A regulatory framework should be developed and put in place to harness the potential of nanotechnology while minimizing risks, said National Science Foundation (NSF) Chairman Prof Sirimali Fernando.

She observed that there is an increase of trade impacts of nanotechnology applications over the country. A regulatory framework on nanotechnology will ensure the health and safety of people, she said.

Under the Sri Lanka component of a collaborative regional project titled "Nanotechnology in South Asia- Building Capabilities and Governing the Technology", the NSF has worked on a proposal on developing a regulatory framework for nanotechnology related activities in Sri Lanka. This proposal had been submitted to the International Development Research Centre recently. The study group was led by Prof Anoja Fernando. India has already worked on a similar project at phase one before, she said.

The project inception meeting with representatives from India and Pakistan, local partner institutions and donor representatives was held at the NSF auditorium last month to share knowledge and experience in Nanotechnology developments in the South Asia region.

It was agreed to establish an inventory of nanotech products and services for Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India at this meeting. This will be extended to cover whole South Asia, she said.

Courtesy: DailyNews

Posted on Monday, April 04, 2011 @ 12:28:19 LKT by Sandun

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