Message from President

The Institute of Chemistry has completed 66th year of its service and continues to serve the nation in promoting and advancement of chemical sciences and its application in Sri Lanka. It contributes to the national education in chemistry, foster research in chemistry and enhances the status of the profession of chemistry. In its 66 years of journey with the above activities, today the Institute has built an infrastructure of its own laboratories, lecture halls and a member-ship of over thousand professional chemists. Today, in our march forward to the future, it is with great pride and responsibility that I contribute a message to the ‘Chemistry in Sri Lanka’ to carry forward the vision that I have for strengthening and capacity building of the Institute during the presidential year 2007/2008. I intend to strengthen the activities of the Institute towards professional development of chemists.

Steps have been already taken to start a certificate course of study on Herbs, Science and Technology’ for the young graduates employed in the field of herbal product manufacture and for those who intend carrier opportunities in this area. This course of study consisting of theory, practical and an industrial attachment will be conducted for a period of about four months and will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills for the development of products and services for the consumers.

Another vital area that I see that the Institute needs to contribute is a carrier guidance and orientation of a young graduate towards successful- employment in industry. A day interactive programme with the executive staff from industry and R&D Institutions will be conducted with working sessions, at the end of which we intend to develop the course contents of a certificate course with practical and industrial attachments. This study course intends to guide a young graduate in the application of knowledge to suit the industrial needs of developing functional products for the consumer. Training seminars and workshops to be conducted includes ‘innovation and product leadership’ and a training programme for the A’Level Chemistry Teachers. These programmes will provide learning opportunities to update knowledge and experiences and develop skills in their own profession.

I see the importance of reaching the knowledge base and networking across the globe as vital today in fostering and developing the local research efforts for country’s wellbeing. The Institute of Chemistry being the oldest professional body in the country with the necessary infrastructure, good will and recognition has the right to be in the frontier level for such activities related to chemical sciences.

Knowledge power is to-marrow’s wealth’, synergising with people across the globe , exchange of knowledge and experience , fostering research linkages will help the Institute greatly in its professional development activities and will benefit the membership and the country. Applications of chemical sciences are important for the benefit of the society.  In  facilitating an interaction among scientists across scientific disciplines from other countries the Institute plans to conduct a two day Symposium from 13th to 14th focusing on food and health-care on the  sub theme ‘Food Science and Technology and Health-care for Social Well-being’ as part of the 37th Annual Sessions of the Institute.  The technical sessions on the main theme of the Annual Sessions on ‘Innovations in Chemical Sciences for Social Well-being’ will be held from 10th to 11th June 2008. The Annual Sessions will focus on four key areas, Environment, Food, Healthcare, and Sustainable Development. The sub-theme Environment deals with air quality, treatment of water for consumption, solid waste management bio-pesticides and usage, management and detection of pesticide residues in food. The sub-theme on Food covers food production, food and nutrition security, post harvest management, food processing, health promoting functional foods, supply chain and food safety, food packaging etc in relation to the innovations in chemical sciences. The sub-theme on Health-care covers pharmaceuticals and development of drugs, healthcare diagnostics, treatment of disease conditions, herbal and natural products for healthcare. The broad sub-theme on Sustainable Development covers the areas such as education in chemical sciences, science and technology in industrial growth, commercialization of R&D etc. Steps are being taken to invite resource persons for the Symposium from overseas who are expert scientists in the above disciplines. Research papers will be invited for presentations locally and the participants will have the opportunity for interaction with the expert scientists.

Meeting social goals for sustainable development and social wellbeing will require substantial growth and maturation of human resources, training and building scientifically literate publics, improving education in chemical sciences at all levels. Strengthening the links among education, research and society is essential for building national systems of innovation and connecting the benefits of science with goals to the society.

The efforts of the Institute contributing to the national efforts of producing graduates in chemistry, and providing training in the areas of research and laboratory practices through Diploma in Laboratory Technology and Laboratory Technicians Training courses conducted by the College of Chemical Sciences will grow from strength to strength this year. However, as an Institution providing professional training in the areas of education, research and laboratory practices the Institute requires to grow with quality and professionalism and therefore the future endeavours requires to be directed towards bench marking itself to obtain accreditation to match the international quality standards for educational establishments.

The Institute plans to continue with the Gold Medal orations to pay tribute and honour to the past distinguish chemists and also to stimulate research in chemical sciences. An oration in the memory of late Professor Sultanbawa is scheduled to be held to coincide with his birthday in May 2008.

I appeal to all members to contribute towards the activities of the Institute and to support the Institute to grow from strength to strength and to contribute more and more towards the socio economic development of the country.

Dr Nandanie Ediriweera
President