Workshop on ‘Air Quality’ at UOP
View(s):A scientific training workshop on ‘Air Quality Awareness and Management’ organized jointly by Board of Study in Chemical Sciences, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) and Central Environmental Authority (CEA) was held on 8th of November 2018 at PGIS Auditorium. Environmental Officers working in Central, North-Western and North-Central provinces as well as PGIS students were the targeted group of the workshop. The programme aimed to introduce state-of-the-art knowledge on air quality awareness and management as a national service to enhance the capacity building of Environmental Officers who are involved in implementing National Environmental Policy in the country.
At present, air quality degradation is a major environmental issue with a global foot print. According to recent statistics, air pollution is the most prominent, environmental factor which causes about seven million deaths of people around the world per year. Thus, proper monitoring of air quality and implementing a systematic air quality management programmes are needed to reduce the impact of air pollution on people. In such circumstances the scientific training workshop conducted by PGIS and CEA is an excellent platform for the policy makers as well as early career student researchers to get an awareness on air quality management. This one day programme featured a lecture series and a panel discussion with the participants. Prof. H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala, the Acting Director of Postgraduate Institute of Science welcomed the gathering to the workshop.
The workshop was conducted by a panel of eminent academics and researchers who are currently engaged in air quality monitoring and management. Prof. D. G. G. Parakrama Karunaratne ((Dept. of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Peradeniya), Dr. M.P. Deeyamulla (Dept. of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya), Dr. Anushka Elangasinghe (Dept. of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Peradeniya), Mr. H.D.S. Premasiri (Senior Scientist, National Building Research Organization) and Dr. A.G.T. Sugathapala (Dept. of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa) conducted the lectures at the workshop covering different themes related to Air Quality Awareness and Management’ including ‘Introduction to air quality in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Air Pollution Control Devices’, ‘Air Quality Analysis and Evolution’, ‘Air Quality Modeling’, ‘Industrial Air Emissions and Regulatory Interventions; Stationary and Mobile Sources’ respectively.
The awareness session was followed by a panel discussion which was chaired by Prof. A. D. L. C. Perera (Board of Study in Chemical Sciences). Dr. A.C.A. Jayasundera, Co-ordinator of the workshop delivered the Vote of Thanks, marking the end of the programme. The workshop was sponsored by the Central Environmental Authority.
-Kusala Premaratne