FIRST
PGIS RESEARCH SESSIONS
PGIS
NewsVolume
3, Nos. 3 & 4, December 2002 & Volume 4, No. 1, March 2003
PGIS News
Editorial Board:
Prof. K Dahanayake (Chairman)
Prof. N K B Adikaram
Prof. M A K L Dissanayake
Prof. O A Ileperuma
Dr. A A S Perera
Dr. K M Liyanage
Dr. N C Bandara (Editor)
We shall be pleased to receive your comments,
suggestions and contributions with a view to improving the quality of this
newsletter. Correspondence and requests for copies of PGIS News should
be addressed to Dr. N C Bandara – Editor:
Phone: +94-8-385669
Fax: +94-8-389026
E-mail: ncbandara@pgis.lk
 |
 |
His Excellency Herr Juergen Elias, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chief Guest, addressing the participants at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Research Sessions.
The First PGIS Research Sessions were held at Peradeniya from September 7 – 8, 2002. There were more than 200 registered participants at the Sessions. His Excellency Herr Juergen Elias, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany was the Chief Guest at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Research Sessions. Prof. K. Dahanayake (Director, PGIS) delivered the welcome address. Prof. K. G. A. Goonesekera (Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya) and Prof. S. A. Kulasooriya (Dean, Faculty of Science) also addressed the gathering. At these sessions, keynote addresses were delivered by two eminent Sri Lankan scientists, Professor M. D. Dassanayake (Emeritus Professor, Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya) and Professor Kirthi Tennakoon (Director, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy). Guest Lectures were given by Mr. Lal de Alwis (Managing Director, Chemanex Ltd., Colombo) and Dr. Nanda Fernando (Director – Research & Development, Unilink International Pvt. Ltd., Colombo). The public lecture was delivered by Eng. M W P Wijesinghe (Chairman, Water Resources Board, Colombo).
At this forum, postgraduate students and staff members presented papers based on their research findings. Prior to the sessions, these papers were refereed nationally and internationally and were published as two special volumes of the Ceylon Journal of Science (CJS) – Volume 30, 2002 (Biological Sciences) and Volume 9, No. 1, 2002 (Physical Sciences) (Vide page 12 for details). Dr. Kushan Tennekoon and Prof. Gamini Rajapaksa served as Guest Editors of these volumes which were distributed during the Research Sessions.
TEACHING
SCIENCE, THE INTERACTIVE WAY……
Traditional methods for teaching science courses at the post-secondary level usually employ a format of instruction in which the majority of students are passively listening to the instructor and jotting down notes. Recent research on learning and instruction challenges the wisdom of this traditional pedagogic practice by stressing the need for the learner to play an active role in constructing knowledge. The astounding revelation by two US Physicists - Halloun and Hestenes - in 1985 was that most students could complete and pass an entire course on Physics at a major university and still have little understanding of the basic concepts on which the subject depends. This work has since been verified at a cross-section of educational institutes from high schools to premier universities like Harvard. Several independent studies have shown that students’ misconceptions are deeply rooted, and have developed over a very long period of time, and consist of incorrectly interpreted personal experiences and observations. Physics education research has shown that, as a result of these deeply held misconceptions, students’ understanding and hence appreciation of very basic Physics concepts cannot be greatly improved by traditional instruction. However, the quantification and analysis of student misconceptions have led to the development of more effective methods of instruction based on the constructivist model of student thinking and learning. A common factor for all these innovative teaching techniques is that they actively engage students in the learning process. These are commonly called “active engagements” or “interactive learning techniques”. There is considerable evidence to show that these active learning techniques are far superior to traditional teaching methods for improving students’ understanding of basic scientific concepts at both secondary and tertiary levels. However, it should be emphasized that, interactive teaching methods that make use of lecture demonstrations and computer aided instructions do not necessarily guarantee improved understanding of scientific concepts unless they are carefully designed as student-centred learning strategies that encourage active participation of the student in the learning process.
The active learning perspective has three underlying assumptions: (i) learning, by its very nature, should be an active process, (ii) different people learn in different ways, and (iii) learning is only meaningful when the learners discover knowledge by themselves and make it their own. Thus, to create an active learning environment inside the classroom, the instructor’s facilitating technique should accommodate a diverse range of student learning styles and encourage students to interactively engage in the learning process. Such a learning technique should provide ample opportunities to constantly challenge students’ misconceptions of very basic scientific concepts.
In an active learning environment, the instructor ceases to be the source of all knowledge but rather assumes the role of a facilitator who guides the student through the learning process. The active learning environment can even be a challenge to the instructors. With active learning, the students, who are the focus of concern, cease to be mere receivers of information from the instructor. With the instructor as the guide, they are presented with numerous opportunities to predict, experiment, observe, discuss, explain, and exchange ideas with their peers and also with the instructor. They are encouraged to work in teams or groups and participate in various activities such as interactive computer-based as well as non-computer based experiments, interactive lecture demonstrations performed by the instructors, interactive computer simulations, and interactive problem solving. These activities should be carefully prepared so that they always simulate the students to think, predict, observe, compare and reason.
Often, adopting these interactive learning methods can pose problems to the instructors due to limited resources available at their disposal. Therefore, the teachers need to be creative and innovative if they are to implement active learning strategies. Over the past few years, the Asian Physics Education Network (ASPEN) has been working in association with UNESCO to introduce these interactive teaching methods for Physics teaching in ASPEN member countries. This has been done by conducting national, regional and international workshops on Physics Education. These active learning techniques can also be successfully adopted for teaching Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics as well if teachers are genuinely interested in students’ learning of the subject matter and are prepared to take up the challenge.
