National newspaper and magazine article list – Dr. Meththika Vithanage
- Meththika Vithanage. Nature’s wonder; mangrove plants. “Soba Dahama Dayada Kala Kadolana Shaka Prajawa”, 04 June 1997, Dinamina.
Mangroves are defined as assemblages of salt tolerant trees that grow in the intertidal regions of the tropical and subtropical coastlines. These trees possess highly adapted mechanisms to safe guard their lives in the lagoonal environments with high salinity than the surface water. This article explains those mechanisms in simple terms.
2. Meththika Vithanage, Plans in the tank cascade system. “Wew Bandi Rajarata Jalaye Sangawa Athi Shaka Prajawa”, 10 September 1997, Dinamina.
Sri Lanka is rich in man-made tank cascade systems which have been constructed before 2500 years ago. Those tanks have submerged plants and plants growing inside water, which are purposely grown to treat excessive nutrients in water. This particular article describes the different species of plants available in the tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka.
3. Meththika Vithanage, Deforestation of the rainforests. “Wana Paluwanta Biliwana Wasi Wananthara”, 12 June 1999.
A Rainforest is a tall, dense jungle in the tropical region of the world where it gets high amount of rainfall per year. The climate of a rain forest is very hot and humid so the animals and plants that exist there must learn to adapt to this climate. However, Sri Lankan rain forests are in threat due to deforestation. This article has revealed the deforestation of rainforests in Sri Lanka.
4. Meththika Vithanage. Issues associated with the large dams. “Maha Parimana Jalasha Ratata Vipathaki”, 23 December 1999, Dinamina.
Large reservoirs made by the construction of huge dams have created many environmental problems such as devastation of the ecology and diversity etc. As Sri Lanka being a biodiversity hot spot these large dams may create environmental threats. She has described those issues due to large dams in this article.
5. Meththika Vithanage, Deadly asbestos. “Maranaya Kandawana Asbestos”, 13 January 2000, Dinamina.
Asbestos are quite common roofing material in developing countries however these can emit hazardous and carcinogenic asbestos to the living environment. Hence, this article was written to explain the issues associated with the asbestos roofing materials.
6. Meththika Vithanage, Disappeared Garden of Eden. “Athurudan U Eden Uyana”, 25 March 2000, Dinamina.
Sahara has been an area of green, however, later on converted into a desert. The reason might have been the change in the Earth’s orbital position. Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research in Bergen, Norway, have revealed the simulations of climate change in North Africa over the last 30 million years. Their simulations take into account changes in Earth’s orbital position, atmospheric chemistry and the ratio of land to ocean as driven by tectonic forces. The models shows that precipitation in North Africa declined by more than half about 7 million years ago, causing the region to dry out. But this effect could not be explained by changes in vegetation, Earth’s tilt or greenhouse gas concentrations—leaving tectonic action. This article explains this in the simple terms.
7. Meththika Vithanage, Earth cries due to the green house effect “Harithagara Acharanaya Nisa Handawetena Mihithalaya”, April 2000, Vishwa Tharanga.
Green house effect has converted the world to a place to live. However, due to anthropogenic factors green house gas emission has become high which has generated the world to have global warming. This article expresses the issues related to global warming in layman language.
8. Meththika Vithanage, Forests and grasslands. “Wanabimai Thanabimai”, May 2000, Vishwa Tharanga.
This particular article explains the importance of forests and grasslands and their interaction.
9. Meththika Vithanage, Megacities. “Yasa Isuru Genena Suwisal Nagara”, June 2000, Vishwa Tharanga.
Megacities are seen throughout the world, specifically the developing countries. These are mostly unplanned and consist of buildings constructed haphazardly, which create many social and health issues to the general public live in those. This article summarizes those.
10. Meththika Vithanage, Last hope of Panda. “Panda ge Awasan Balaporoththuwa”, July 2000, Vishwa Tharanga.
Panda is a wonderful animal however facing threats due to the loss of bamboo that it eats. Sri Lankan community has no experience on Pandas however, we really like them. This article explains the threats that it faces due to the changes in the land use etc.
