Collective effort needed to tackle Bio-piracy - Prof Tissa Vitarana

Disna MUDALIGE

A collective effort should be made to prevent the continuation of bio-piracy, said Scientific Affairs Senior Minister Prof Tissa Vitarana. He noted that certain action is required to safeguard Sri Lankan biological resources from piracy threats. He observed that counteracting the prevailing threats to indigenous biodiversity and knowledge by foreign patents is not an easy task.

"A taskforce was appointed last year to look into this issue understanding the importance of a collective approach in this regard" he said.

Technology and Research Ministry Secretary Dhara Wijayatilake said action is being taken gradually to create the necessary background for the protection of indigenous biodiversity and knowledge.

She said that the Ministry has come forward to extend more opportunities and facilities for local researchers to conduct researches within the country.

Meanwhile Environmental Lawyer and Committee Member of the Taskforce Jagath Gunawardena revealed that the Japanese Fuji Film Corporation has extended four applications within past eight months to the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking patent rights for various properties of Kothala Himbutu (Salacia) plant.