Taking science across the country
Launched on July 29, 1944, SLAAS’ vision ‘to make Sri Lanka a scientifically advanced nation’ is seen in many dynamic initiatives now being promoted across the country. Young astronomers gain hands-on experience in observing the mysteries of the sky through the ‘Night Sky’ programme while ‘Science day’ programmes enable schoolchildren from rural areas to listen to exciting talks on various aspects of science, as well as career pathways.SciToons, a school essay competition, and cartoon competition leads students to be ‘creative in science’, while ‘Little Agriculturist’ which commenced as a pilot project in selected districts a few years ago, has gained momentum. The Ministry of Education plans to incorporate such programmes into the school curriculum.
The need to establish a Ceylon Association for Science was first suggested in 1943 by two committee members of the Chemical Society of Ceylon and Natural History Society – Dr. N. G. Baptist and his friend and colleague Mr. L. J. D. Fernando. With the support of many research organisations, government departments and scientists in the fields of medicine, microbiology, agriculture, fisheries, mineral resources, tea, rubber, coconut and various industries, an ‘Association of Scientists’ was formed on July 29, 1944 at the University of Ceylon (now University of Colombo).
Initially named the Ceylon Association of Science (CAS), its first General President was Dr. D. N. Wadia, an Indian scientist working in Ceylon as the Head of the Department of Ceylon Geological Survey. All 75 present at that first meeting were enrolled as Foundation Members.
Their focus at first was to hold scientific sessions to provide for discussion, exchange of ideas and personal contact amongst the scientists of the country.
Five sections were formed each with its own president: Medical and Veterinary Science (Section A), Agriculture and Forestry (Section B), Engineering (Section C), Natural Sciences (Section D) and Physical Sciences (Section E).
SLAAS on a mission to make the country scientifically advanced: Carrying out school programmes in different corners of the country. Pix courtesy SLAAS
Later renamed the Ceylon Association for the Advancement of Science (CAAS), in 1974, it became the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS).
Incorporated by the Act of Parliament No 11 of 1966, SLAAS now has an active membership of nearly 5,000 from recent graduates to leading scientists representing all disciplines. The association now consists of eight sections, statutory and other committees with the Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Ruhuna Chapters established in 2023.
A range of activities are conducted throughout the year. ‘Nature Diaries’ sees schoolchildren maintain a ‘diary’ in which they record observations of something that interests them in the environment. The format is flexible from drawings, photos, write-ups which are then evaluated by a panel of scientists, with awards presented to the best entries. For teachers, SLAAS holds panel discussions and seminars/workshops on varied topics to uplift their knowledge.
Undergraduate and postgraduate education on the latest scientific developments takes place through webinars, seminars and talks by eminent scientists. Programmes on crucial aspects of scientific work, such as writing successful research proposals and grant applications, conducting research, effective communication of research findings, and ethical considerations of research are all regularly held for young scientists and academics.
There are award schemes for research at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as for contributions to popularizing and promoting science in Sri Lanka. Senior researchers who have excelled in research over a long period are honoured with a lifetime achievement award.
The Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC), Science Education Committee (SEC), and Environment Committee (EC) address national issues related to science, technology, and STEAM education while the recently introduced Committee on Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies (IDTDS) addresses numerous interdependent factors, providing a platform to solve ‘wicked problems’. The outcomes of these programmes provide valuable insights that can inform and advise national policies.
SLAAS believes that a well-informed public is crucial for the progress of a nation. Live TV discussions, radio talks, lunchtime talks and awareness programmes to promote healthy living, target a wider audience on topics ranging from Leptospirosis, physiotherapy for healthy living, work life balance of women, oral health, obesity, STD in health care, ayurvedic treatment for uterine conditions to name a few. Health camps are also carried out for the public.
Talks also focus on issues of topical interest: the economics of electricity generation, costing and pricing of electricity supply, impact of microplastics on soil and plant health, and cyber security to name a few. The panel discussion on ethics of research involving wild animals and lab animals saw active participation. SLAAS also has a Podcast series and YouTube Shorts, accessible at the listener’s convenience. Activities such as a walk for PET bottles and beach cleanup programmes have also been conducted for the more energetic.
SLAAS hosts two orations to honour the remarkable contributions of two distinguished individuals to the fields of science and technology in the country. The Kottegoda Memorial Oration, organized annually by the Ethics Committee, is a tribute to Professor S. R. Kottegoda, an eminent scientist and past General President of SLAAS while the Bernard Soysa Memorial Oration, organised biennially by the General Research Committee (GRC), commemorates visionary policy maker and former Minister of Science & Technology, Mr. Bernard Soysa.
Three issues of the SLAAS newsletter are released annually. The SLAAS journal, The Journal of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, is a recent addition in its endeavour to disseminate knowledge.
Many activities are being planned in line with the theme for this year ‘Harnessing the power of sciences for societal transformation’. To this end, SLAAS is conducting an islandwide questionnaire-based survey on ‘microplastics’, a current global problem with widespread implications focusing on school children, university students and the general public. Based on the collected data, SLAAS will make recommendations to the relevant authorities to mitigate this issue.
| Stamping an 80-year journey | |
| A commemorative stamp and first-day cover will be launched tomorrow – July 29, to mark SLAAS first meeting 80 years ago! The design for the stamp and first-day cover was by a young member of SLAAS. Architect Nela de Zoysa will be the Chief Guest at the SLAAS 80th anniversary celebrations.
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