Nano-technology can revolutionize Lanka's economy - Minister Vitharana

Hiran H. Senewiratne

Nanoscience and Nano-technology are fast emerging as multi disciplinary fields that can revolutionize the Sri Lankan economy, Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana said.

"Sri Lanka has many resources including a large pool of skilled human capital, which must be harnessed to develop this promising technology.

To eliminate poverty in rural areas we have to infuse new technology, " Prof Vitarana told a media conference on Nano- technology. He said recognizing the importance of Nano-technology, the Science and Technology Ministry together with the National Science Foundation (NSF) introduced cutting edge nano-technology innovations into our local industries, in 2007.

"By using nano-technology we could increase productivity and also improve the quality of products. We can be competitive in the export markets especially in the agriculture sector, he said.

The Cabinet of Ministers on the recommendation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has endorsed the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and approved the setting up of a Nano technology Research Centre within a Nano Science Park, he said.

He said as a preliminary step an advanced national nano-technology research centre, Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology (SLINTEC) was established in the Biyagama industrial zone, in May 2008 as a collaborative effort by the Government and the private sector enabling scientists to investigate into applications in nano-technology.

Minister Vitarana said with the setting up the proposed Nano-technology park at Homagama, the country could promote local and international scientists into the country to perform research and development work for local industrialists.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Chairperson Prof. Sirimali Fernando said there are several leading local scientists working in leading universities on nano technology.

"We could obtain their assistance to develop the technology locally. So far the Government has invested Rs 350 million for the development of the sector and looking for a donor agency to build the proposed Park in three years," she said.

This project is operating through the NSF. The proposed Nano Park by the Ministry of Science and Technology will initially recruit 72 engineers and researchers to the entity. In future they will recruit more of them including foreign researchers. So far several leading companies like Hayley's, Dialog, Load, Star and Brandix and MAS Holdings are working with SLINTEC for their research purposes, she said.

Renuka Rodrigo of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Sri Lanka said they are looking at possibilities to introduce this technology to micro level to large scale enterprises.