11. Meththika Vithanage, Tea: one of the healthy drinks. “Rasai Gunai Leda Suwakarai Te”, August 2000, Vishwa Tharanga.
Sri Lanka is popular for tea. Tea is considered as a healthy drink and this article summarizes the health aspects of drinking tea.
12. Meththika Vithanage, Gem exploration. “Illama pade”, 18 January 2001, Dinamina.
Gems are the wealth of Sri Lanka. It brings enormous foreign currencies to the country. Sri Lanka is searching new methods to find gems lies under ground with less effort since the mining costs quite a lot of money as well as man power. Particular article describes the new methods which are in use for gem exploration.
13. Meththika Vithanage, Reasons for power crisis in Sri Lanka. “Viduliya Arbudhaye Wagauththarakarywoo”, 12 February 2001, Dinamina.
Sri Lanka was in a power crisis without coal power plants. The country was running with hydropower and diesel power however, hydropower is not sufficient to cater the demand and at the same time, the diesel power is highly expensive. Hence, there was a plan for a coal power plant which had stopped due to the protests. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages in coal power.
14. Meththika Vithanage. Student’s crisis at Universities in Sri Lanka. “Sarasaviye Dora Wasana Shishya Aragala”, 26 February 2001, Dinamina
Sri Lankan university students are divided into political groups and always struggle for their demands which causes strikes and then the authorities close the university for a while. This articles was written with the criticism regarding such activities which blocks other innocent students rights for education.
15. Meththika Vithanage, Coal power plants and the environment. “Gal Anguru Balagaraya saha Parisaraya”, February 2001, Vishwa Tharanga.
Although coal power plants generate pollution there were myths associated with Sri Lankan community. Diesel power plants generate similar environmental pollution but those were promoted and this article was written to explain the general public regarding the power crisis and the need of coal power plant with environment protection regulations to limit those and cater the high demand for electricity.
16. Meththika Vithanage, Critical view of the university curriculum. “Atuwa Kada Putuwa Thanena Sarasavi Awl Nyaya”, 29 March 2001, Dinamina.
This article critically assessed the changes done in the University curriculum. Many innovative things were proposed to improve the quality and reduce the issues.
17. Meththika Vithanage, Indigenous water management system. “Apata Awenika Jala Kalamanakaranaya”, 29 March 2001, Dinamina.
Sri Lanka had a strong and innovative water management system which was existed from more than 2500 years ago specifically for the dry zone. One is the tank cascade system, which is a series of man-made tanks along one sub stream of a river. Constructed wetland in the tank is one such remarkable system of the indigenous engineers. This article summarized those wonderful
18. Meththika Vithanage, How rare is to get an opportunity for the university. “Pin Athi Sarasavi Waramak Denne”, March 2001, Vishwa Tharanga.
In Sri Lanka, it is a rare chance if someone gets a chance to enter into the university system. It is about 2% of the total school population who enters to the university. This article critically assesses the existing system and provides some novel ideas to improve the number of entrees.
19. Meththika Vithanage. Power crisis. “Balashakthi Arbudhaya”, 06 September 2001, Dinamina.
Sri Lanka experienced a power crisis due to the less rainfall to produce hydropower. At that time, the plan for coal power plant was stopped due to the environmentalists. This article critically addressed the compromise to be made by the government to provide continuous power.
20. Meththika Vithanage, Why the rain is late? “Aida Ane Wessa Naththe”, 10 September 2001, Dinamina.
A drought was persisting in Sri Lanka and this article explained the possible reasons for that.
21. Meththika Vithanage, Hard water and arsenic. “Kiul Jalaya saha Arsenic”, 04 September 2001, Lankadeepa.
Sri Lanka is suffering from chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology (CKDu). There was a myth claiming the CKDu is due to arsenic from fertilizer dissolved in hard water. This article revealed scientific truth stating it was just a myth.
22. Meththika Vithanage, Wind power potential for Sri Lanka. “Sulan Viduliya Aran Balamu”, 22 September 2001.
Sri Lanka is an island and there is a potential for wind power generation as an supportive alternative source for high cost coal and diesel power. This article critically assessed the advantages and potential of renewable energy such as wind power for Sri Lanka.
