlands Institute of Ecology in 2007 and also the Vice Chancellor's award for the outstanding scientist in the Faculty of Science of the University of Kelaniya in 2007.

 

 

 

PROFESSOR B.S.B.  KARUNARATNE

(Scientific discipline:  Physics)

B.Sc (Hon), PhD (Material Physics).

Proposer: Prof. V.Kumar.

 

Professor Karunaratne is a leading researcher in industrial ceramics whose major achievement has been the development of rare-earth-doped ά -  Sialon Ceramics with Novel Optical Properties .This new phenomenon in the field of Sialon ceramics led to applications based on their optical/electronic properties in combination with mechanical and thermal properties. For the first time a coloured highly transparent ά - sialon ceramic was synthesized using rare earths as stabilizing cations.

 

Prof. Karunaratne was responsible for the establishment of a ceramic research laboratory in 1987 at the Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya. Almost all the equipment required for the fabrication and investigation of the properties of ceramic materials worth several million rupees was designed and constructed by him. .

He has collaborated in research with Universities and Institutes in Britain, Italy, Sweden, India, USA and Korea and is a Visiting Professor at the Graduate School, Shizuoka University, Japan. He is presently on sabbatical leave as Brain Pool Visiting Scientist at the Korean Institute of Material Science.

He supervised a number of Postgraduates students who have successfully completed their degrees. He has contributed to solving problems faced by the local wood (Borwood), Ceramic (Link Engineering and brick (NBRO) and cement (Holcim) industry through research. He has 30 refereed publications, 70 communications and two books to his credit.

 

PROFESSOR R.M.G RAJAPAKSE

(Scientific discipline:   Chemistry)

B.Sc (Hons), PhD, DIC.

Proposer: Prof.V. Karunaratne.

 Prof. Rajapakse holds a First class (Honours) B.Sc. Special Degree in Chemistry from University of Peradeniya (1979-1983) and a Ph.D. and D.I.C. from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London, UK (1985-1988), He was a EPSRC Research fellow at Imperial College (1989-1999) and at the University of Liverpool , UK (2003 – 2004), the Royal Society Research Fellow at University of Bath, UK (1999-2000),the Royal Society, Jones Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, Department of Instrumentation and Analytical Science, UK (2003),DADD Fellow at Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research ,Mainze, Germany. He is a visiting Research Officer at the University of Texas at Arlington, USA. He has also worked as a Consultant to Johnson-Matthey, UK and the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka and also a Task Force Member in Nanotechnology. He has reviewed several articles in learned International Indexed journals such as J. Material Processing Technology, J.Composite Materials, Electrochemical Acta, J.Physics, Applied Physics and many other journals. He has over 70 publications to his credit. He has delivered more than 10 invited lectures at National and International Meetings and Scientific Conferences.

 He has over 25 Years of Service at the University of Peradeniya, initially as an Assistant Lecturer (1985) then became a Full Professor (1999) .During this period he has developed physical Chemistry Teaching and Research it their current status. He has also extended his Services to National Education by writing several Text books at G.C.E. A/L and by conducting teacher training workshops. He is a member of National Committee on Syllabus Revision. He is also a member of the Editorial Board of Ceylon Journal of Chemistry and several other  International Journals.

 

PROFESSOR S.R.P.  SILVA

(Scientific discipline:  Electronic Engineering/ Solid State Physics)

BA, MA, PhD. (Cantab), CEng, CPhys, FIEE,FInstp,FRSA.

Proposer: Prof. K.K.Y.W. Perera

 Prof. Silva has won numerous International Awards and Prizes including the Albert Einstein Silver Medal from UNESCO, Paris in 2003 for contributions to Carbon based electronics and Devices, the Vernon-Charles-Boys Medal (lOP, London, 2002) and the lEE Achievement Medal (lEE, London, 2003) for his research. He has published over 250 archival research papers in very high impact journals including Nature, Science, Nature Materials, NanoLetters, Advanced Materials, Applied Physics Letters (over 50 papers); written 6 books/chapters with international publishers; edited proceedings of numerous conferences; invented over 15 international patents; given over 300 presentations at national and international meetings, and, helped create four companies to encourage public-private partnerships.

Prof. Silva is the Director of the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey, Guildford. Since 2005, Professor Silva has been working with the National Science Foundation on popularising Nanotechnology in Schools in Sri Lanka. He also helped roll out the National Nanotechnology Initiative in Sri Lanka from 2005, after presenting to HE The President of Sri Lanka a summary of the benefits to the country, which was then approved by the cabinet and parliament in 2006.

At present, Prof. Silva is spending his sabbatical in Sri Lanka helping to set up two Private-Public-Partnerships companies to promote Nanotechnology; as an Advisor to the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology. He has already been successful in raising Rs. 420 M with 50:50 participation between the government and the private sector.

 

 

PROF. ROHAN WEERASOORIYA

(Scientific discipline: Geology/Geochemistry/Environmental Science)

B.Sc (Hon), PhD (Geology).

Proposer: Prof. N. Savithri Kumari.