Prof. M A K Lakshman Dissanayake
Chairman, Asian Physics Education Network
(ASPEN) &
Chairman, PGIS Board of Study in Science Education
Degrees
Awarded and Titles of Theses (July 2002 – March 2003)
| M.Phil. (Chemical Sciences) | |
| C.S. Liyanage | Studies on some medicinal and related plants of Sri Lanka |
| T. Sothyrupan | Synthesis of aggregation pheromone of black beetle and synthetic studies
on
1,6–germacradien-5-ol |
| M.Phil. (Plant Sciences) | |
| E.M.J.M. Rizvi | Effect of some carbon substrate supplementation, on associative dinitrogen fixation of rice |
| K.B. Wijesekara | Study of microsporogenesis and haploid induction in selected species of Theaceae and Solanaceae |
| M.Sc. (Analytical Chemistry) | |
| D.H.L.W. Jayamanna | Pesticide residue analysis on tomato, brinjal and cabbage |
| D.M.S. Jerard | Qualitative and quantitative estimation of (a) Glycyrrhetic acid in liquorice (b) Methimazole in carbimazole by using Plasma Desorption Mass Spectrometry (PDMS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) |
| E. Mathialahan | Isolation and characterisation of the factor, present in Ginger, which
reduces
cow milk allergy |
| M.M.M. Muhajireen | Development of environmentally friendly methodologies for control of industrial pollution |
| M.Y.M. Nisa | Investigating the effect of selected macro- and micro-nutrients on biological treatment systems adopted by Sri Lankan textile industry |
| P.N. Siriwardana | Quantification of anionic surfactants in effluent of Effluent Treatment Plant of Garment Washing Industries |
| M.Sc. (Applied Statistics) | |
| K. Gunasingam | Modeling the demand for Sri Lankan Air Line by using time series analysis |
| R.P. Pathirage | Analysis of contingency tables with multiple responses – special emphasis on three–way tables |
| M.Sc. (Chemical Ecology & Pesticide Chemistry) | |
| H.M.L.K. Amarawardana | Determination of neutral sugar composition of tea clones TRI – 3015, TRI – 3019 and TRI – 4078 |
| B.G.S. Arundathie | Chemistry and bioactivity of Diploclisia glaucescens and Elaeocarpus serratus |
| M.M.S. Bogamuwa | Insecticide tolerance in the bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus |
| I.W. Goonesekera | Chemical Investigation of Litsea ovalifolia |
| T.R.W. Thambugala | Effect of sunlight, soil nutrient status and original establishment on the chemical composition of P. longum |
| R.D.P.D. Senanayake | Effect of root polyphenols and amino acids on nematodes in tea |
| M.Sc. (Computer Science) | |
| K.A.C. Ariyawansa | Generation of visual characteristics of humonoid robots using a graphics animator |
| W.P.E. Priyadarshani | Mesh Network for Software process Modeling (MNSM) |
| M.Sc. (Environmental Science) | |
| N.H. Eramudugolla | A study on the levels of chlorpyrifos in dry zone water sources and their potential health effects |
| P.G.I. Jayasekara | Waste water of vehicle service stations - quantitative analysis and a method of treatment |
| T.H. Rasangika | The investigation of the use of laterite for removal of Ag + from aqueous medium |
| M.Sc. (Industrial Chemistry) | |
| A. Ashraff | Measurement of fluoride ions in drinking water |
| U.M.R. Widurusinghe | Analysis of a commercial fertilizer |
| M.M. Samoon | Waste human hair as an oil recovery material |
| M.Sc. (Physics of Materials) | |
| M.S.M. Aliyar | A study on setting time of cement |
| M.Sc. (Postharvest Technology of Fruits & Vegetables) | |
| P.H.J.C. De Silva | Effect of postharvest treatments on the shelf life of Mauritius pineapple
(Ananas comosus L. Merr.) |
| M.Sc. (Science Education) | |
| D.C. Bodiabadu | Development of rapid and cost effective propagation techniques for two medicinal plants, Cyperus rotundus (Kalanduru) and Phyllanthus debilis (Ela Pitawakka) |
| N.S.D. Mayadunne | Preparation of a guide for G.C.E. A/L biology students to teach assessment of soil erosion by using simple methods |
| J.S. Nooraniya | An investigation of misconceptions in chemical equilibrium among G.C.E. (A/L) students: the impact of practical classes in eliminating such misconceptions |
| K.B.A. Vitharana | Novel experiments for teaching Advanced Level Physics |
| W.J. Weerasinghe | Potential applications of Rupaha marble rock |
Abstracts
of M.Phil. and Ph.D. Theses
M.Phil. (Chemical Sciences)
Studies on some medicinal and related plants of Sri Lanka
C.S. Liyanage, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
This thesis describes the chemical investigation of some medicinal and related plants of Sri Lanka. The biological activities of some constituents/extracts/fractions are also discussed.
Two Annonaceous plants, Cananga odorata (Sin.Wana-sapu) and Enicosanthum acuminata (Sin. Wal-waraka, mal-lawulu), two Rutaceous plants Acronychia pedunculata (Sin. Ankenda) and Euodia lunuankenda (Sin. Lunu-ankenda) and the Labiatae plant Leucas zeylanica (Sin. Geta-thumba) were investigated in this study.
The alkaloidal fraction of the stem bark of Cananga odorata yielded six alkaloids of which five were identified as oxopukateine, cleistopholine, onychine, eupolauridine and liriodenine. This alkaloidal fraction was shown to possess very weak cytotoxicity to Brine shrimps.
The methanol extract of Enicosanthum acuminata stem bark yielded a clerodane diterpenoid and the aporphine alkaloid liriodenine. This clerodane diterpenoid showed weak mosquito larvicidal and weak cytotoxic (Brine shrimp) activities.
The petroleum ether extract, of the fruits of Acronychia pedunculata yielded a new arylketone dimer, demethylacrovestone.
The dichloromethane extract of the fruit shells of Euodia lunuankenda yielded a new acetophenone,1-[4’-(3”-methyl-2”-butenyloxy)-3’-(3”-methyl-2”-butenyl)-2’,6’-dihydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethanone, which showed strong antifungal activity against Cladosporium cladosporioides.
The root extract of Leucas zeylanica yielded ?–sitosterol, ursolic acid and its methyl ester acetate while the extractives of aerial parts yielded the flavonoid – tricin, ?-sitosterol glucoside, oleanolic and ursolic acids. These extracts did not show any significant biological activity.
Supervisor: Prof. V. Kumar (University of Peradeniya & PGIS)
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M.Phil. (Chemical Sciences)
Synthesis of aggregation pheromone of black beetle and synthetic studies on 1,6–germacradien-5-ol
T. Sothyrupan, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
This thesis consists of two parts.
The first part describes the total synthesis of the aggregation pheromone of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros. Although the pheromone has been identified as S-ethyl 4-methyloctanoate, the racemic mixture has been shown to be as effective in attracting the beetle. Three methods of syntheses were derived from a retrosynthetic analysis of the molecule. Of the three methods selected, the cheapest starting material and the shortest route was found to be that starting from cane sugar. The first step in this sequence involved the acid degradation of cane sugar by hydrochloric acid giving levulinic acid. Levulinic acid was converted into its ethyl ester by Fischer esterification. Wittig olefination of ethyl levulinate followed by catalytic hydrogenation resulted in the target molecule, ethyl 4-methyloctanoate being synthesized in its racemic form.
The second part of this thesis describes synthetic studies on a semiochemical, 1,6-germacradien-5-ol present in the defence effluent of pine sawfly. The stereochemistry of this germacrane and its role in the defence mechanism of pine sawfly are unknown. The molecule has two chiral centers and two transgenic double bonds. A method to synthesize all four stereoisomers by the same common route was developed on the basis of retrosynthetic analysis. The proposed method involved joining together of two key fragments, an aldehyde and phosphonium salt or arylalkyl sulfone using stereoselective olefination methods (Wittig reaction and Julia olefination) in order to synthesize an open chain diene, which is the precurser for ring closure. The final ring closure could be accomplished by a ring closing metathesis. The Wittig reaction approach was abandoned as an attempt for ring closing metathesis using a Wittig salt and an aldehyde with a hydroxyl group protected as methyl ether, which had previously been attempted had failed for what was suggested to be stereochemical reasons. The present work was an attempt to synthesize the open chain diene using Julia olefination with the hydroxyl group in the aldehyde fragment protected with a bulky group. However, all attempts to introduce bulky ether failed and the only protection possible was in the form of a acetate ester. Although both fragments for the Julia olefination were synthesized, time constraints prevented the ring closing methasis being carried out.
