News

“The Government plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing scientific education and research in Sri Lanka”. – Prime Minister

Published

1 year ago

2025/01/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the Chief Guest at the Ceremonial Induction of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science [SLAAS] held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on Tuesday [7th].

Prof. Udeni P. Nawagamuwa was appointed as the President for the year 2025 of SLAAS,

The Prime Minister in her address stated that,”As Sri Lanka’s foremost scientific body, SLAAS represents a diverse and dynamic community with over 5,000 members spanning various disciplines. SLAAS is a true testament to the richness and breadth of Sri Lanka’s scientific landscape. SLAAS consistently fosters the growth of science and technology, equipping future generations of scientists with the tools and knowledge to address both local and global challenges. As we celebrate this accomplishment, we must also recognize our challenges and focus on areas for development. A vibrant intellectual community, strong research and development infrastructure, and opportunities and mentoring for younger researchers are essential for a country’s development.

However, if we reflect on our own situation, we must acknowledge that we cannot be happy with our current status quo. Our research culture doesn’t really reward innovation and creativity. Our researchers become too instrumental, often focusing on promotion schemes rather than the love of knowledge and curiosity about the world around us. Science becomes an essential part of every child’s education. Science education and research must, while ensuring theoretical and methodological rigor, also make sure that it’s impactful. This is vital for our country.

The Government plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing scientific education and research in Sri Lanka. We cannot be satisfied with the role we are currently playing. Our government has articulated a comprehensive approach to advancing science and technology in Sri Lanka. Our policy framework, titled Quantum Leap, emphasizes the government’s pivotal role in leading science and technology initiatives.

This structure aims to ensure that Sri Lanka remains or becomes a hub of scientific discovery and technological progress. Additionally, our government has unveiled a science and technology policy framework, underscoring our dedication to prioritizing science and research as essential drivers of economic recovery and national development.”

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

56 mins ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

Latest News

Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

News

PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.