In pursuit of development:

'Scientists must be encouraged'

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Scientists must be encouraged to carry out innovative research programmes to develop the country's agriculture sector, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said.

"Science can be used either in a good way or bad way. If it is used in a bad way it brings destruction and if it is used in a good way it brings lots of advantages to the country," he said. The Prime Minister was addressing the National Awards Ceremony of excellence in Agricultural Research organized by the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) at the BMICH Thursday.

"Sri Lankan scientists are clever. They do a great service to the country and also to other countries. Sri Lanka is self sufficient in rice and also produces enough vegetables and fruits for local consumption. Scientists have done a great job in this endeavour. They should be encouraged to do innovative research to develop the agricultural sector," said the Prime Minister.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene said that knowledge is not enough to do research. Dedication, patience and courage are also important to do on best research. Development of a country is based on research, he said.

The SLCARP is the umbrella organization of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). It initiated the National Award Scheme to give due recognition to scientists for their outstanding contribution to Agricultural Research, said the Minister.

North Central Province Agriculture Minister K.H. Nandadasa, Agriculture Ministry Secretary K.E. Karunathilake, Council for Agricultural Research Policy chairman J.D. Samarasinghe and Director Prabath Wimal Kumara also participated.