Supervisor: Prof. V. Kumar (University of Peradeniya & PGIS)
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M.Phil. (Plant Sciences)
Effect of some carbon substrate supplementation, on associative dinitrogen fixation of rice
E.M.J.M. Rizvi, Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya
Rice is the staple food in Sri Lanka and of a large proportion of the world population. Nitrogen is a major limiting factor that affects rice yield. Fertilization with chemical N in wetland rice is associated with various problems mainly inefficient use of it by the plant resulting in a loss into the environment leading to pollution. A good way for the synchronous supply of at least a part of the N requirements of rice plants is associative Biological Dinitrogen Fixation (BDF). However, for this fixed N to contribute to high yields the efficiency of BDF must be improved. One of the factors with regards to inefficiency of associative BDF is the limitation of C substrates in the rhizosphere for the diazotroph to continuously support the plant.
Rice variety BW 267-3 and Azospirillum irakense KBC1 association was selected, based on in vitro inoculation experiments of various rice-bacterial combinations. This strain supported this rice variety probably via contribution of fixed nitrogen. Hence this plant-bacterial combination was used for further studies. The bacteria strain was initially tested for its competitiveness with native diazotrophs in supporting the host plant using a pot experiment. High rates of inoculum were given by repeated inoculation under competitive and non-competitive soil conditions (un-autoclaved and autoclaved soils, respectively). An inoculation effect was found in non-competitive soil conditions indicating a low competitivity of the strain. However, the bacterial density reduced drastically indicating inadequacy of C substrates for the strain to survive.
The effect of the C substrate supplementation was tested under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Malate was used as a pure C substrate for in vitro studies. No significant effect of malate was found on Azospirillum strains in their associative BDF. Rice straw (3t ha-1) was tested as the C substrate on A. irakense KBC1- rice variety BG 94-1 association in a pot experiment using 15N dilution technique. An additional contribution of ca. 3kg N ha-1 to the above ground plant parts by straw supported fixation of the strain was detected. The straw supported total BDF contribution to the whole rice-soil system in the pots was estimated to be 13 kg N ha-1. Also this study revealed that inoculated strain has utilized straw efficiently than the native diazotrophs for their BDF. Thus by employing suitable diazotroph-plant-C substrate as straw combination under controlled conditions, the benefits of the associative BDF could be increased. The potential for a positive contribution of associative BDF was shown in this preliminary investigation. Therefore, long-term trials must be carried out to study the performance of such combinations.
Supervisor: Prof. S. A. Kulasooriya (University of Peradeniya & PGIS)
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M.Phil. (Plant Sciences)
Study of microsporogenesis and haploid induction in selected species of the Theaceae and Solanaceae
K.B. Wijesekara, Plant Reproductive Biology, Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS), Kandy
Microsporogenesis in selected plants species such as, Gordonia dassanayakei, Camellia sinensis, Datura metel and Solanum pseudocapsicum was studied prior to attempting haploid induction. A deviation from normal pollen development was observed in two Gordonia species of the family theaceae. Here, some pre-determined parenchymatous cells in the connective tissues underwent cell differentiation to produce pollen-like structures (described as pseudopollen). Pseudopollen developed inside a separate sac situated between the true pollen sacs and development was concomitant with the normal pollen development. At maturity they migrated into pollen sacs and mixed with the normal pollen.
When cultured in vitro, immature pollen or microspores can be triggered to undergo repeated divisions leading to the formation of haploid embryos and later haploid plants. The response of cultured microspores is determined to a large extent by the genotype of the donor plants, stage of microspore development, pre-treatments, culture media composition, growth regulators and the culture conditions.
Anthers cultured at mid to late uninucleate stage resulted in high anther response (82%) and highest mean embryos per responded anther (37%). Presence of kinetin in the culture medium (1.0 mg/L) favored microspore embryogenesis and post-induction embryo development.
In this study, a novel temperature pre-treatment was studied. Anthers were subjected to a temperature gradient of high and low temperatures in quick succession. This simple technique had a significant impact on pollen embryogenesis and there was an apparent relationship between the temperature gradient and the embryo yield. When the temperature gradient was large (45?+10? C and 40?+10? C) more embryos were produced while at smaller gradients (40?+15? C and 35?+10? C) embryo production was also reduced.
Selected solanaceous species were screened for their androgenic ability. Haploids were obtained with Solanum pseudocapsicum in this study and this could be the first report of successful induction of haploids in this species.
Since haploids have only a single set of chromosomes there is a high possibility of mutants and recessives to be expressed. Some of these mutants will result in severe abnormalities in the basic body plane of the embryo. This study surveyed such abnormalities in microspore derived embryo progeny. Results suggested that, embryo/seedling development in higher plants follows two patterns: apical-basal and radial. Two superimposing processes establish these two patterns in the early stages of embryo development. Four pattern deletions, apical, basal, central and terminal were found affecting the elements of the apical-basal patterning of the embryo. Deletion of shoot apical meristem, cotyledons, hypocotyl and root apical meristem resulted in abnormal embryo/seedling phenotypes. The defective embryonic pattern formations are substantiated by cytological sections of the embryos.
Spontaneous secondary embryogenesis was observed in the hypocotyl region of apical and terminal deleted microspore derived embryos. These embryos emerged after the cessation of growth of the primary embryos. Cytological studies revealed that secondary embryos originated from sub-epidermal cells in the hypocotyls and followed a developmental sequence similar to zygotic embryogenesis. An enhanced production of secondary embryos was achieved when primary embryos were mechanically wounded to remove apical meristems. Absence of apical meristems and the stimulation caused by the injury during the removal of meristems seem to induce secondary embryos in primary embryo explants. Presence of light and kinetin favored induction and growth of secondary embryos. The combination of meristem removal with kinetin and light resulted in the highest number of secondary embryos per responded explant.
Supervisors: Dr. M. C. M. Iqbal (IFS, Kandy)
Dr. K. U. Tennekoon (University of Peradeniya & PGIS)
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M.Sc. Programmes offered by the PGIS
| • Analytical Chemistry
• Applied Statistics • Biodiversity Conservation Management • Chemical Ecology and Pesticide Chemistry • Clinical Biochemistry • Computer Science • Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology • Environmental Science • Experimental Biotechnology • Fish and Wildlife Management |
• Gemmology
• Industrial Chemistry • Idustrial Mathematics • Medical Physics • Oceanography • Parasitology • Physics of Materials • Plant Sciences • Postharvest Technology of Fruits and Vegetables • Science Education |
PGIS entertains applications from Sri Lankan and foreign students
for admission to its M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes. For details,
please visit our website: http://www.pgis.lk or contact Programme Coordinator
(Phone: +94 8 385669; E-mail: proco@pgis.lk).