 Prof. Weerasooriya is a Research Professor, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy. The first water quality atlas of Sri Lanka, commonly called the "Road map of water quality" was co-authored by him. He joined the IFS, Kandy as a Senior Research Fellow (1986-1996) where his research studies were focused on Environmental Geochemistry. During this period he was also involved in coordinating the JICA Japan grant (USD 5.5 million) for the development of the new laboratory complex at the IFS. In 1996/97 he was awarded a Fulbright - Hayes Senior Scholarship at the University of Maryland, College Park (USA). From 1997-2001 he worked on the Chemical Modeling Program at the IFS, Kandy, directing the Environmental Aquatic Chemistry Modeling Program. Prof. Weerasooriya's research output has been considerable and his work is reported in sixty six (66) full research papers that have been published in peer reviewed journals, and in more than 50 research communications presented at national and international seminars.

Prof. Weerasooriya is a member of several national committees, including the Board of Chemical Sciences, University of Peradeniya; Board of Governors,

National Research Council and the National Science Foundation (Chemical Science Program) of Sri Lanka.

Prof. Weerasooriya received Sri Lanka Presidential awards for the years 2000, and 2001/02; held appointments as DAAD Professor, University of Erlangan, Germany (2001-04); Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Applied Geology, University of Erlangan (1998-99); and at Environmental Science and Research, Auckland New Zealand (1997-98). He is also a member of the Board of Governors, Asian Energy Institute (AEI), New Delhi, India (1995- to date)


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)

 1. Introduction

 There had been a considerable variety and volume of  writings on  ground water in Sri Lanka during the last fifty years ( Henreck and Sirimanne 1968, Balendran 1970, Fernando, 1973, Madduma Bandara, 1974,1977, 1980, 1982 & 1984), Wijesinghe, 1975, Foster, 1976, Foster et.al. 1977). The majority of them, particularly those published recently (Mathavan et.al. 2002; Kikuchi et al, 2003; Panabokke & Perera, 2005,2007; Ranjan et.al. 2006; Werellagama et.al. 2007) deal with groundwater quality, pollution and environmental effects. Groundwater behaviour including occurrence, availability, and water balance forms the next largest category of writings. The third type covers ground water demand, deficits, consumption and supply. It is however noteworthy that, the attention received for groundwater policy and management had been relatively scanty (Hettiarachchi, 2008). In order to bridge this gap in thinking at least in a small way, an attempt is made in the paper to deal with this vital area with a few fresh thoughts, focusing attention primarily on some policy aspects. 

 

2. Main Aquifer Systems of Sri Lanka

Geologically,  nearly 90% of the land area of Sri Lanka comprises of  hard Precambrian crystalline rocks that do not generally form  good aquifers because of their poor porosity. Only the balance, covering a small area in the north west of the country (about 10%), where the Miocene limestone formations dominate,  have some  relatively rich aquifer systems.

The studies done so far, indicate in general that,  there are at least six main groundwater aquifers (Fig. 1),  that could be identified and characterized in Sri Lanka (Panabokke & Perera, 2005). They are namely; 

  1. Shallow karstic aquifer of Jaffna Peninsula

  2. Deep confined aquifers

  3. Coastal sand aquifers

  4. Alluvial aquifers

  5. Shallow regolith aquifers of the Hard Rock areas

  6. South Western lateritic (cabook) aquifers

 In general, it is obvious that, the amount of available groundwater for high consumption uses such as for irrigated agriculture is necessarily limited. The quality of utilizable groundwater particularly for domestic as well as for industrial purposes,  imposes further limitations. 

 3. The Need for Groundwater Policy and Improved Management

 Since a large part of the country, particularly the ‘dry zone’ suffers from inadequate rainfall, and high evapotranspiration, serious water scarcities for  agriculture and human consumption occur frequently, and the demand for groundwater had been rising rapidly. Thus over the last two decades there had been a rapid and steady rise in the number of water pumps as well as agro-wells in the Dry Zone areas (Kikuchi, et.al (2003)

   

 Fig. 1 : Main Aquifer Systems of Sri Lanka          Fig. 2 : Distribution of Tube Wells in Sri Lanka

 Apart from agro-wells and the traditional shallow domestic dug-wells, a large number of deep tube wells have been constructed during the last three decades (Fig. 2). In recent times the  rapid development of  agro-wells for irrigation and tube wells for supplying for domestic needs particularly in the rural country side clearly had some beneficial impacts on productivity as well as in the well being of people particularly from the poorer segments of society. However these developments continue to remain  uncoordinated and piecemeal. Furthermore, the use of tube wells for drinking purposes presumably has given rise to some health problems including widespread kidney failure and fluorisis in some areas of the Dry Zone. These developments need monitoring and appropriate remedial action urgently.

 Despite its  growing importance and emerging issues, groundwater extraction has so far remained virtually unregulated. Apart from State sponsored programmes, the rapid increase in the utilization of  groundwater is also attributable to the expansion of private enterprises for agriculture, industry as well as domestic supplies. Already some signs of competition for limited resources leading to conflicting situations are beginning to be observable. The deteriorating ground water quality primarily due to the heavy use of agro-chemicals is allegedly affecting the health of many rural communities. This state of affairs may eventually lead to greater chaos unless some deliberate efforts are made to systematize groundwater use in order to achieve a greater degree of efficiency and sustainability.

 The impact of recent tsunami in 2004 on coastal ground water bodies has highlighted the need for groundwater management in the affected areas. In these some wells continue to remain contaminated and unusable.

 4. Management Institutions and Policy Development Initiatives

 At present there is there is no single central governmental authority in charge of groundwater development and management. There are two State organizations, namely,  Water Resources Board and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board involved in groundwater prospecting and development during the last three decades. Although the Irrigation Department was involved  in groundwater investigations in the early stages, presently there is hardly any link between the conjunctive use of surface and ground waters in the country.