23. Meththika Vithanage, Kushani Mahathanthila. Ancient climate of Sri Lanka. “Maha Eliyen Kiyawena Atheetha Deshagunaya”, 20 May 2004, Lankadeepa.
This article was written to disseminate knowledge about research findings from the Institute of Archeology regarding the climate history of Sri Lanka.
24. Meththika Vithanage, Kushani Mahathanthila. Will Horton Plains change the history of Sri Lanka. “Hortanthanna Lanka Ithihasaya Wenas Karaida”, 08 July 2004.
This is a continuation of the article above. Researchers have found pollens in peat layers at Horton Plains, Sri Lanka, which denoted a history of 25000 years indicating climatic conditions and vegetation during different era.
25. Meththika Vithanage, Kushani Mahathanthila, P.R.K. Fernando, New technology for Sri Lankan gems. “Manik Karmanthayata Thakshanaye Disnaya”, 30 December 2005.
This article demonstrated different techniques that can be used to improve the gem trade.
26. Meththika Vithanage, Wearing gems brings you prosperity? “Manik Paladeemen Sirurata Vikirana Athulu Wenawada?”, 26 February 2006.
This article critically discuss the different myths behind gems.
27. Meththika Vithanage, Heart diseases and hard water. “Katina Jalaya Hrda Rogawalata Osuwak”, 16 March 2006, Lankadeepa.
There have been scientific discussions on the findings regarding heart diseases can be lowered by drinking hard water. This article discuss the effect of Ca and Mg in hard water and their relationship for heart diseases.
28. Meththika Vithanage. Minamata disaster. “Minamata Khedawachakaya”, 22 June 2006, Lankadeepa.
This article provides the background regarding minamata disease in Japan.
29. Meththika Vithanage, Dust and sand storms. “Duvili Ha Wali Kunatu”, 12 October 2006, Lankadeepa.
This article describes the health problems associated with the dust and sand storms.
30. Meththika Vithanage, Alcatraz prison. “Darunu Aparadhakaruwanta Sira Geyak U Alcatraz Duupathe Bandanagaraya”, 28 January 2007.
Dr. Meththika Vithanage described her experience in visiting Alcatraz island with the lonely prison.
31. Meththika Vithanage, Rising temperature in the Arctic. “Arctic Kalapaya Unusum”, 19 April 2007, Lankadeepa.
This article described the scientific findings on temperature increase in the Arctic and the effects.
32. Meththika Vithanage, Jayantha Obesekara, Water resource. “Jeewaye Sampatha Vinasha Wannata Ida Harimuda”, 26 April 2007, Lankadeepa.
Life cannot exist without water. This article critically assessed the pollution and contamination of water sources.
33. Meththika Vithanage, Jayantha Obesekara, Necessity of water management. “Jala Kalamanakaranayak Ikmanin Awashyai”, 03 May 2007, Lankadeepa.
Water resource management is the activity of planning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use of water resources. It is a sub-set of water cycle management. It is essential to preserve water sources for future use. This article discuses the importance of water management.
34. Meththika Vithanage, New technology for geology. “Bhu Vidyawe Nawathama Athdakeema”, 28 June 2007, Lankadeepa.
Geological resources are important for human development. This article describes the new technological advances for geology.
35. Meththika Vithanage, The effect of tsunami on groundwater. “Bhugatha Jalaye Gunathmaka Bhawaya Kerehi Sunamiyehi Balapama”, 5 April 2009.
Tsunami contaminated ground water of the pristine coastal aquifers. Scientists have found ways as remedial measures for such aquifers. This article introduces such activities for the public to do in such a contamination.
36. Meththika Vithanage, Use of Wetlands in Flood Control, 15 June 2010, Daily News.
37. Meththika Vithanage, Manoj Rathnayaka, Arsenic. “Nama Kee Pamanin Biya Wiya Yuthu Nathi Arsenic”, 29 June 2011, Vidusara
This particular article describes the uses and toxicity of arsenic.
