The President made these remarks addressing the President’s Awards for Scientific Publication held at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla, on Tuesday (22nd Nov.).

The awards ceremony was organized by the National Research Council and 167 recipients received Awards at this ceremony.

Even though it is the social tradition to transfer the burden on the politicians to provide solutions for the social issues, including development of the country, a comprehensive responsibility lies with the scientists and researchers in the regard too, he said.

It is a matter of regret that although we did many researches over the past 20 years regarding the kidney disease which is a severe challenge faced by us as a country, yet the researchers could not come to a conclusion with mutual consent of all, the President said adding that he expects the collective commitment of the Sri Lankan intellectuals to solve this issue.

President Sirisena also said that he expects the contribution of the scientists and researchers more in fulfilling the national responsibility of nurturing and protecting the natural resources in the country and in saving the future generation from the drug menace.

The present Government is committed to encourage and strengthen the scientists and researchers in accordance with the policies of the Government, the President said. He also promised to create an environment where they can fulfill their respective duties with a self-satisfactory manner while allocating more funds for the scientific research publications and providing human and physical resources.

Expressing his views regarding the use of media the President said that the role of the Media on behalf of the country lies in an extensive area. He said it was unfortunate that the responsibility of the media is solely limiting to toppling the Governments, tarnishing the image of present Government as well as evicting incumbent politicians from power. Instead the media should deliver the noble message that would help the forward march as a nation while building the country, he added.

The awards ceremony was organized by the National Research Council and 167 recipients received Awards at this ceremony.