Harnessing these talents would help the economy

It goes without saying that the secret of nations that have reached great economic heights has been the inventions and discoveries made by some of their countrymen. Here too, the media, time after time and in public interest, have brought to light many achievements of such ingenuity by our citizens, especially the young. Some of these reports have been about the electronic wizardry of a student from Royal College, Polonnaruwa, a flexible artificial leg by A.S. Samarawickrame of Matara and a portable windmill by Selvaraj.

Unfortunately, it seems, they are handicapped in developing their inventions into viable commercial products due to lack of facilities or capital. For instance, Mr. Selvaraj is seeking a grant or subsidy to help start commercial production. With the present power crisis the country is faced with, an alternative source such as a portable windmill would be a boon to the country’s economy. It does no justice to these inventors if their talents are not recognized and harnessed for the country’s benefit.

Therefore, it is time that the Government stepped in to help them by setting up a separate unit under the relevant authority, making facilities available for further research and development; granting financial assistance by way of loans and co-ordinating with the private and corporate sectors to commence commercial production.

By U.M.G. Goonetilleke, Mattegoda