(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Prof.Cyril Ponnamperuma Memorial International conference on Multidisciplinary Research organized by the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), functioning under the Ministry of Higher Education Technology and Innovation in Commemoration of the 25th death anniversary of one of its founders world renowned Sri Lankan scientist professor Cyril Ponnamperuma ,was held in Kandy on the 21st of January presided by the Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation with the participation of the Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, State Minister of Technology and innovation.
Prof. Rohan Samarajeewa delivered the keynote address of this research conference attended by both local and foreign scientists. Coinciding with the conduct of the research conference, the Auditorium of the Institute of Fundamental Studies was named Prof. Cyril Ponnamperuma Auditorium and the Advanced Battery Research Centre of the institution was declared open.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena, expressing his views at this event said,
“Prof. Cyril Ponnamperuma’s name goes down in history as the first Sri Lankan national who gained International fame as a scientist. This institution was established with the objective of assisting in the development of skills and creativity of human resources of various generations so as to realize his dream of scientific development taking place in Sri Lanka.The government has given maximum support to develop this institution which provides facilities for research based doctoral and postgraduate degrees. It is a national need. Universities in our country send students Overseas for higher studies. Sometimes these students do not return at the end of the courses . Therefore it is important to provide research institutions such as these, with more facilities in order to retain them in the country. This helps save foreign exchange and reduces brain drain.”
Minister Thilanga Sumathipala, expressing his views at this event said,
“The naming of the Auditorium under Prof. Cyril Ponnamperuma’s name who brought fame to mother Lanka is a commendable step. Prof. Ponnamperuma was highly regarded in Sri Lanka due to the vast knowledge and Research capacity that he possessed. Today we are blessed with a leader who believes in technology based economic development. He believes that our country could reach greater heights through technology. Therefore as scientists and researchers, it is you who will benefit from this opportunity and also the responsibility of this task rests with you. As politician, we could only assist you in this endeavour. We can support the rise of more Cyril Ponnamperumas. various advanced technologies are used at present whereas during Prof. Ponnamperuma’s era there had been none. Therefore we should build on this advantage to uplift the living standards of the public through advanced research. This institution has greatly contributed towards the advancement of the field of scientific research. More investment should be made for research being carried out at this institution in future. We do not hesitate do so for the sake of the future generations. ”
This event was attended by Mr.Chinthaka Lokuhetti, Secretary to the state Ministry of Technology and innovation, Mrs. Naseema Ahmed acting chairperson of the NIFS, Prof. Saman Senaweera, Director/ NIFS and more scientists.