Another layer of governmental intervention is represented by the Provincial Councils (operational since 1989), which enjoy some constitutional authority and undertake in groundwater development at a limited regional scale. The Provinces also engage themselves in the management of minor irrigation systems, and smaller stream basins that come within their respective provincial boundaries.

 A few private companies and donor funded projects such as DANIDA (Denmark), FINIDA(Finland) and GTZ (Germany) have also been involved in Investigations and development of deep tube wells as well as shallow agro-wells in some areas. These initiatives often remain uncoordinated individual efforts lacking in common policy or management directions. Some attempts made towards the development of a National Water Policy covering groundwater as well proved abortive and futile due to political reasons (Madduma Bandara, 2009).

 There is some current interest in developing groundwater policy guide lines by the two leading scientific associations namely the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science and by the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka.

5. Some Over-arching Considerations

 The geology, rainfall pattern and the hydrography has resulted in a variety of hydro-geological settings in the Island despite its small size. Thus the aquifer systems in the North and West have to be treated distinctly from a management perspective. On the other hand, shallow groundwater bodies in the ‘dry zone’ need different policy and management instruments to optimize their efficiencies. The hydrographic character of the Island with   some 103 distinct stream basins too deserves more attention in any groundwater management exercise. The drier areas of the Island are covered with a network of irrigation structures, both minor and major with small reservoirs and long canal systems. The recharge from these surface water bodies is substantial and must have to be taken into account in conjunctive water use strategy.

 In Sri Lanka over 80% of the total land area falls under the ultimate ownership of the State. The land grated by the government under long leases to individual settlers and farmers as well as to agro-business enterprises is also utilized as de facto private property for most purposes. The bulk of State land comes under Forest and Wild Life conservation areas. A similar amount of land is devoted to agriculture. However, water continues to remain as the limiting factor than land. It is treated as a common property resource, except where the springs and wells  are located inside private lands. Such water sources are treated as the private property of the owners of respective lands. Therefore, there is more freedom to extract ground water by private parties than in the case of surface water resources where the state control is greater. Haphazard individual groundwater extraction that take place in adjoining lands tend to create unhealthy competitions for limited resources.

 In semi- urban areas where the size of individual land units is much smaller, development of sanitary facilities such as toilet septic tanks and domestic wells without adhering to the prescribed minimum distances,  results in the contamination of drinking water supplies.

 6. Towards a Realistic Policy Framework

6.1. Governing Concepts

The overall objective of groundwater management is to optimize the use of limited water resources available with a reasonable level of efficiency and sustainability.

 

  • All attempts at all groundwater development and management must be rooted in a scientific understanding  of its quantity, quality and behaviour, as well as in a deep understanding of the user culture, society and the changing economy.
  • All water resources must be considered in their natural unity reflected by the hydrological cycle and must not be treated in a sectoral and piecemeal manner for convenience.
  • Water resources whether it is surface or ground water, must be seen as belonging to the whole nation, and must be devoted to human welfare and ecological sustainability.
  • The government as trustee of all natural resources is obliged to erect necessary institutional structures, devote adequate technical, financial and human resources attain the primary objective.

6.2. Some Policy Directions

 Groundwater like any other natural resource cannot be optimally managed in a poor policy environment. Some of the cardinal policy directions may include:  

  • The ownership of all water resources must remain with the State as a trustee and not with individual parties.
  • Individuals may be granted ‘user rights’ with adequate safeguards for encouraging investment.
  • The unit of planning and development of groundwater should ideally be an aquifer system or an individual stream  basin depending on site specific considerations.
  • A strong component of research, monitoring and evaluation must be built into all project planning. Data sharing must be encouraged subject to adequate controls on greedy commercialization.
  • The economic, social and environment value of water must form the corner-stone of planning for groundwater development.

 A central institution  with adequate powers to collect and maintain data bases, conduct research and  investigations, coordinate all groundwater extractions, monitor developments, use economic instruments and resolve user conflicts must be established. This may be achieved through either establishing a new institution of or expanding powers and mandate of the Water Resources Board.

7. Some Management Options

 

  • All ground water use systems must be inventorized and an updatable register and a data base be maintained centrally;
  • Management plans for individual aquifer systems must be developed at regional and local levels under set of national guide lines;
  • No extraction may be allowed beyond the natural recharge rates leaving out a safety margin of at least 10% in order ensure safe yields.

A preliminary framework for groundwater management based on main aquifer systems is given in Table I.

 Table I: Aquifer System-based Groundwater Management

Main Aquifer Systems

Main Issues

Management Proposals

Key Agencies

Monitoring Responsibility

Shallow karstic aquifer of Jaffna Peninsula

 

Over-extraction

Salinity Intrusion

Nitrate Pollution

Increasing Demand

Supply of Drinking Water

Limit further expansion

Control use of agrochemicals

Adopt water saving technologies (Eg, Drip Irrigation)

Credit control through Banks

Water Resources Board

Local government bodies

Department of Agriculture

 

Central Environmental Authority

Local Schools

Deep confined aquifers

 

Unharnessed Development Potential (Mulangavil Basin)

Initiate new projects

Private enterprises

Development NGOs

Local planning authorities

Coastal sand aquifers

 

Tsunami Contamination

Locate wells away from the vulnerable Coastal area

Water Supply and Drainage Board

Coast Conservation Department

 