38. Meththika Vithanage, Arsenic, Calcium arsenate and health issues. “Arsenic, Calcium, Arsenate, Kiula saha Leda Rooga”, 20 July 2011, Vidusara.
This article again introduces scientific facts regarding the myth behind Arsenic, Calcium arsenate and health issues.
39. Meththika Vithanage, Economic minerals in Sri Lanka“Ape Arthikayata Uradena Arthika Khanija”, 27 July 2011, Vidusara.
This article describes the economic minerals that Sri Lanka has.
40. Meththika Vithanage, Amal Udawaththa, Identify the heavy metals. “Parisaraye Hamuwana Bera Loha Handunaganeeme Kramaweda”, 31 August 2011, Vidusara.
Heavy metals are present in the environment. This article demonstrate their toxicity and presence etc.
41. Meththika Vithanage, Sodium hydroxide production. “Awathanwa Giya Rasayanika Kamhala”, 04 January 2012, Vidusara.
Sodium hydroxide was produced in Sri Lanka however, the factory was demolished by the terrorists. The factory produced NaOH for our use as well as the excess was exported which brought lot of foreign currency to Sri Lanka. This article is regarding the demolished company.
42. Meththika Vithanage, Minerals rich groundwater. “Kanija Ayana Bahula Hambanthota Bhugatha Jalaya”, 15 February 2012, Vidusara.
Hambantota is an area in Sri Lanka where the groundwater contains excessive amounts of mineral ions including fluoride. Some wells are not good for the drinking water use. Here, it indicates the areas where the bad water is present
43. Meththika Vithanage, Unseen nanotechnology. “Ninithi Thakshanaye Nodutu Isawwak”, 21 March 2012, Vidusara.
Nanotechonology is for the betterment of the society however, there can be disadvantages of it, such as toxicity to the soil biology, plants and groundwater contamination etc. This article is regarding those.
44. Meththika Vithanage, Future of the Arctic. “Arctic Kalapaye Anagathaya”, 25 April 2012, Vidusara.
This article discusses the findings of the research on Arctic.
45. Meththika Vithanage, Desalination. “Panneya Jalaye Anagathaya, Nirlawaneekaranaya”, 16 May 2012, Vidusara.
This article introduces the desalination of sea water as an option for drinking water.
46. Meththika Vithanage, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Myths on Ussangoda. “Ussangoda Wata Gethunu Mathawada saha Ehi Vidyathmaka Pasubima”, 13 June 2012, Vidusara.
Ussangoda has serpentine soil with an igneous origin. There are myths about this marvelous geographical location. This article discuss those and introduce the scientific truth of this location.
47. Meththika Vithanage, Computational modeling for water resource conservation. “Jala Sampatha Raka Ganeemata Pariganakaye Sahaya”, 11 July 2012, Vidusara.
Computer modeling is a subject with the emphasis into many areas. Here, this article discussed the use of computational modeling in terms of preserving water sources as well as predicting their future.
48. Soniya Samanthi Mayakaduwa, Meththika Vithanage, Landfill leachates. “Kasala Bimen Galayana Apajalaya”, 15 August 2012, Vidusara.
This article demonstrates the contaminants and their health effects which have been released into the environment through the solid waste dump sites in Sri Lanka.
49. Meththika Vithanage, Desertification. “Kantharakaranaya”, 03 October 2012, Vidusara.
Desertification happens with the deforestation and climate change. This article describes the ways desertification happens and the effects.
50. C.B. Disanayaka, Meththika Vithanage, New plate boundary at the Indian Ocean. “Indian Sagara Pathla Pupura Yai”, 31 October 2012, Vidusara
Plate tectonic movements create earthquakes. Scientists have found new evidences demarcating a new plate boundary around 500 m south of Sri Lanka. This article is on that.
51. Hasintha Wijesekara, Meththika Vithanage, Nanotechnology for landfill leachate treatment. “Apajalaya Piripahadu Kireema Sandaha Kshudra Ninithi Loha saha Loha Oxide Bhavithaya”, 14 November 2012, Vidusara.
