Science and national development in Sri Lanka: vision and reality

Abstract

Modern science and its derivative technology are essential for national development as seen in major countries of what is called the “Developing World”, such as India and China. It is argued that these countries which did not partake of the Western scientific revolution, need specific policies for the growth of science and technology as bases for the planning and implementation of developmental programmes. This paper begins with statements on the history of modern science, types of science and scientific literacy. The critical areas that are identified are scientific research, research funding, science education, and the establishment of a scientific culture in the country and the state of scientific literacy in both the citizens and the elite who aspire to be practising scientists. Psychological and socio-cultural differences between eastern and western countries are identified as determinants of the status of scientific development in these countries.