 

Alluvial aquifers

 

Potential for further Development

Ecological issues

Develop new projects

Irrigation Department

Water Resources Board

Central Environmental Authority

Shallow regolith aquifers of the Hard Rock areas

 

Unplanned Deployment

Risk of failure

Use cascade as the unit for planning

Need improved siting

Identify upper limits for development

Introduce a Policy of Well Spacing

Credit control through Banks

Water Resources Board

 

Farmer Organizations

Department of Agrarian Services

 

South Western lateritic (cabook) aquifers

 

Water quality issues

Contamination due to agrochemicals and Industry

Water quality monitoring

Central Environmental Authority

 

 

Deep Tube Well Systems

 

 

Water Quality Issues

Health Impacts

Introduce monitoring System

Chemical analysis to determine pathogenic elements

 

Water Supply and Drainage Board

Health Ministry

Water Resources Board

8. Conclusions

 Available information suggests that many emerging issues related ground water management in the Island remain unattended. Any attempt towards development of groundwater policy must be rooted in a scientific knowledge of its quantity, quality and behaviour, as well as in a deep understanding of the user culture, society and the changing economy and prevailing national priorities.  . The development of appropriate policy directions and management options is essentially an interdisciplinary task and not the domain of a single discipline such as earth sciences or engineering or a single State Agency. However for effective coordination, there is a need for a Central Agency with adequate powers and required resources.

 9. Key References

 Fernando, A.D.N (1973) Groundwater Resources of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Irrigation, Power and Highways, Colombo

Foster, S.S.D. et.al (1977) Groundwater for Agricultural Development in Sri Lanka, Ministry of Overseas Development, London, U.K.

Hettiarachchi I. (2008) A Review of Groundwater Management Issues in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka In balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1049.pdf .

IWMI (2005) Water Policy Briefing, Issue No.14, Colombo

Kikuchi, M et.al (2003) Agro-well Diffusion in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, Research Report N.66, IWMI, Colombo.

Madduma Bandara, C.M. (2009) Challenges of Water Policy Development – Some Experiences from Sri Lanka, in “Sustainable Management of Water Resources’ (Eds. Menon, M.G.K. & Sharma, V.P.) Indian National Science Academy, 216-228 pp.

Madduma Bandara, C.M. (1984) Green Revolution and Water Demand: Irrigation and Groundwater in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, India, In ‘Understanding Green Revolutions, Eds. Bayliss Smith T. & Wanmali, S. Cambridge University Press.

Madduma Bandara, C.M. (1982) Behaviour of the Groundwater Table in the Vicinity of Selected Major   Irrigation Reservoirs in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. In Beitrage Zur    Hydrologie    (Ed. Rainer Keller), Germany 2)

Madduma Bandara, C.M. (1980) A Study of the Practice of Well Irrigation in the Country Around Vavuniya in Northern Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.2; No.2.

Madduma Bandara, C.M. (1977) Hydrological Consequences of Agrarian Change; In ‘Green Revolution?’ Ed. Farmer B.H., Mac Millans, London.

Panabokke, C.R. (2007) Groundwater Conditions in Sri Lanka: A geomorphic Perspective, National Science Foundation, Colombo.


Traces of civilisation that existed 300 yrs
before Vijaya’s arrival found in A’pura
Evidence of horse domestication, use of iron,
pottery, ceramic ware surfaces

        The Excavation Pit

Excavations at Atulu Nuvara (Inner City) of Anuradhapura have yielded evidence of an ancient civilization that had been engaged in the domestication of horses and cattle and wetland rice cultivation about 300 years before the arrival of Prince Vijaya.

Former Director General and present Advisor to the Department of Archaeology Dr. Siran Deraniyagala, under whose supervision excavations are being conducted, said the findings had been dated with the help of absolute dating techniques including Carbon-14 or radiocarbon dating system overseas.

Evidence of the ancient civilization had surfaced from a pit 22 feet below the ground level near the old Temple of Tooth Relic, old Vijayaba Palace and the Gedige Premises at Salgahawatte area in the Atulu Nuvara. The one-hundred-meter-long and 75-foot-wide pit had also produced evidence of the use of iron, earthen and ceramic ware, Dr Deraniygala told The Island.

Over 45 Carbon 14 tests had been conducted on the items unearthed from the pit, he said

Dr. Deraniyagala said among the items found were potsherds bearing Brahmi inscriptions, teeth of horses, pebbles and fragments of gold jewellry. There was also evidence of brick walls, underground drains, wattle and daub structures and a Muragala (Guard Stone).

Dr. Deraniyagala said his research pit, which has layers producing a vertical outline of several different cultures, would not be filled but kept as it is as an exhibit after the conclusion of the on-going research project.

The research team comprises local experts and a group of research students of Prof. Kay Kohlmeyer from the Berlin University. Excavations Officer A. A. Wijeratne, Regional Excavations and Museums officer Gamini Navaratne, Archaeological Assistant Thusita Agalawatte were engaged in the excavations conducted under the supervision of Dr. Deraniyagala.

Dr. Deraniyagala said with the help of newfound evidence it could be concluded that there had been an advanced culture which was on par with any foreign culture in the region in 500 BC, 300 years before the arrival of Prince Vijaya, mentioned in Sri Lankachronicles.

The University of Berlin had assisted in the excavation as well as conservation of the artifacts found from the site, Dr Deraniyagala said.