List of Recipients of Scholarships Granted by the S & T Personnel
Development Project of the
Ministry of Economic Reform, Science and Technology
M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry 2001/2002
| Ms. S Balagowry | Ms. R Sinnatamby |
| Mr. W M N Gunawardena | Ms. T R D S K Tennekoon |
| Mr. J Jeyatheepan | Ms. R Thangarajah |
| Ms. U Kanagarathnam | Mr. W M S C Wanasinghe |
| Mr. M Koneswaran | Ms. W M P B K Warnasooriya |
| Ms. K A D Padma Prasangi | Ms. D P P Weerasinghe |
M.Sc. in Environmental Science 2001/2002
| Ms. A M N Abeysinghe | Mr. E Surendranathan |
| Ms. S P Indrasena | Ms. K Thayaseelan |
| Mr. J P Jayasinghe | Ms. J Theivathavapalan |
| Mr. Y M K R Senevirathne | Mr. W M A S R Wijekoon |
| Ms. G Subramaniam | Mr. P S Yahampath |
M.Sc. in Oceanography 2001/2002
| Ms. H A K S Ariyaratne | Mr. M S P K Malaviarachchi |
| Mr. D K A P Dassanayake | Ms. K P Ranaweera |
| Mr. H M U B Herath | Ms. A U Senanayake |
| Mr. W M M Lasantha | Mr. H M U B Herath |
M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology 2002/2003
| Mr. M M T P Bandara | Ms. N S Tennekoon |
| Ms. D C Hettiarachchi | Ms. B D S Tissera |
| Mr. T Kariharan | Mr. K A D R Vishwajith |
| Ms. C R V P Samarasekera | Ms. M C Vitharana |
| Ms. H I Sandanayake | Ms. W A P G Weeraratne |
| Ms. M A R Sepali | Mr. W A I Wijeratne |
M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry 2002/2003
| Ms. A M A S K Abeykoon | Ms. R M C P Karunaratne |
| Ms. J M D Abeysinghe | Ms. W E U Malewana |
| Ms. A M T S Attanayake | Ms. W A M Nishanthi |
| Ms. I M N Fernando | Mr. S Suthakaran |
| Ms. M V Gamlathge | Ms. P N L Thilakaratne |
| Ms. W D S Gunathilaka | Ms. J Vathamy |
| Mr. C D Jayasinghe | Ms. K B Wijewardena |
| Ms. J K B M Jayawardane |
M.Sc. in Environmental Science 2003/2004
| Ms. B U G A K Abeywardhana | Ms. J G Hennayake |
| Ms. M C K Abeyratne | Ms. M Kanagarathnam |
| Ms. K D T N Abeywardena | Ms. S Kandasamy |
| Ms. A J K Aluthge | Ms. V P N K Kulathunga |
| Ms. L A W D Ariyadasa | Ms. S H A S Kumari |
| Ms. P H D A Ariyawardena | Ms. K M M W C K Narampanawa |
| Mr. R M M D Bandara | Ms. R H C Priyanthi |
| Ms. J U Champa | Mr. M A S S Silva |
| Mr. V Chandrasegaran | Mr. U Uthayasrithar |
| Ms. C D M S Dissanayake | Ms. M S Vithanage |
| Ms. S Gothandaraman | Ms. C N B Wijerathne |
M.Sc.
Programmes commenced during July 2002 – March 2003
| M.Sc. Programme | Board of Study | Coordinators |
|
| Analytical Chemistry | Chemical Sciences | Dr. A Bandara |
|
| Applied Statistics | Statistics & Computer Science | Dr. P Wijekoon |
|
| Experimental Biotechnology | Biochemistry &
Molecular Biology |
Dr. P Amerasinghe
Dr. K Fernando Dr. D Yakandawala |
|
| Industrial Mathematics | Mathematics | Dr. A A I Perera |
|
|
|
Science Education | Dr. S Karunaratne (General Component)
Dr. A Perera (Biology Component) Prof. J S H Q Perera (Chemistry Component) Dr. U N B Dissanyake (Mathematics Component) Prof. M A K L Dissanayake (Physics Component) |
|
| Environmental Science | Environmental Science | Prof. K H G M de Silva
Dr. R Fernando |
|
| Physics of Materials | Physics | Prof. B S B Karunaratne |
|
Presentations
at PGIS Research Sessions 2002
Keynote Addresses
• Plant Systematics at Peradeniya
Prof. M.D. Dassanayake
• Dye-Sensitized Semiconductor Nanostructures for Solar Energy Conversion
Prof. Kirthi Tennakone
Public Lecture
• Water Resources of Sri Lanka – Present Status and Future Trends
Eng. M W P Wijesinghe
Guest Lectures
• 5S Management in Sri Lankan Industry
Mr. Lal de Alwis
• Recent Developments in the Rubber Product Manufacturing Industry in
Sri Lanka
Dr. Nanda Fernando
Papers (Biological Sciences)
1. Growth of Rice variety BW 267-3 as affected by Diazotrophs,
inoculated under different conditions
E.M.J. M. Rizvi and S. A. Kulasooriya
2. Bee Diversity and floral hosts in selected habitats of
the Peradeniya University Park
W.A.I.P. Karunaratne and
J.P Eidrisinghe
3. Climate of Sinharaja rain forest in Sri Lanka: An attempt
to understand the el Nino and la Nina events
B.K.H.C. Munidasa, C.V.S. Gunatilleke
and I.A.U.N. Gunatilleke
4. Insecticide resistance in the bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus,
a storage pest of Legumes
M.M.S. Bogamuwa, K.C. Weerakoon and
S.H.P.P. Karunaratne
5. Studies on propagation, optimal growth conditions and fruit formation
of the medicinal plant Piper longum L.
E.R.L.B. Etampawala, K.U. Tennakoon,
C.V.S. Gunatilleke and I.A.U.N. Gunatilleke
6. Marine turtle conservation in Rekawa turtle rookery in southern Sri
Lanka
E.M. Lalith Ekanayake, K.B. Ranawana, T. Kapurusinghe, M.G.C.
Premakumara and M.M. Saman
7. Cytological aspects of pollen embryogenesis in Anther Culture of
Datura metal L
Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara and M.C.M. Iqbal
8. Impact of lunar cycle on nesting behaviour of marine turtles
E.M. Lalith Ekanayake, K.B. Ranawana,
T. Kapurusinghe, M.G.C. Premakumara and M.M. Saman
9. Structure and composition of scrubland vegetation in the lower Walawe
basin irrigation extension area in Sri Lanka
M.A.A.B. Dilhan, D. Yakandawala, C.V.S.
