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The Evolution and Structure of Science and Technology in Sri Lanka

National Science Foundation, 47/5 Maitland Place, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka

M.A.T. de Silva

National Science Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The current structure of science in Sri Lanka is the combined result of a British colonial regime and subsequent attempts to generate self-reliance in indigenous scientific capabil ity. Paradoxically, the initial post-independence period was characterised by a sustained attempt to shake off the subtle neo-colonial impact and set in place an institutional frame work that could capitalise on indigenous capability. Unfortunately, restrictions in funding, loss of highly qualified manpower and inconsistent policy signals continued to restrain efforts for a resurgence in scientific capability. This is clearly evident from repeated abor tive attempts to commit the government to accept and implement an explicit national pol icy for science and technology. Sri Lanka, however, can boast of a network of scientific organisations, painstakingly created over the past fifty years. In this context, even if the dis abilities inflicted are considered symptomatic of the developing country scenario, there are no strong arguments to justify the current state of the scientific base of Sri Lanka struggling to establish and professionalise the scientific community.

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