Courtesy of The Island 14/09/2009


World Congress for Freedom of Scientific Research - The Newsletter
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World Congress for Freedom of Scientific Research

the newsletter

Number 5, October 2009

  • New tools to regulate illicit drug market. Aninternational workshop on the illicit drug market was held last September 16-17 in Rome. It was organized by the first University of Rome “La Sapienza”, the second University of Rome “Tor Vergata” and the financial support of the Open Society Institute. A wide international audience discussed of methodologies for data collection and the economic and political influence of the illicit drug industry. The organizers were among the signatories of a callto action urging Governments to reform harmful drug policies, by enacting policies that are based on scientific and medical research rather than politics. Readmore about the workshop.
  • International support forfreedom of research in Italy to be continued. In concert with professor Elena Cattaneo, Elisabetta Cerbai and Silvia Garagna, Luca Coscioni Association launched an appeal to raise funds aimed at covering part of the legal expenses of the three Italian scientists appealing against the Italian government’s decision to arbitrarily exclude human embryonic stem cells from an 8-million euro fund for stem-cell biology (read the chronology of the action). The legal expenses for the first degree of judgement were of around 6.000,00 euro. Since the beginning of the appeal (July 7) 7.604,79 euro (around 11.252 USD) have been raised. Prof. Cattaneo, Cerbaiand Garagna have been promptly reimbursed (reimbursement receipts are available on line). The spare amount will help covering expenses for the next step.
  • Challenging Religious Fundamentalisms. The Canadian AWID – Association for Women’s Rights in Development - has launched the first issue of “Facing Fundamentalisms”, a quarterly update of critical news, insights and analysis on the rise of religious fundamentalism across regions, as well as key feminist strategies for resistance and action. In 2008 Luca Coscioni was awarded by AWID a prize money to study the effects of religious fundamentalism in Italy. To subscribe to Facing Fundamentalisms, send an e-mail to cf@awid.org

News in brief:

 

 “Best Practices in Advisory Roles and Fellowship Appointments”

Report on the InterAcademy workshop on:held in Trieste, Italy from 12-13 February, 2009

Professor Sunethra Atukorala

President, National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka

I attended the above workshop which was organized by the InterAcademy Panel (IAP) in collaboration with the Council of Canadian Academies, at the invitation of the IAP and the Third World Academy of Science (TWAS). The workshop was held at the offices of the IAP secretariat, in Trieste, Italy and brought together 60 participants from 43 countries. The workshop included representatives from some of the oldest and most developed Academies, such as the UK Royal Society and the US National Academies as well as smaller emerging Academies.  I extend my sincere thanks to IAP & TWAS for financial support.

 The programme commenced with welcome addresses by Professor Mohamed H A Hassan, Executive Director of TWAS and IAP and by Dr. Peter Nicholson, President, Council of Canadian Academies, with opening remarks by IAP Co-chair, Professor Howard Alper,.  The first session discussed the evolving role of science academies. It was pointed out that although academies are institutions of tradition and recognize highest scientific achievements, a changing world demands an evolving role. Increasingly, academies are moving into exploring new means of engaging the public and youth in science and the best mechanisms for providing advice in relation to S & T policies.

 The next session focused on best practices and future directions in Fellowship appointments.  The Senior Vice-President of the Indian National Academy, Professor Gupta stated that his Academy has six Vice-Presidents and members in charge of several different aspects, such as, international affairs, publication/information, science and society, science promotion, resource management and fellowship election. Much of the subsequent discussion focussed on engaging youth.  Professor Hilgenkamp described the early years of the Young Academy in the Netherlands, which was based on the model of the German Young Academy. In general, new members are within 10 years of completing their Ph.Ds. The young Academy is affiliated to the classical body, but is free to express different views.  The young Academy considered gender balance as an important component and was actively involved in promoting public engagement in science. President-elect, of the Council of Canadian Academies highlighted the importance of objective standards for election to Academies and informed that contribution to public life is a major factor for consideration in the Canadian Academies.

 In the session on “Academies’ out-reach to society” the need to encourage public engagement in science was highlighted and it was pointed out that this may be a key part of the mandate of Academies. Prof. Jorge Allende, Coordinator of IAP’s science education programme, identified three priority areas relating to science education, namely, Academies and politicians, Academies and media, and Academies and science teachers. “Inquiry based science education” was identified as an important means of encouraging public engagement in science.  Ms. Shelley Peers, Education and Public Awareness Manager of the Australian Academy of Sciences described a training programme to inspire teachers and children with the fascination of discovery.

 The second day’s sessions commenced with presentations on “the challenges and opportunities of multilateral initiatives”. It was noted that such initiatives are likely to broaden awareness and enhance international cooperation among Fellows. “Global water challenges” and “Infectious diseases” are some studies to be undertaken by the Inter-Academy Council (IAC).  It was also pointed out that multilateral initiatives in providing advice can have more impact than advice from an individual Academy.

 The preliminary analysis of the survey of online questionnaire on advisory roles of Academies carried out by the Council of Canadian Academies was presented. The survey revealed considerable differences among Academies, but most Academies aim to fulfil similar roles in their countries, representing the best of science across a range of disciplines, providing advice on scientific issues, encouraging participation and improving the quality of science in their country. The survey showed that advisory functions of most Academies include written reports as a form of advice and that most Academies share the same aspirations and engage in similar processes. It was also pointed out that Academies have different mandates and some focus predominantly on their role as fellowship organizations and have a limited advisory role, while others have many staff dedicated to the advisory process and provide advice on numerous issues each year.

