A group of scientists from NASA was in Sri Lanka past few days and investigating few locations including Ussangoda, Ginigalapelessa, and Indikolapelessa in southern parts of the island. The group `is currently engaged in a project to investigate an initiative to start a possible plant cultivation on mars, through their research here in Sri Lanka they expect to find a geologically similar soil types to the ones they see on Mars and see the challenges they have to face when starting a habitat on those soils.
Mr. Donald R. Hood, a scientist from this group delivered a guest lecture yesterday (15th August) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and described the importance of their research work and explained geology of Mars and the major issues we have to face when establishing a crop on Martian soils. According to Mr. Hood the team is working on Rocks, Biology of the living organisms found in these areas, and chemical and physical nature of the soils in order to determine a suitable way of establishing a crop cultivation on Martian soils.
Prof. Suniti Karunathilake a Sri Lankan born scientist from the Planetary Science Laboratory of Lusiana State University in United States led the team and was accompanied by Prof. Maheshi Dasanayake, another Sri Lankan born scientist who undertook the genetic studies of the project.
University students, lecturers and other guests participated the lecture and it had been organized by the Section D of the Sri Lanka Asociation for the Advancement of Science.
I’m proud to be a Sri Lankan
I love astronomy
I like to go straight on biology after a/levels as a biologist and I’m currently studying in the science section in a/levels. I love astrobiology and if I achieve it one day is there any job in Sri Lanka to apply for or should I travel to another country to have a job?