Gunatilleke and C.N.B. Bambaradeniya
10. Performance and Characterization of promising cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) accessions at high and low altitudes of Sri Lanka A.L.S. Dharmaparakrama, I.H.M.H.B. Herath, H.M.P.A. Subasinghe, C.V.S. Gunatilleke and I.A.U.N. Gunatilleke
11. Biodiversity associated with a nature trail at Ambuluwawa forest
in Gampola
W.M. Kusumawathie and J.P Eidrisinghe
Papers (Physical Sciences)
1. Ionic Conductivity of (PEO)9LITFSI:Al2O3 Nano-Composite Polymer Electrolyte
Prepared by Solvent-free Route
P.A.R.D. Jayathilake, M.A.K.L. Dissanayake, I. Albinsson
and B.-E. Mellander
2. Multi-layer Polyaniline Assemblies in Bentonite Clay
J.S.H.Q. Perera, R.M.G. Rajapakse,
D.T.B. Tennakoon, C.H. Manoratne, D.M.M. Krishantha and M.V.K. Perera
3. Role of weak soils and Relict geological discontinuities
in creeping Slope failure at Pooliyadda, Sri Lanka
Udeni B. Amerasinghe,
K. Dahanayake and N. Seneviratne
4. Polypyrrole/Dodecylbenzenesulphonate based Artificial Muscles and
their Behaviour
K.P. Vidanapathirana and M.A.
Careem
5. Chemical Modification of Polyethene and Immobilization
of Conducting Polyaniline
J.S.H.Q. Perera, D.T.B. Tennakoon,
R.M.G. Rajapakse, A. Bandara and J.K.K. Weerasinghe
6. Time dependence of area coverage of the nth layer during
thin film Growth at Low Temperatures
R.P.U. Karunasiri
7. Monitoring Air Pollution Levels in Kandy using Passive
and Active Gas Sampling Techniques
Oliver A. Ileperuma and Vilani
D.K. Abeyratne
8. Enhanced Densification of In2O3:Sn (ITO) Ceramics Prepared
from Hydrothermally Derived Sn Doped Indium Hydroxide Powder.
C. P. Udawatte and K. Yanagisawa
9. Electrical Properties of Zircon Ceramics Doped with Different
Dopants
U. Dahanayake and B.S.B. Karunaratne
10. Electrical relaxation in some PEO based Solid Polymer Electrolytes
L.R.A.K. Bandara and
M.A.K.L. Dissanayake
11. Development of an Opto-chemical Sensor for the Detection
of Cu2+ ions in Aqueous Solution
H.M.N.
Bandara, J.S.H.Q. Perera, D.T.B. Tennakoon, R.M.G. Rajapakse, S.D.S. Jayatissa,
A.N. Ilangatilaka and
G.R.U. Jayasuriya
12. Porphyrin-coated Metallic Electrodes for Determination
of Chlorinated Pesticides
N. Priyantha and U.S.K. Weliwegamage
13. Classification of State Schools in Sri Lanka: A multivariate
approach
S.S.K.B.M. Dorabawila, S.
Samita and R.O. Thatil
14. Structural Analysis of a Xylan from Tea Stems
and Xylanase Activity of the Ambrosia Fungus.
Nivandana K. Bandaranayake,
Thushari Bombuwala, N. Savitri Kumar and K.M. Swarna Wimalasiri
15. Geophysical Exploration for Raw Matterials in the Aruvakalu
Limestone Reserve
A.Senaratne and H.A. Dharmagunawardena
Poster Presentations (Biological Sciences)
1. Effect of different propagule types, growing media and
rooting hormones on initial sprouting of the medicinal plant Cyperus
rotundus L
K.K.S.K. De Alwis, K.U. Tennakoon,
C.V.S. Gunatilleke and I.A.U.N. Gunatilleke
2. Land snail diversity in Sri Lanka
K.B. Ranawana, D. Raheem and Fred
Naggs
Abstracts (Biological Sciences)
3. Converting organic waste through vermicomposting for
sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka
J. Samaranayaka and S. Wijekoon
4. Assessing the quality of water at the Kalu Ganga bay
area: A guide to improve environmental awareness of A/L biology
students
J.S. Senanayake and G.A.D. Perera
Poster Presentations (Physical Sciences)
1. Novel Method for the Synthesis of Polyaniline and
its Applications in Liquid Crystal Display Technology
A.D.L. Chandani Perera,
R.M.G. Rajapakse and U.I. Makavite
2. Understanding Chemical Bonds: A Novel
Approach
A.R.G.A.M. Abeykoon Manike
and S. Karunaratne
3. Developing science process skills at
primary school level
P.R.K.A. Vitharana and S.
Karunaratne
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|
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| Phase I (March – December 2003) | |
| Dr. K.U. Tennekoon | Development of Agronomic Practices for Cultivating the Medicinal Plant Phyllanthus debilis Klein Ex Willd. |
| Prof. M. de Silva | Diversity and distribution of Molluscs in Estuaries and associated mangroves in the Puttalam & Negombo areas, and the importance of these molluscs to local people |
| Prof. M.A.K.L. Dissanayake | Preparation and characterization of some polymer electrolytes based on PEO, PAN and PMMA |
| Prof. B.S.B. Karunaratne | Development of ZrSiO4 based ceramics for functional and structural applications |
| Prof. M.A. Careem &
Dr. R.L.N. Chandrakanthi |
Application of Conducting polymers in artificial muscles and Solar cells |
| Dr. S.W. Nawaratne | Gold mineralization in Sri Lanka |
| Dr. D.M.D. Yakandawala | Preparation of a Supplement of Botanical Terms for the Flora of Ceylon & Taxonomical Studies on Sri Lankan Juncus (Juncaceae) |
| Prof. J.P. Edirisinghe | Bees and their Floral Host |
| Dr. S. Karunaratne | Capacity Building in Science Teachers at Primary & Secondary Levels in Schools of Sri Lanka |
| Phase II (April – December 2003) | |
| Dr. K. Kaluarachchi | Induction of oral cancers and precancerous lesions using areca extract in mouse: Development of an animal model to study oral cancers and precancerous lesions and their therapeutic management |
| Dr. J.G.S. Ranasinghe | Characterization of Venom of Sri Lankan Snakes |
| Ms. V. Santhanam
Mr. A.K. Wickramasooria |
Preparation of a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) atlas for the Ampara District |
| Prof. R. Sivakanesan | The effect of feeding probiotics along with prebiotics on serum lipid levels in hypercholesterolaemic rats |
| Dr. H.M. Nasir | Solutions of scattering wave equations |
| Dr. D.M.D. Yakandawala | Fresh Water Plants of Sri Lanka |
| Dr. W.A.M. Daundasekera | Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on ripening of Sri Lankan “Embul” bananas (Musa sp.) |
| Dr. P Ekanayake | Multiple-wavelength measurement of light transport in tissues |
| Dr. P.W.S.K. Bandaranayake | Simulation and modeling of conductivity and other physical properties in materials |
| Prof. P.K. de Silva
Mr. C. Wijesundara Ms. S. Kumburegama Ms. U. Samarakoon |
Taxonomy and distribution of marine and freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka |
| Dr. P. Saravana Kumar | Genetic relationship and Geographic distribution of some cultivated and its wild relatives of Vigna (Black gram and Green gram) and Cajanus (Pigeon pea) species |
• 3 - Day Short Course Buffet on Computer Applications and Statistics
(May 9 – 11, 2003)
• Commencement of the following M.Sc. programmes:
(May 2003)
• Workshop on Scientific Writing (June 2003)
FOREIGN
VISITORS (July 2002 – March 2003)
• Adam Price, School of Biological Science, University of Aberdeen,
Aberdeen AB 24300, UK
• Ms. Anna Searle, Deputy Director, British Council, Colombo
• Fred Naggs, Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, London,
UK
• Dr. I. M. Dharmadasa, School of Science & Mathematics, Sheffield
Hallam University, UK
• Dr. Minella C. Alarcon, Programme Specialist for Physics & Mathematics,
Division of Basic & Eng. Sciences, Science Sector, UNESCO, 1 rue Miollis
75015 Paris, France
• Prof. Richard R. Hake, Emeritas Professor of Physics, Indiana University,
24245, Hatteras Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, USA
• Prof. David Sokoloff, Professor of Physics, Department of Physics,
1274 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403 – 1274, USA
• Prof. Diane Grayson, Professor of Science Education, Faculty of Science,
