Sri Lanka heralds nanotechnology
By Lalin FERNANDOPULLE
Sri Lanka will be a destination for nanotechnology research and
development, said Chairman (SLINTEC) Dr. Mahesh Amalean, at a ceremony
to launch the partnership between SLINTEC and Nagarjuna Fertilisers and
Chemicals Ltd,(NFCL), India to develop the next generation
nanotechnology-based plant nutrition solutions.
Dr. Amalean said that the partnership with Nagarjuna Group, a global
leader in chemicals and fertiliser is the first step towards achieving
this vision.
In a brief span of three years SLINTEC has been able to gain global
recognition due to its accomplishment in research and development.
“The strategic partnership is a result of extensive scientific
research of eminent scientists in the country. The international
collaboration on nanotechnoly is proof of Sri Lanka's potential in the
science and technology sector”, he said.
The partnership will boost productivity and income of farmers and
create a sustainable business for both countries. Nagarjuna will
purchase first generation nano plant nutrition products taking it from
proof of concept to proof of value for commercialisation.
NFCL is a recognised integrated agri-fertiliser brand in India. The
company was set up in 1974.
SLINTEC will carry out research and Nagarjuna will develop the
product.The investment of the project is estimated at Rs. 800 million.
Dr. Amalean paid tribute to the team that initiated the collaboration
which is the first international venture of SLINTEC which gained steady
momentum during the past three years in research and development.
SLINTEC was set up as a result of a nanotechnology initiative
approved by the Cabinet in 2006. The institute which began research in
August 2009 is a private-public partnerhsip enterprise.The institute has
filed seven patents and is recognised for world class research.
Senior Advisor Nagarjuna Fertilisers and Chemicals, R.S Nanda said
that Nagarjuna has a vision for research and development and added that
the strategic tie-up will help enhance nutritional efficiency and
address environment degradation.
Vice President and Head of Emerging Technologies Division, NFCL Dr.
Banibrata Pandey said that NFCL aims at building a long-term business
partnership with SLINTEC as an exclusive nanotechnology research hub for
its nano plant nutrition program. |