“Several chemical based fertilizers; weedicides and pesticides are used by farmers to obtain larger harvest, but they cause chronic kidney diseases. If the scientists work with determination, they will be able to find alternatives for this kind of fertilizers”, he said.

“Research and development output will have no social values, unless they are transferred to the level of productivity”, he added.

The President was speaking at the inaugurating ceremony of the forum ‘Science and Technology for Society’ held yesterday (Sep. 07) at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

He requested the scientific community to step up their efforts to provide Sri Lanka better access to scientific expertise, information and technology, especially in the areas of agriculture, industry, health and water management.

The President pointed out the importance for the scientists to go to the villages to understand and find answers to problems of the farmers. “We must encourage cooperation between natural and social sciences”, he said.

The forum is attended by about thousand local and international scientists. The keynote speech of the ceremony was made by Prof. Michqel J. Kelly of Cambridge University.

Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Rauf Hakeem, Arjuna Ranathunga, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Sarath Fonseka, State Minister Lakshman Senevirathne, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Mrs. R. Wijayalakshmi also participated in this event.

The President hosted a special dinner at the President’s House for the local and foreign scientists who participated in the forum.

He also presented gifts for seven Sri Lankan and foreign scientists.