Pesticides’ abuse cause of cancer

He said a study conducted by a committee led by him appointed by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the reasons for cancer concluded that this was due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

The main causes of cancer are the indiscriminate use of pesticides in the fields and elsewhere, says Minister of Science and Technology Professor Tissa Vitharane.

He said a study conducted by a committee led by him appointed by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the reasons for cancer concluded that this was due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

He said pesticides are imported into the country in bulk and then diluted and whether the dilution is in the correct proportions is a matter for concern.

The minister was speaking at the launch of the National Standards for Bio-gas held at Gannoruwa Institute of Continuing Education of the Department of Animal Production. Gannoruwa.

In order to standardise the manufacture of Bio-gas units, two books ' The code of practice for Design and Construction of Biogas systems" were launched here. Another book a translation of' Bio Gas technology' by one of the Bio Gas pioneers, G.K.Upawansa was also launched at this ceremony.

The books were handed over by the Chairman of the Sei Lanka Standards Institute Dr.A.R.L.Wijesekera to the Minister.

Minister of Livestock and Infrastructure Development C.B. Ratnayake addressing the participants said that to a certain extent Bio-Gas could be an area which could curtail the used of other energy resources. He said in the 1980's large reservoirs were built to obtain energy and later they had to also install generators for this purpose and towards this end a large amount of fuel had to be used. Now the move is to use coal for the operation of energy by steam operations.

“When we speak of Bio Gas, huge strides have been made by India and China. These governments faced the problem of an ever increasing population and they then turned to Bio Gas as an energy source,” he added.

Dr Vitharane said that in most industrialised countries where they have animals such as cows, broilers and other types of animals, Bio Gas is extensively used especially near farms. (LB)