Biotechnology is a branch of science and technology that uses living organisms, their products or their biological processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of the planet. The field transverses various sectors and if harnessed properly, can be a useful tool for socio-economic development in Sri Lanka. This includes enhancing food production, improving healthcare, incorporating industrial techniques as well as promoting bioenergy, biodiversity conservation and clean energy.
In keeping with this vital role that biotechnology has in the country, the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) has organised a series of Biotechnology symposia for 2019. This year’s theme was conceptualised by the incumbent General President of SLAAS – Prof Preethi Udagama, who is a Senior Professor in Zoology, University of Colombo and is organised by the Science & Technology Advisory Committee, SLAAS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology & Research.
The objective of this symposia is to discuss the various areas and applications of biotechnology – Medical, Reproductive, Environmental, Industrial, Aquatic, Nanobiotechnology and Bioinformatics in the context of Sri Lanka, while considering the ethical, legal and social implications. While sharing information, this is also a useful opportunity to keep track of all the biotechnology research carried out in the past and present in Sri Lanka, and determine the gaps to be addressed in the future.
According to Prof Preethi “Biotechnology research carried out in Sri Lanka should produce marketable outputs and innovations that will ultimately contribute to the GDP of the nation. This symposia series showcases biotech research carried out in Sri Lanka and is aimed at educating the general public in biotechnology, as well as building collaborations for research and development. Furthermore, SLAAS is collecting comprehensive information on ‘Biotechnology Research & Applications Landscape of Sri Lanka: past perspectives, current status & future trends’ to compile a report that is useful to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, and for funding agencies to identify future directions/needs of biotech research in the country for revenue generation.”
A total of seven symposia have been scheduled over the entire year, to be held in various locations, and are free for all to attend. So far, four successful symposia have been hosted, attracting close to 450 participants in total, covering 1) Traditional knowledge-based biotechnologies in Sri Lanka; 2) Reproductive biotechnology; 3) Medical biotechnology and 4) Agriculture biotechnology. A fifth session on Nanobiotechnology & Bioinformatics is scheduled to be held on October 17th 2019.
The symposia involve leading state universities throughout the country, as well as private research centres, ensuring that all relevant parties in Sri Lanka are included. SLAAS has brought together many prominent stakeholders, distinguished academics and brilliant research minds, from both Sri Lanka and overseas, to ensure the success of these talks.
So far, the sessions have had effective keynote speeches from Dr. Sirimal Premakumara – Faculty of Nursing, University of Colombo; Prof. Harshalal Senevirathne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo; Prof. Charani Ranasinghe, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University; and Dr. Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Consortium, India, who have shared their knowledge and findings to help pave the way for further biotechnology development in the country. To support each symposium, prominent resource persons affiliated to a variety of institutes share their expertise and research, bringing a well-rounded outlook on this important field.
The next biotechnology session will tackle the topic of Nanobiotechnology & Bioinformatics and is scheduled to be held on October 17th 2019, at the Institute of Architects auditorium, Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 7, from 9 am to 5 pm. The general public is warmly welcomed to attend these symposia and learn more about biotechnology and its impact for a sustainable future in Sri Lanka. The sessions are free to attend with lunch and refreshments provided, but require online pre-registration (please see www.slaas.lk for link, or contact 011-2688740 SLAAS Headquarters for more info).
Written by Dimuthu Sachiko de Silva based on information provided by Prof. Preethi Udagama, Incumbent General President of SLAAS.
