French scientists to Exchange expertise with Sri Lanka
Nadira Gunatilleke
Colombo: The sixty-year-old relationship between Sri Lanka and
France will be strengthened and researchers of both countries will be
benefited from the Sri Lanka-France collaboration in improving
microbiological diagnosis and surveillance tools, French Ambassador
Michel Lummaux said.
He was addressing the inauguration of `Improvement of the
Microbiological Diagnosis and Surveillance tools' to be held at Medical
Research Institute (MRI), Colombo from March 19 to 30.
He said that this collaboration is the first step of a cooperation
that is going to last for a long time. "Nations cannot think rationally
any more. Like any other things viruses travel very quickly all over the
world and it should be addressed globally", he added.
Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said Prof.
Tissa Vitharana gives a dynamic leadership for the Mahinda Chinthanaya.
He pointed out that France and Sri Lanka have numerous connections and
similarities. Minister commended the significant support extended
towards Sri Lanka by the French Government during Tsunami disaster.
Sri Lankan people are intelligent and talented. What is lacking is
proper training. Sri Lanka will be immensely benefited by this programme.
The Minister also pointed out that the MRI is dominated by ladies and
they deliver a commendable service by not doing private practice like
other doctors.
The results of research and findings should contribute to the
wellbeing of the common man. Only then there will be less Chikungunya
and dengue fever. These services should not be limited to the elite of
Colombo. The monopoly of the MLTs will be over by next few years, he
said.
Science and Technology Minister Prof.Tissa Vitharana said that the
potentials of the MRI will be developed with the assistance of French
Government.
The responsibility of the MRI is facing and controlling epidemics
successfully, he added.
It is expected to exchange knowledge, experience and data between Sri
Lankan and French scientists. Lecture and workshops will take place at
the MRI for local researchers and scientists.
French Government has provided all equipment required for the
training. Acting Director, MRI, Dr. Lulu Rachid, Healthcare and
Nutrition Ministry Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage and the Head of
the Department of Virology, Dr. Geethani Wickremesingha also spoke. WHO
Representative Dr. S. Puri and Coordinator Dr. Fredrik Gay and several
others were also present. |