P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, South Africa
• Prof. Keum – Hwi Lee, Department of Physics, Chonbuk National University,
Jeonju 561 – 756, South Korea
• Dr. Pratibha Jolly, Principal, Acharya Narendra Dev College, (University
of Delhi), Govindpuri, Kalkaji, New Delhi, 110 019 INDIA
• Prof. A. Rahman Omar, Professor of Physics, Malaysia
• Prof. Fatima Hasnain, Associate Professor of Physics, Department
of Physics, APWA Govt. College for Women, Karachchi, Pakistan
• Prof. Abd. Aziz Tajuddin, Professor & Dean, School of Physics,
University Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang Malaysia
• Prof. Fangling Peng, Professor of Physics, Physics Department, Beijing
Normal University, Beijing, 100875, P.R. of China
• Mr. Ivan B. Culaba, Lecturer in Physics, Department of Physics, Loyola
Schools, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines
1101
• Mr. Joel Tiu Maquiling, Department of Physics, Loyola Schools, Ateneo
de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
• Prof. Akizo Kobayashi, Professor of Science Education, Department
of Science Education, Faculty of Education & Human Science, Niigata
University, 8050 Ikarashi Ni-no-cho, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
• Prof. Jin Seung Kim, Professor of Physics, Department of Physics,
Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561 – 756, South Korea
• Dr. Sikamtath Mitarary, Ministry of Education, Royal Kingdom of Laos
• Prof. Basil M. de Silva, Department of Mathematics & Statistics,
RMIT University, Melbourne3001, Victoria, Australia
• Prof. Anders Kallner, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
• Prof. Mark W. Chase, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
Richmond, Surrey TW9 3DS, UK
• Dr. Michael F. Fay, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
Richmond, Surrey TW9 3DS, UK
• Dr. Rosabelle Samuel, Department of Higher Plant Systematics, Institute
of Botany, University of Vienna, Rennwey – 14, A – 1030, Vienna, Austria
• Dr. A.R. Jayaweera, University of Virginia, Cardiac Imaging Center,
P.O. Box 158, Charlottesville, Virginia 21208
• Dr. Mark Windale, Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam
University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire 61 1WB,
UK
• Stuart Davies, Harvard University, Center for Tropical Forest Science,
22, Divinity Avenue, Cambridge MA02138, USA
• Bandu Abeynarayana, 62, Todman Avenue, Kensington 2033, NSW Australia
• A. M. Deshmukh, Reader, Y. C. College of Science, Faculty of Science,
Shivagi University, Kolhapur, Karad 415124, India
• Masaru Yoshida, Gondwana Institute for Geology and Environment, Hashimoto
648 – 0091, Japan
Workshops (WS), Training Programmes (TP), Short Courses (SC) and
Research Sessions (RS) conducted from July 2002 to March 2003
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(Board/s of Study) |
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| July – December 2002 | |||
| Medicinal Plants (TP) | Dr. K.U. Tennakoon (Plant Sciences) |
|
|
| PGIS Research Sessions (RS) | Prof. R.M.G. Rajapakse
Dr. K.U. Tennakoon |
|
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| Analysis of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) (WS) | Prof. I.A.U.N. Gunatilleke (Plant Sciences) |
|
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| UNESCO - ASPEN Regional Workshop on Active Learning in Physics (WS) | Prof. M.A.K.L. Dissanayake (Science Education) |
|
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|
January – March 2003 |
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| Quality Assurance in Healthcare Laboratories (WS) | Dr. S.W. Gunasekera (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) |
|
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| Industrial Raw Materials in Sri Lanka – Occurrence & Processing (SC) | Prof. N.S. Kumar &
Dr. C.P. Udawatta (Chemical Sciences) |
|
|
| “Hands on Science” for Junior Secondary Teachers (WS) | Dr. S. Karunaratne
(Science Education) |
|
|
| Rock Quarrying & Quarry Management (WS) | Dr.H.A.dharmagunawardhane
(Earth Sciences) |
|
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Coordinators’ Reports
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON MEDICINAL PLANTS
A successful two-day training program on Medicinal Plants was conducted
by the Board of Study in Plant Sciences in collaboration with the Department
of Botany, University of Peradeniya from 10th –11th August 2002. The Sri
Lanka Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plants Project of the
Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Welfare sponsored this training program.
The objective of this workshop was to impart knowledge of the principles
of identification, conservation, cultivation, diseases, handling of plant
material and the pharmacognosy of medicinal plants to the participants.
There were 38 participants including lecturers, medical officers and research
officers from the Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute (BMARI),
National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM), Ministry of Health,
Nutrition and Welfare, and the Sri Lanka Conservation and Sustainable Use
of Medicinal Plants Project. Final year Botany (Hons.) students of the
Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya too participated in this
training program.
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The program consisted of lectures, laboratory work and filed visits covering a number of topics including Identification and Conservation of Medicinal Plants; Principles of Propagation and Cultivation of Medicinal Plants; Field Diseases and Processing of Plant Material; Chemical Extraction; Bio Active Screening and Pharmacology, and Technology Transfer Related to Medicinal Plants. The training program was conducted by experts from the Departments of Botany, Chemistry and Agriculture Extension of University of Peradeniya, National Botanic Gardens and the Department of Export Agriculture. The program provided latest scientific information and hands-on training to the participants in the field of “Medicinal Plants”. All modules of the program received good ratings from the participants and most of them expressed the view that it would be beneficial to have a follow-up course and an M.Sc. program related to the field of medicinal plants in the future.
Coordinator: Dr. K. U. Tennakoon
WORKSHOP ON ‘MAPPING OF QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI (QTL) ASSOCIATED WITH DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN RICE’
The use of molecular mapping techniques such as the ‘Quantitative
Trait Loci analysis’ in the improvement of genetically complex drought
resistance traits in rice offer an opportunity to exploit resistance genes
which are quantitative in nature and have therefore previously proved intractable
to conventional breeding. The application of this molecular marker
technology for rice appears to be a challenging task and promises to improve
the speed of advancement by allowing for the identification of QTLs that
contribute to drought resistance, thereby leading the way to strategic
improvement of rice by marker-assisted breeding. Improving the drought
resistance of rice varieties by introducing traits which contribute to
drought avoidance or drought tolerance should have considerable potential
for increasing rice production in drought-prone areas.
