SAARC Science and Technology Ministers to Meet in Colombo

Sri Lanka to host the second meeting of Science and Technology Ministers of SAARC countries in Colombo on November 23 to 24th, Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana revealed.

Minister Vitharana said that the second meeting will concentrate on the formulation of a science and technology strategy, promotion of regional and multilateral co-operation, sharing of information on national institutions between member countries.

“The formal invitation has been made for all the member countries’ Science and Technology Ministers and relevant officials and all they have confirmed their participation”, the Minister said.

Minister further revealed that the meeting will discuss the sharing of standards and laboratory testing facilities, formulation of uniform product standards and certifications systems, mutual recognition of laboratory accreditation and harmonization of standards in conformity with the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO). “The collaborative efforts for access to new technologies in the field of Nano-technology, Biotechnology and information and communication technology will be discussed”, the Minister said.

The sharing of training facilities among member-countries, transfer of technology, establishment research and development activities, particularly in the area of application and maintenance of equipment are also among the topics that to be discussed by the SAARC minister at the two days meeting.

The Science and Technology Minister further added that the meeting will also pay the attention on early warning, prevention and awareness building for natural disasters and sharing real time information on flow of water and monitoring floods.

- Asian Tribune -