 The session on: “Engaging decision makers” discussed a challenge faced by many Academies.  Making decision makers aware of the value of the advice from Academies, creating an environment where decision makers solicit advice and making understanding the advice a priority, can be a much greater challenge than developing the advice. It was pointed out that the impact of advice depends on timeliness and topicality more than scientific rigour. The need to create a demand for science advice and to project success stories to convince politicians was highlighted.

 Concluding remarks: Participation at this workshop and interaction with Fellows from other Academies provided an insight into their activities and an opportunity to establish links with other Academies.  The need for greater outreach to society, by inquiry based science education and interaction with media and decision makers was highlighted. Recommendations were also made to engage more young scientists in activities of Academies and to have greater interaction among Academies.  


 

Some Research News Links

 

 

 

Science in the Headlines. This banner depicts freshwater diatoms, unicellular algae. (File Photo)

 

SciDev.Net

 


NASSL Science Education Project

Science Education For Rural Children In Sri Lanka Through Information And Communication Technology (Ict)  

Sunethra Atukorala
National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka
sunethra@eol.lk

Mailing Address
C/o Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS)
Colombo 07, ,
Sri Lanka

Project information

Title of proposal:
Science education for rural children in Sri Lanka through Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Partners (IAP member organizations):
Academy of Sciences Malaysia

Key words (8 max): science education rural children Sri Lanka ICT

Requested budget (US$): 49,996

Project duration: one year

Summary (200 word max.):
Rural children are generally not interested in studying science, due to lack of exposure to scientific ideas as well as to the limited availability of science education in rural secondary schools. Science taught in schools is mainly examination-oriented and not meant to stimulate interest among children. The National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka proposes to initiate a programme to stimulate interest in science among secondary school children in rural areas using ICT. The programme would be based on the theme: “Science behind everyday life”. Sub-committees of experts in relevant fields would direct the development of resource materials. As television and computer facilities have been made available at rural centres, the resource materials to be developed would include interactive CDs and DVDs in the national languages to be shown in schools and other community centers. A pilot study would be carried out to assess their effectiveness. The expected outcomes would include an increase in the number of students opting to study science, increases in knowledge and the demand for schools offering Science subjects.
 

Supporting materials

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Ocean acidification must be on the Copenhagen agenda, world’s scientists warn

Ocean acidification, one of the world’s most important climate change challenges, may be left off the agenda at the United Nations Copenhagen conference, the world’s science academies warned today (Monday 1 June 2009).  Ocean acidification is expected to cause massive corrosion of our coral reefs and dramatic changes in the makeup of the biodiversity of our oceans and to have significant implications for food production and the livelihoods of millions of people. 

The warning is made in a joint statement published by the Academy Name here – the country name here national academy of science – and the academies of sixty nine other countries around the world through their membership of the InterAcademy Panel.  

Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society said: “Everybody knows that the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to climate change.  But it has another environmental effect – ocean acidification – which hasn’t received much political attention.  Unless global CO2 emissions can be cut by at least 50% by 2050 and more thereafter, we could confront an underwater catastrophe, with irreversible changes in the makeup of our marine biodiversity.  The effects will be seen worldwide, threatening food security, reducing coastal protection and damaging the local economies that may be least able to tolerate it. Copenhagen must address this very real and serious threat.”

The statement calls for world leaders to explicitly recognise the direct threats posed by increasing atmospheric CO2 emissions to the oceans and its profound impact on the environment and society.  It emphasises that ocean acidification is irreversible and, on current emission trajectories, suggests that all coral reefs and polar ecosystems will be severely affected by 2050 or even earlier.  

 The statement has been issued during the UNFCCC conference in Bonn this week that will ultimately shape the Copenhagen negotiations, where agreement must be reached on carbon emission reduction targets needed to avoid dangerous climate change.

