Develop Nano technology for economic development

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

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Sri Lanka has much potential of rising from poverty levels if Nano technology is harnessed for the country’s economic development in the future.

Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Tissa Vitarana, who was the Chief Guest at the National Science Foundation’s celebrations told a media briefing organised last week to celebrate 40 years of service that Sri Lanka should develop Nano technology for economic development.

“Nano technology will affect all types of industry in the future, be it the garment, rubber, tyres, activated carbon or electronics industry.”

“We will not be able to compete with international products unless we adopt Nano technology and have the support of Sri Lankan scientists working abroad who are experts in Nano technology. We need Rs. 5 billion to develop Nano technology that is sweeping the world.”

The Minister said that they were trying to find ways and means of securing the funding through the private sector.

He said despite local scientists making an effort to improve science and technology in the country the government has failed to realise its key role. It was unfortunate that while developed countries over the years have invested more than two per cent of their GDP on science, technology and research, the government had invested only 0.13 per cent of the GDP, on an average basis.

The Treasury had put science and technology in to the slow track by grudgingly releasing money for research and development. However, countries such as Korea, Taiwan and Singapore have invested more than three per cent of their GDP on science and technology. The village economy of our country improves when technology was provided, he said.

Prof. Vitarana said that there was a brain drain due to lack of facilities, other conditions and poor salaries. A large number of scientists and technologists are leaving for countries such as the USA, Britain and Australia. He said over 10 per cent of the staff at the NASA are Sri Lankans and some are holding high positions.

“We simply cannot afford to lose these brains and talents.” He said a robot named Murali was developed by a Sri Lankan scientist to detect and defuse bombs that had helped to save several lives.

He said economic and social development was taking place throughout the world through the application of science and technology. Poor countries have become rich through investments in science and technology along with research and development.

The gap between the rich and poor countries was the technology gap. Chairperson of the National Science Foundation Prof. Sirimali Fernando said the Foundation supports all ages-from school children to mature scientists engaged in scientific research.

The National Science Foundation set up the Nano research program in 2006 in conjunction with the Ministry of Science and Technology. “The success of the program will provide an impetus for the economic development of the country.”

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a government organisation established under the Science and Technology Development Act No 11 of 1994. The NSF is the successor to the Natural Resource, Energy and Science Authority (NARESA) and the National Science Council (NSC) set up in 1968.