Call to reintroduce Nano Science in schools

By Gamini WARUSHAMANA

Sri Lanka should popularise Nano Science at school level to gain economic control in nano technology- based industries. Nano Science should be re-introduced in school syllabuses said Dr. Prabath Hewageegana of the Department of Physics of the University of Kelaniya. Nano Science should be taught at school level so that students have a basic knowledge and the foundation in Nano Science should be strong to enable applications in nano technology.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has recognised nano technology-based applications and potential industries and institutions have been set up. Strengthening Nano Science education is crucial for sustainable development in the field. Sri Lanka can easily develop a sufficient pool of professionals and a work force in the next 10-15 years.

The Government's motivation and support is important and more research funds should be made available to universities and other research institutions, he said.

Dr.Hewageegana published a book in Sinhala last week to disseminate knowledge of Nano Science to teachers, students and those interested in this new subject.

The book is written in simple language to introduce key elements of the subject.

“Nano Science was in the syllabus for the GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level but was later removed because there were no teachers who had the knowledge of the subject.

Another complaint from teachers was that there were no text books in Sinhala for reference.

My objective is to fulfill this requirement and if the authorities want to develop this sector they should re-introduce Nano Science in the school syllabus” Dr.Hewageegana said. Senior Prof. of Physics, W.P. Siripala said that the importance of Nano Science is that it can be applied in every field.

Today it is applied in medicine,agriculture, and many other industries. This new science will generate the next revolution in science and therefore expansion of the knowledge in Nano Science was essential.

This is the first book on Nano Science written in Sinhala. Dr. Hewageegana who completed his PhD in Nano Science at Georgia State University, USA is one of the local experts in the field and has published a number of research papers in Nano Science locally and internationally, Prof. Siripala said.