Annual SLAAS sessions start on Dec. 10

The ceremonial inauguration of the 62nd Annual Sessions of The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) will be held on December 10 at the BMICH from 2 p.m. onwards. The theme this year is 'Science and Regional Development in Sri Lanka' and the seminar on the subject is to be held on December 11.

The sessions are in keeping with the main aims of the Association, which are to publicise science and scientific knowledge among the public and school children and to encourage young scientists in their endeavours. With almost 7,000 members, the SLAAS prides itself on being one of the largest vocational institutions in the country.

A highlight of this event is to be the presentation of several awards to prize winners from the Sectional Committees, the General Research Committee and the Environment Committee. For the first time, awards will be presented to winners of the Science Drama Competition held by the Physical Science Section of the Association. A special award is also to be presented to the student who obtained the highest marks in Combined Mathematics at the G.C.E. A/L examination. The Environment Award this year is to be presented to Mitra Shiran Ganewatta of Ananda College for his production of handmade paper by recycling of used paper.

The sectional scientific sessions will be held from December 12 to 15 at the SLAAS headquarters and the Institute of Engineers. Many presidential addresses and guest lectures on important themes are to be part of the events. Among these are the lecture on 'Nanobiotechnology for Diagnosis' by Professor Geetha Bali of Bangalore University, India and a lecture on 'Building Partnerships for Development: Communities & Communications' by Professor Patrick Wakely, Emeritus Professor, Urban Development, Development Planning Unit, University College of London.

The Chief Guest at the inauguration will be the Minister of Science and Technology, Tissa Vitarana. The Guest of Honour will be the Minister of Urban Development and Water Supply, Dinesh Gunawardena and the keynote address will be delivered by Professor C.M. Maddumabandara. The National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka is the main sponsor of the annual sessions..