The workshop on ‘Mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with
drought resistance in rice’ was conducted by Dr. Adam Price, Lecturer in
Plant Molecular Genetics in the Department of Plant and Soil Science, University
of Aberdeen, UK. His visit to Sri Lanka was sponsored by a Higher Education
(HE) Link through the British Council, Sri Lanka, between the Department
of Botany at University of Peradeniya and the Department of Plant and Soil
Science (now the School of Biological Sciences) at University of Aberdeen.
The workshop was jointly conducted by the Postgraduate Institute of Science
and the Department of Agriculture over a two-day period from 16-17 September
2002 for those involved and/or interested in molecular plant breeding.
A total of 13 participants from the University of Peradeniya (05), Department
of Agriculture (05), Eastern University (01), Tea Research Institute (01)
and Coconut Research Institute (01) participated in the workshop conducted
using the computer facilities at the PGIS.
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The principal co-ordinator of the workshop was Prof. I.A.U.N. Gunatilleke who was assisted by Dr. M. Muthukuda-arachchi of the Department of Agriculture, Prof. A.L.T. Perera, Faculty of Agriculture and Dr. P. Sarawanakumar of the Department of Botany at University of Peradeniya. A familiarisation visit for Dr. Price on Sri Lankan rice cultivation and breeding was arranged by the Department of Agriculture to their Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) at Batalagoda, Field Crop Research Institute at Maha Illuppallama and Regional Agricultural Research Station at Aralaganwila before the commencement of the workshop. Dr. Muthukuda-arachchi of the Department of Agriculture facilitated the field programme and accommodation for Dr. Price. Dr. Price conducted a seminar at the RRDI, Batalagoda on ‘QTL mapping of drought resistance and related traits in rice’ for about 30 scientists drawn from the Department of Agriculture and the Universities of Peradeniya and Colombo.
The workshop dealt with i) the methods available for identification
of genetic markers such as RFLP, AFLP and micro-satellites, ii) construction
of a linkage map in rice using software MapMaker version 3.0, and
iii) QTL analysis using composite interval mapping with the software QTL
Cartographer version 1.15. The QTL approach was described using the
results obtained by Dr. Price and his collaborators, especially those at
IRRI (Philippines) and Centre for Arid Zone studies at the University of
Wales, Bangor. In outline, the QTL analysis is as follows: a) choose a
trait with value or potential value for breeding such as drought resistance,
b) identify parental lines displaying extreme phenotypes for this trait,
c) cross these lines to produce progenies which segregate for this trait
of 70-300 plants or lines, d) phenotype the population for the trait,
e) screen the parents of the population for genetic polymorphism using
restriction fragment length polymorphism or PCR based markers, f) determine
the genotype of all the progenies for the selected markers, g) construct
a genetic map from marker data using computer programmes such as MapMaker,
h) identify markers associated with the trait using analysis of variance
or interval mapping techniques such as those employed by the program MapMaker/QTL,
QTL Cartographer. Dr. Price explained each of the above steps with
original research data from a cross between two rice varieties ‘Bala’ and
‘Azucena’ on which he and his collaborators have been working over seven
years.
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The above mentioned computer software programmes brought by Dr. Price are installed at the PGIS computer facility and are available for a limited period for those who wish to use them or copy them for research use. Partial funding was received from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The Department of Agriculture provided traveling and accommodation facilities during the field visits and the workshop of Dr. Price. In return, the participants of the Department of Agriculture (05 in number) were accommodated at the workshop free-of-charge.
The response of the participants for the questionnaire revealed that those who were directly involved in the use of molecular markers in crop breeding highly appreciated the state-of-the-art techniques introduced in mapping of QTLs during this workshop which are useful in their own research work. As a follow up, formulation of a joint research programme in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Universities of Peradeniya and Aberdeen was contemplated.
Prof. I. A. U. N. Gunatilleke,
Principal co-ordinator of the HE Link and workshop,
Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya
UNESCO-ASPEN REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON ACTIVE LEARNING IN PHYSICS
The 4th General Assembly (GA) of the ASPEN (Asian Physics Education
Network) and a regional workshop on Active Learning in Physics, organized
by the PGIS Board of Study in Science Education and the Department of Physics,
University of Peradeniya were held from 29th November to 5th December 2002
at Peradeniya. The GA was held at the PGIS and the workshop was held
at the Department of Physics. Both events were supported by UNESCO, the
Ministry of Economic Reform, Science & Technology (ADB Project) and
the PGIS.
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At the ASPEN General Assembly, Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake, Chairman of the PGIS Board of Study in Science Education and the National Point of Contact for Sri Lanka at ASPEN was elected unanimously as the new Chairman of the ASPEN for the next five-year period. Dr. Alex Mazzolini (NPC, Australia) was elected as the Executive Secretary and Prof. Abd. Aziz Tajuddin (NPC, Malaysia) as the Vice Chairman.
Resource persons from USA, France, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and
other Asian countries conducted the 3-day workshop. 17 foreign participants
representing India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, S. Korea,
Philippines, Japan and China, 27 local participants from universities and
13 GCE A.L. Physics teachers from Sri Lankan schools attended the workshop.
The aim of the workshop was to train Physics lecturers and senior school
teachers in interactive methods on teaching Physics using computer-based
as well as computer-independent techniques. Such interactive learning methods,
where the student participates actively in the teaching/learning process,
are becoming increasingly popular and much more effective compared to the
traditional methods of teaching Physics and are being widely used in many
developed countries at present. The workshop sessions consisting of Interactive
Lecture Demonstrations (ILDs) and hands-on laboratory activities were conducted
by eminent Physics Educationists like Prof. David Sokoloff (USA), Prof.
Richard Hake (USA), Prof. Diane Grayson (S. Africa), Prof. Pratibha Jolly
(India) and Prof. Rahman Omar (Malaysia). Dr. Minella Alarcon represented
UNESCO, Paris at the GA and the workshop.
 |
The workshop was organized by a committee chaired by Prof. M.A.K. Lakshman Dissanayake and was inaugurated by Prof. Kapila Gunasekera, Vice-Chancellor, University of Peradeniya on December 2nd at the PGIS Auditorium. Prof. Kapila Dahanayake, Director of the PGIS gave the welcome speech. Prof. S.A. Kulasooriya, Dean, Faculty of Science and Prof. B.S.B. Karunaratne, Head, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya also addressed the participants at the inauguration ceremony.
