Global economic crisis:

Nanotechnology, an answer? - Snr. President FCCISL

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

Tissa Jayaweera

Nanotechnology could be one of the answers to the global economic crisis by way of Nano capsules for pesticides, fertilizer, agro chemicals lighter, stronger and heat resistant food packaging with silicate nano-particles, said Senior President FCCISL Tissa Jayaweera.

He was addressing a seminar on ‘Nanotechnology for National Development’ at the NSF Auditorium in Colombo yesterday.

He said that it is assumed that unless industrialists come up with innovative products the markets will not be sustainable.

Commercial progress in Nanotechnology requires standards, based on science and engineering and it is important to network with all stakeholders to promote initiatives and technology to the industry to add value.

Therefore, research reports should be available and promoted in the industry, he said. Prof. Ajith de Alwis of the Sri Lanka Nano Technology Institute (SLINTEC) who spoke on “Global Trends:

Nanotechnology Applications in Food and Agriculture said that there are over 600 nano food products available in the market worldwide and the nano food market has been soaring from USD 2.6 billion in 2003 to USD 5.3 billion in 2005. It is expected to reach USD 20.4 billion in 2015.

At present more than 600 companies around the world are active in research, development and production. USA is the leader followed by Japan and China. By 2015 Asia, with more than fifty percent of the world’s population, will become the biggest market for Nanofood with China in the leading position, Alwis said.

He regretted that Sri Lanka is far below the line in exposing nanotechnology and not delivering value for Sri Lankan economy.

Veranja Karunaratne of SLINTEC said that Sri Lakan scientists can make a massive difference in National Development by helping to exploit good technologies. She said that Nanotechnology is still in its infancy state and big breakthroughs may appear in any nation at any time. However, it should be implemented with care in synergy with the environment and life cycle analysis.

The Sri Lankan Government through SLINTEC and NANCO has supported nanotechnology technopreneurship, she said.