 Signatories of the Inter- Academy Panel Statement

 • TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world

• Albanian Academy of Sciences

• National Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural

Sciences, Argentina

• Australian Academy of Science

• Bangladesh Academy of Sciences

• The Royal Academies for Science and the Arts of Belgium

• Brazilian Academy of Sciences

• Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

• Cameroon Academy of Sciences

• RSC: The Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences

of Canada

• Academia Chilena de Ciencias

• Chinese Academy of Sciences

• Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural

Sciences

• Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences

• Cuban Academy of Sciences

• Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic

• Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters

• Academia de Ciencias de la República Dominicana

• Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Egypt

• The Delegation of the Finnish Academies of Science

and Letters

• Académie des Sciences, France

• Georgian Academy of Sciences

• Union der Deutschen Akademien der Wissenschaften

• Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina

• The Academy of Athens

• Academia de Ciencias Medicas, Fisicas y Naturales

de Guatemala

• Indian National Science Academy

• Indonesian Academy of Sciences

• Academy of Sciences of the Islamic

Republic of Iran

• Royal Irish Academy

• Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities

• Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei

• Science Council of Japan

• Royal Scientific Society of Jordan

• Islamic World Academy of Sciences

• African Academy of Sciences

• Kenya National Academy of Sciences

• The Korean Academy of Science and Technology

• Kosovo Academy of Sciences and Arts

• National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic

• Akademi Sains Malaysia

• Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology

• Academia Mexicana de Ciencias

• Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts

• The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

• Academy Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand

• Nigerian Academy of Sciences

• Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters

• Pakistan Academy of Sciences

• Palestine Academy for Science and Technology

• Academia Nacional de Ciencias del Peru

• Academia das Ciencias de Lisboa

• Académie des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal

• Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts

• Slovak Academy of Sciences

• Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts

• Academy of Science of South Africa

• Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences

of Spain

National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka

• Sudanese National Academy of Science

• Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

• Academia Sinica, Taiwan, China

• Tanzania Academy of Sciences

• The Caribbean Academy of Sciences

• Turkish Academy of Sciences

• The Uganda National Academy of Sciences

• The Royal Society, UK

• US National Academy of Sciences

• Academia de Ciencias Físicas, Matemáticas y Naturales

de Venezuela

• Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences


"GROUNDWATER IN SRI LANKA - A MOST PRECIOUS BUT HIGHLY THREATENED RESOURCE"

Synopsis of a Workshop Organized by NASSL

 A workshop organized by the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka (NASSL) in collaboration with the Water Resources Board (WRB) and the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya was held from 24 - 26 February 2008 in Anuradhapura to discuss the current situation and issues relating to the groundwater resources of Sri Lanka. The workshop was attended by scientists from a wide spectrum of disciplines. A synopsis of the proceedings is given below.

 The workshop commenced with a field visit to a Small Tank Cascade system at Tirappane led by Dr. C. R. Panabokke. This was followed by a visit to the Korakahawewa Centre of the WRB where a briefing was made by Prof. M. de S. Liyanage, Chairman of the Water Resources Board about its groundwater-related work programmes.

The workshop proper comprised 23 papers presented in 6 sessions, with a lively discussion at the end of each session. In his opening remarks, Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare mentioned the multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional nature of the groundwater issues and drew attention to the fact that the National Academy of Sciences was well placed to bring together specialists from such a wide variety of technical backgrounds and institutions to address the multi-faceted problems that beset the groundwater subsector. The Chief Guest, Prof. C. B. Dissanayake set the multi-disciplinary tone for the workshop in a groundbreaking paper in which he introduced the concept of Medical Geology. The multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary aspect was further brought out by the participation of geologists, soil scientists, agriculturists, plant scientists, irrigations engineers, groundwater specialists, chemists, medical and dental specialists, economists, sociologists, gender specialists, environmentalists and others. Dr. Gemunu Herath took an overall look at sustainable groundwater management and policy needs in his paper. He particularly emphasized the lack a data base and systematic monitoring of groundwater parameters, a lack which was to be echoed in many of the papers that followed.

 

The first technical session dealt with Groundwater Quality and Quantity Issues. The current state of investigations on groundwater in Sri Lanka was described and five levels of investigation needed to make informed decisions on groundwater use were outlined. Another paper presented a similar survey of the quality issues in groundwater use. A very interesting problem which frequently faces scientists and technical specialists dealing with groundwater issues was highlighted by one presenter. He described, from his own experience, how he had to make technical judgments and take decisions to act on the basis of the limited data that were available at that time. This is a real-life problem that faces many scientists i.e. making judgments without waiting for all the data to come in. One speaker highlighted the limited nature of the groundwater resource in the hard rock regions by comparing it to money in a bank account, where withdrawals had to be counterbalanced by deposits from time to time.

 The second session was devoted to Groundwater Policy.  Institutional gaps in groundwater policy management were highlighted. While many attempts had been made to develop a groundwater policy, none were being implemented. A master plan for groundwater management and development was mooted by one speaker. Another speaker mentioned the burning issues of water policy (!) and dealt with the mistakes made in the past in the donor-driven policies which spoke of registering all wells and other measures which were unacceptable to the vast majority of households and farmers. Challenges that need to be addressed were spelled out. Prof. Aluvihare proposed a follow-up to this workshop to draw up a draft national groundwater policy

The third technical session, which dealt with Groundwater Use, focused on quality issues, including fluoride in the groundwater in Anuradhapura district. Groundwater problems in Ruhuna stemmed mainly from the tsunami and its aftermath. It appeared that just as the wells were recovering from the salinity and other impurities brought in by the tsunami, people who had been provided with emergency pipe borne water supplies were filling up their wells. Another interesting paper drew attention to the relation between the water table behaviour in different elements of the landscape and micro-variability in the occurrence of salts and fluorides.  It threw light on the mystery of the multiplicity of tanks almost running into each other in the cascade systems of this semi-arid environment, which indicated that not all tanks were built for irrigation, but that some served only as storage tanks to replenish the water table in the cultivated areas and/or to recharge the tanks in use.  

 

The fourth technical session dealt with Health Issues in groundwater use. An overview of the health problems caused by the contamination of groundwater by various agents was given. The lack of systematic data for diseases originating from the consumption of groundwater was underscored. Papers specifically dealing with the health issues in the North Central Province, viz. dental and skeletal fluorosis and chronic kidney disease were presented, leading to a general consensus that a multi-disciplinary task force was required to conduct investigations on these problems. A number of lines of investigation involving research into Aluminum interactions and epidemiological studies of records maintained by MOHs and PHIs were discussed. Appropriate methods of prevention such as the distribution of cheap defluoridators and the use of unconventional additives for purification and clarification such as “murunga” (Moringa oleifera) seed powder were suggested.

