World Science Day

Imagine a future not so far away, one in which, for instance, you would never have to bother about your parents admonishing you for stains on your clothes… Any stain, be it ketchup from junk food or mud from an afternoon spent making mud pies, will be prevented from ruining your clothes! No more grumbling parents complaining of stubborn stains, and forbidding you from doing what you want! All this will soon be made possible by way of a breakthrough in the field of technology, known as ‘nano technology.’

Around 1200 students from 300 schools island wide flocked to the BMICH on November 6, to celebrate World Science Day, the focus of which was nano technology and its uses in the modern world.

Nano technology is the technology used to control what is called the nano world. The word "Nano" means one divided by 1,000,000,000. For example one billionth of a metre is a nanometre, and obviously it is impossible to view by the naked eye.

According to Minister Tissa Vitharana, who was the Chief Guest at the event, the use of nano technology will be extremely beneficial to the development of our country, because it will help us to make maximum use of all our natural resources. In fact the theme of Science Day which is held between November 5 and 10 (Science Week), was "Our Technology for Our Development."

If the use of nano technology is applied properly to our lifestyle, it is said that there will be a significant improvement in the situation of our country.

As of now, it has been discovered that various cancers can not only be detected, but also successfully treated with the use of this technology. Harmful gases in the atmosphere can be converted to harmless gases; humans will be able to re-grow lost organs, just as lizards can; waste and pollution will be non-existent.

"In order that we see this development in Sri Lanka, there needs to be more young interest and understanding of science and technology," said Mr. Vitharana, adding that students should not only learn science but be interested in it and know how to apply it to their lifestyles. This he said, was the main purpose of celebrating Science day- to create more awareness among the youth, and spread this awareness as far out as possible. This is done by starting up science clubs in schools, conducting quizzes and competitions.

Many students received awards for their hard work on Science Day, including Isuru Lakmal Galappaththi who won the award for Best Orator.

World Science Day 2007 stressed the importance of children, in the future of Sri Lanka. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, with the innovative new ideas of the current generation, we will see a world where the seemingly impossible becomes a reality.