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Scientist of the Year Award to Dr. A. H. M. Jayasuriya

Dr. A. H. M. Jayasuriya, Director of the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Department of Agriculture has been awarded the 'Scientist of the Year Award for 2002' at the Annual Symposium of the Department of Agriculture. He is one of the three recipients to win this award.

Dr. Jayasuriya's contribution towards conserving the Biological Diversity of Sri Lanka, especially his discovery of the highly invasive and noxious weed Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) which poses a serious threat to the country's flora and human health, and subsequent campaigns to create awareness and control its spread has earned him this accolade.

A specialist in plant genetics, his research has led to the discovery of a range of new plants that were thought to be extinct.

Dr. Jayasuriya has also been responsible for the documentation of Sri Lanka's indigenous plants during his stint as a consultant for IUCN's National Conservation Review Project.

The work emphasises the need for the development of a protected area system for Sri Lanka's natural forests.

The recommendations of this project are now being implemented by the Forest Conservation Department.

He is also an advisor to the Menikdena Arboretum Environment Project, conducted by Trinity College, Kandy. The project involving schoolchildren has led to the establishment of a 16 hectare biodiversity park.

Named Menikdena, it is widely used by schoolchildren, university students and even tourists for both research and recreational activities. He has authoured over 46 research publications for both international and local scientific journals and books.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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