 

The workshop ended with a Summing-up/ Plenary Session in which cross-cutting issues such as the gender dimension in groundwater access and use, environmental issues and research needs were discussed. The workshop also discussed the time and labour spent by women in collecting and transporting water, the failure and lack of maintenance of tube wells, the need to regulate the use of ground water when the resource is limited, the need for training and the need to conduct strategic environmental assessments when any large scale project is mooted. A special presentation was made by Mr. A. D. N. Fernando outlining his studies on the groundwater resources of Sri Lanka over many years. He emphasized the need for aligning the administrative boundaries in Sri Lanka with the watershed boundaries and drew attention to the need for conjunctive use of water resources in the country’s development programmes. 

 

The objective of the plenary session was to formulate policy recommendations to achieve sustainable groundwater utilization in Sri Lanka. Following a lively discussion in which participants from all the disciplines and institutions represented at the workshop participated, it was concluded that:

  1. On account of the fact that the NASSL draws its membership from all disciplines involved, it would be the most appropriate body to carry this exercise forward towards developing a national groundwater policy, within the context of an overall national water policy for Sri Lanka

  2. The NASSL should organize a follow-up workshop to develop such a national policy. Some felt that it would be better to draw up a set of recommendations and guidelines for the protection and utilization of the groundwater resource rather than get bogged down in formulating a national policy.

  3. The proceedings of this workshop should be published by NASSL and all authors should submit their full papers to the editor of the NASSL


Last living coral reef cleaned up

A coral reef described as the last remaining living, extensive reef in the country’s south coast, was cleaned up in an effort where international and local agencies worked together, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry said.

The initiative was aimed at improving the quality and condition of the Kapparathota coral reef in Weligama Bay, the Ministry said in a statement.

Most coral reef habitats in the southern coast, have been seriously degraded, posing a significant risk to the sustainable continuity of the fisheries industry, it said.

"High pollution levels and physical damage to coral reefs have lowered their potential to recover.

"Efforts are underway and will continue through this clean up programme to save the Kapparathota Coral Reef, which is the last remaining living, extensive reef in the southern coast."

The Ministry said the clean up will contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources in the country and ensure that many species dependent on the marine habitat are protected.

Coral reefs including those affected in 1998 during the widespread coral bleaching event and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

"Their recovery has been slow and variable," the statement said.

"Coral reefs are the breeding and nursery grounds for a large number of marine species. In addition, they provide coastal protection, are important for coastal tourism and for the marine fish industry."

Destructive fishing methods, coastal development and uncontrolled resource exploitation has had a serious negative impact on the status of coral reefs and marine life that depends on them

The Food and Agriculture Organization, Canada International Development Agency, International Fund for Agriculture Development, and Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency were involved in the project.

Courtesy of The Island 3/10/2009


Moratuwa University the world’s best

University of Moratuwa has once again proved that it is one of the best universities in the world by winning the highly competitive ‘Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)’ called ‘Google Summer of Code’, which tests the creativity, talents, proven abilities and performance of students, the Ministry of Higher Education said yesterday.

The annual competition was inaugurated in 2005. In the performances during the last four years the University of Moratuwa was ranked first among 1,193 universities, surpassing even the University of Toronto, Canada.

This was possible due to the outstanding achievements of undergraduates and post graduate students, the Ministry said.

Courtesy of The Island 03/10/2009


Science and technology spending 0.13 percent of GDP
Govt. needs to spend more on science and technology – Prof. Vitharana

By Devan Daniel

Prof. Tissa Vitharana

With the war over, a senior Minister said Sri Lanka must spend more on science and technology, particularly in research and development, if the country is to achieve higher levels of economic growth and eradicate poverty.

Investing now...for our future...

"Sadly, governments have not spent as much as they should have on science and technology and this is most unfortunate," Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Minister of Science and technology said.

"We have been asking the government for more funds but because of the war they have not been able to allocate more funds to the ministry. Government expenditure on science and technology, research and development currently amounts to about 0.13 percent of GDP," Prof. Vitharana said.

"Despite the difficult times the US economy is going through, President Obama has actually increased government expenditure on science and technology. It is unfortunate that the government of Sri Lanka does not seem to realize the importance of investing in science," he said.

A characteristic of many of the country’s economic policies have been short sighted; a quick fix is often perceived to be favourable rather than the long term gains because politicians need something tangible to show come election time. It seems this is why adequate expenditure to boost the country’s technological capabilities is over looked. True there was a war, but there was also wasteful, inefficient spending at the same time.

"Investments made to develop a country’s technological capabilities have a time lag. The benefits of such investments will take a longer time to be apparent unlike other infrastructure developments, such as roads," Prof. Vitharana said.

Research and development and improving the country’s technological capabilities are important and perhaps something that cannot be overlooked.

People will have to be fed. If Sri Lanka is to improve its agriculture sector, research and development in this area is paramount.

The country will have to earn its foreign exchange. If Sri Lanka’s exports are to remain competitive in the long term, introducing advanced technological processes will be crucial. Also, Gaining market access to the EU and US will require exports to be produced through certified environmental friendly processes.

Employment opportunities must be created. Even the domestic industrial sector will have to make vast strides if enough employment is to be generated.

"We need to develop our SME sector (which contributes over 80 percent to GDP) if our economy is to move forward. For this we need to get better technologies across. Competitor countries are developing newer technologies and we must keep pace with them," Prof. Vitharana said.

"We need greater investments in order to do all this and help people get out of poverty. The war is over, now we need to be a country making advances in science and technology," he said.

Courtesy of The Sunday Times