Work in harmony with society - Science and Technology Minister
Manjari Peiris
"The scientists in the ITI should take the challenge of using the
relevant type of research and technology and forge ahead to be the
leader in the world. This journey cannot be taken in isolation; we must
merge and work in harmony with society to ensure maximum results".
Minister of Science and Technology Professor Tissa Vitarana, said so
at a ceremony held at Thalahena, Malabe, to lay foundation stone to
build a new office complex for the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI)
which is located at present at Bauddhaloka Mawatha.
The Minister stressed the importance of the ITI playing a very
significant role in the future development of Sri Lanka's economy. "It
has already identified improving of technologies in four areas, viz.
Industrial Bio-technology, advancement of material science, post harvest
technology and national product based development."
The Minister said that we have to be on par with other countries and
should try to add value to our material before we export them to other
countries to avoid giving benefits to other countries of our own
products.
"We have been able to use science and technology effectively for the
growth of the national economy. If we are provided with the necessary
funds, we should be able to a lot more. "said Professor Wijaya Kumar,
the Chairperson of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI).
Dr. M.A.M. Mubarak, the Director ITI said that in 1955 on the
recommendation of the World Bank the ITI was established to promote
domestic researches. Ten acres of land worth of Rs. 285 million has been
provided by the UDA to ITI for construction of a new spacious building.
The foundation stone was laid at Malabe recently for the construction of
this building which would be completed in two phases. The total cost of
construction of this building would be Rs. 3.85 billion. |