Minister bemoans neglect of science and technology

Chaminda Perera

Science and Technology Minister Professor Tissa Vitharana yesterday said poor investment in science and technology based research activities over the past few decades has retarded the country's development.

The Minister was speaking at a press conference to mark the 40th anniversary of National Science Foundation and its affiliatary organisations at the Galle Face Hotel on Friday.

"The Treasury has been allocating only 0.13 per cent of GDP for science and technology based research activities when other developing countries in the region set apart over 2 per cent out of their GDPs," the Minister said.

"Our scientists leave country seeking greener pastures as they do not have a conducive environment to perform their research. They do not have adequate facilities, proper recognition here. Over 10 per cent of staff at NASA are Sri Lankans."

He said most of these scientists are ready to help their Motherland if a viable programme is implemented to develop science and technology based research field which is indispensable for the development of a country.

"The country is faced with imminent food and energy shortage and most developing countries have made use of their full potential in exploring cost effective alternative energy sources," he said.

Sri Lankan scientists should be encouraged to develop alternative energy sources to replace oil. "We should strive to devise a strategy to reduce the soaring oil bill, he said. "Our country will plunge further deep into the mire of poverty if it failed to resort to alternative energy sources soon," the Minister said.

"Our scientists have made many inventions through research. Sri Lankan tea exports received a tremendous boost after Sri Lankan scientists explored that tea has a medicinal proportion which can heal many ailments. Sri Lankan scientists have also developed a robot which is capable of detecting mines. This machine is today used to clear mine fields in the North and East," the Minister said.

"Most of developed countries in the region are using ultra modern technology to augment their country's productivity and human resources. But we have failed to grasp them."

"Our agriculture sector is facing a number of threats due to the usage of weedicide and pesticide.

Our yields have come down and a number of diseases are spreading. Scientists should develop strategies to promote organic farming in Sri Lanka," the Minister said. "Kidney diseases are rampant in the North Central Province. Our researchers should work out a comprehensive plan to decrease this menace," he said.

"The Ministry jointly with the National Science Foundation will soon introduce Nano technology to Sri Lanka through which vast development in agricultural, industrial and Human resources related fields could be expected.

The Government could not shoulder this venture alone. We expect private sector participation for this purpose. Donor countries have also agreed to help us.

The National Science Foundation has also launched a massive campaign to educate schoolchildren and the public about Nano technology. Sri Lankan scientists domiciled in Britain and other European countries who are playing a leading role in promoting this technology in their respective countries have pledged to grant maximum cooperation towards Sri Lanka's efforts," he said.