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| Sunday, 21 September 2003 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Flower arrangements made more flexible Flowers and leaves made out of natural rubber latex is the invention of Manel Mahanama, an employee attached to the Department of Rubber Technology and Development, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. The invention is an ideal replacement for natural flowers and leaves in various applications including floral decorations. "The knowledge I received while performing my official duties helped me to introduce this new technology and I am very happy that I have been able to use the knowledge I gained for a valuable cause," said Mahanama. She received the Presidential Award for Inventions 2001 (awarded in 2003) from the Commission of Presidential Awards for Inventions for this technology for which she has also got patent rights. The technology offers many advantages, among them are low cost of production, minimum space and attention requirements during packaging and transportation, ability to withstand any weather condition and as the basic raw material is natural rubber latex, it is non-toxic, washable and bio-degradable, and hence environment friendly. Manufacturing of flowers and leaves using natural rubber latex can be promoted as a cottage industry due to the simplicity of the technique and the low cost of production, Mahanama said. Also, flowers made like this are similar in appearance to natural flowers due to the soft, smooth texture and the flexibility of the components. "I can make any flower with this technology, be it roses, anthuriams or orchids," she said. She said that once the technology is promoted as an industry, people who dress brides or brides themselves will be able to make the bouquets well ahead of the wedding day as unlike natural flowers, rubber latex flowers will not dry or fade. Mahanama is presently conducting more experiments on the product. She has plans of exporting it to other countries as well to earn foreign exchange for the country. |
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