Prof. M. A. K. Lakshman Dissanayake
Chairman, Organizing Committee &
Chairman, Asian Physics Education Network (ASPEN)
WORKSHOP ON QUALITY CONTROL - QUALITY ASSURANCE TO HEALTH SECTOR LABORATORY PERSONNEL
Quality Assurance in Laboratory Medicine was the topic of the first
PGIS workshop conducted in 2003 (January 11th and 12th). This workshop
on Health Laboratory Quality Assurance was the first of its kind yet to
be held in Sri Lanka. The workshop was attended by the State Sector Health
Laboratory Personnel, Tutors of the Medical Laboratory Technologist Training
Schools and Private Sector Health Laboratory Personnel.
 |
The workshop received support from the Department of Health Services, Medical Research Institute and Word Health Organization. The Postgraduate Institute of Science expresses its gratitude to Dr. Amal Silva, Director Private Health Sector Development, Dr. Gaya Kolombage, Director, Medical Research Institute and Dr. Palitha Abeykoon of the World Health Organization for their valuable contributions towards the workshop.
The workshop had the following unique features: (a) addressing a quality issue in healthcare delivery (b) establishing links with the Department of Health Services on private health sector development (c) strengthening links with the World Health Organization (d) establishing links with the Karolynska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden and (e) bringing the health laboratory technologists of the state and private sectors together to address an issue faced by both sectors.
The participants, with firsthand experience, documented the deficiencies that exist in the present Quality Assurance programme of Sri Lanka. They made proposals for an improved Quality Assurance programme in Sri Lanka.
This workshop on Health Laboratory Quality Assurance paved the way to a follow-up activity, a pilot study with both the state sector and private sector participation to determine the feasibility of adoption of a simpler and less expensive Quality Assurance method suitable to Sri Lanka.
Coordinator: Dr. S. W. Gunasekera
SHORT COURSE ON INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS IN SRI LANKA –
OCCURRENCE & PROCESSING
A Short Course on “Industrial Raw Materials: Occurrence and Processing”
was held at the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya,
during February 14 – 16, 2003. The programme was partly sponsored by the
S & T Personnel Development project of the Ministry of Economic Reform,
Science and Technology. The program was inaugurated by His Excellency,
A Malhotra, Deputy High Commissioner for India. Prof. K G A Goonesekara,
Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Prof. K Dahanayake, Director,
PGIS, and Prof. S A Kulasooriya, Dean, Faculty of Science, also graced
the occasion. There were 25 participants drawn from the National Universities,
Industry and the private sector. Resource persons, recognized for their
expertise in the field, conducted the programme. They included Professors
O A Ileperuma, K Dahanayake, D T B Tennakoon, B S B Karunaratne, R P Gunawardane
and Drs. H M T G A Pitawala, R Fernando, P W S K Bandaranayake and A Senaratne
(University of Peradeniya), Mr. S A Nandadeva (Mineral Sands Corporation),
Mr. N W B Balasooriya (South Eastern University), Mr. S M S Abeyaweera
(National Gem and Jewellery Institute), Mr. A Sirimanna (Royal Ceramics)
and Mr. K Abaygoonaratne (Holcim Lanka Ltd.). The programme commenced with
a presentation by Prof. O A Ileperuma on “An Overview – Mineral resources
for economic prosperity”.
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Sri Lanka has some of the best quality mineral deposits in the world.
The occurrence of raw materials, the quality of deposits, their processing,
the need to carry out research to ensure that high quality value added
products are made locally for use in local industry and for international
markets were some of the topics discussed during the program. Possibilities
for making useful products by the application of both new and established
chemical processes were also highlighted. Drs. C P U Udawatte and H M T
G A Pitawala accompanied the participants on a field trip to a mica processing
plant, a feldspar plant, a marble mine at Matale and a quartz quarry in
Galaha. Feed back from the participants was very positive and ideas were
exchanged regarding future programs of interest to Industry and the Private
Sector.
Coordinators: Prof. N. S. Kumar & Dr. C. P. Udawatta
WORKSHOP ON “HANDS-ON SCIENCE”
With the introduction of education reforms in 1997 it is expected to
develop a “total child” with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. So
far anticipated objectives have not been achieved mainly due to the lack
of competence in teachers. A workshop on “Hands-on” science for junior
secondary science teachers was organized by the Board of Study in Science
Education of the PGIS with the sponsorship of the British Council to help
develop skills in science teaching. Dr. Mark Windale from Sheffield Hallam
University, U.K. conducted this workshop as an activity of the Higher Education
Link programme between the PGIS and Sheffield Hallam University. It was
also an awareness workshop on Active Teaching and Learning Approaches in
Science (ATLAS). Dr. Windale has extensive experience in conducting ATLAS
workshops in Thailand and Malaysia. He introduced many novel activities
at which teachers participated very actively. There were science-related
activities on active reading, active listening and active doing. Teachers
made posters on current topics, and were involved in computer and non-computer
simulation activities.
 |
Teachers were given an opportunity to play games to understand the electric
flow. All of them had evaluated the workshop activities with very positive
comments. It was revealed by teachers that the activities they did in the
workshop made them realize some of their weaknesses. M.Sc. students in
science education also participated in the workshop. Junior secondary teachers
who participated in the workshop were from the central province. Altogether
there were 98 participants. Mrs. Chandra Atapattu, Acting Director, Science,
Central Provincial Ministry of Education stressed on the importance of
hands-on science activities in capacity building of teachers.
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Coordinator: Dr. S. Karunaratne
WORKSHOP ON ROCK QUARRYING & QUARRY MANAGEMENT
A Two-day workshop on Rock Quarrying and Management was organized by the PGIS Board of Study in Earth sciences and was held at the PGIS from 22nd to 23rd February 2003. The workshop was conducted for Rock quarry owners and managers of the Kandy district. Nine participants were present at the workshop. The workshop was inaugurated by the Director PGIS in association with the Dean of the Faculty of Science and the Director Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.
The objective of the workshop was to enlighten the participants about efficient and safe quarry management, explosive handling, environmental and legal aspects of rock quarrying. Lectures were conduced by experienced lecturers of the Peradeniya university in the fields of Rock Quarrying and Quarry Management, Geology and Civil Engineering.
Themes of presentations of the workshop were: Geology and Rocks of Sri Lanka, Properties of Rocks and Selection of Rocks for Construction Industry, Quarrying Methods, Quarry Management, Blasting and Handling of Explosives, Safety, Quality Control, Environmental and Legal Aspects, On the second day of the workshop a field excursion was organized to visit some selected quarry sites in the Kandy area.
All participants evaluated the workshop as very useful and requested to follow up with more workshops in the future.
Coordinator: Dr. H.A. Dharmagunawardhane
Postgraduate
Institute of Science (PGIS)
University of Peradeniya
P.O. Box 25
Peradeniya 20400
Sri LankaWebsite: www.pgis.lk
Director:
Prof. K Dahanayake08 – 387218
Assistant Registrar:
Ms. A A P Athauda*
(*on overseas leave from January 2003)
Senior Assistant Bursar:
Ms. W A P S Molagoda
PGIS Office:
Fax: 08-389026 (local)
+94-8-38902 (intl.)
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