Landfill leachate in Sri Lanka directly flows to the rivers without any treatment. Here, the authors have attempted to discuss the use of nano materials to be used in treatment of landfill leachates.
52. Sonia Samanthi, Meththika Vithanage, Biochar. “Haritha Lowakata Maga Kiyana Jaiwa Anguru”, 16 January 2013, Vidusara.
Biochar has become a material in the recent interest to be used in carbon sequestration, environmental mitigation and soil amendment. This article addresses the potential use of biochar for Sri Lankan farmer fields.
53. Hasintha Wijesekara, Meththika Vithanage, Chemical disasters. “Lowa Sidu u Bihisunu Rasayanika Anathuru”, 06 February 2013, Vidusara.
The world history is full of chemical disasters. This article introduces such disasters to the Sri Lankan community.
54. Meththika Vithanage, Antimony. “Apata Nuhuru Lowata Huru Antimony”, 20 March 2013, Vidusara.
Antimony is a metalloid, which is used for many industrial applications. At the same time, antimony is known as a contaminant in water and soil. This article shows the distribution and concerns related to antimony.
55.Hasintha Wijesekara, Meththika Vithanage, Photochemical smog. “Prabha Rasayanika Duaraya ha Bandunu Ithihasagatha Khedawachakaya”, 24 April 2013, Vidusara
This article again describes what photochemical smog is and related disasters.
56. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Ammonium nitrate related disasters. “Ammonium Nitrate Ashrithawa Lowa Sidu u Bihisunu Anathuru”, 22 May 2013, Vidusara.
This article again communicates on disasters related to ammonium nitrate.
57. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Next generation vehicle. “Anagatha Maha Manga Peralikaraya”, 21 August 2013, Vidusara.
Vehicles change every day. Energy efficiency is one of the key factors for the change. This article describes the new generation vehicles in the world with high energy efficiency, Hydrogen vehicle.
58. Sonia Samanthi Mayakaduwa, Meththika Vithanage, Erin Brockovich “Kamhalwalin Parisarayata Visha Rasayana Ekathu Weema Nawethweemata Diwi Himiyen Satan Kala Gahaniya”, 04, September 2013, Vidusara.
Erin Brockovich (born June 22, 1960) is an American legal clerk and environmental activist, who, despite her lack of formal education in the law, was instrumental in building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) of California in 1993. She fought and won against the Chromium contamination into the water. This article introduced her to the Sri Lankan community.
59. Pubudu Udayagee Kumarasinghe, Meththika Vithanage, Wetlands for treating constructed wastewater. “Dushitha Jalaya Piripahaduwa Sandaha Thethbim Bhawithaya”, 09 October 2013, Vidusara.
This article describes the use of constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater.
60. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, The future with nanotechnology. “Anagatha Abhiyoga Wenuwen Nano Anshu Bhavithaya”, Ada.
Nanotechnology is being used for many disciplines now. This article discusses many uses of nanotechnology in the modern world, wastewater treatment, energy materials, vehicles, cloths etc.
61. Madhushan Subhash Wickramasinghe, Meththika Vithanage, Technological turning point, nanotechnology. “Thakshanika Lokaye Meelaga Haraum Lakshaya, Nano Thakshanaya”, 27 November 2013, Vidusara.
This article again introduces the different nanotechnological applications for medicine, pharmaceuticals etc.
62. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Soil and water contaminants. “Pase ha Jalaye Saukyayata Hanikara Visha Rasayana Drawya”, 06 December 2013, Vidusara.
Many different contaminants are present in the soil and water. This article describes the toxic compounds that are commonly found in water and soil and their effects on health.
63. Mihiri Seneviratne, Meththika Vithanage Birth of penicilin. “Jeewaye osuwa u Penicilin he upatha” 01 January 2014, Vidusara.
This article describes how penicillin was found by the Alexander Flemming.
64. Meththika Vithanage, Viduranga Waisundara, From scientific research to scientific knowledge- the painstaking path that lies in between, 19 January 2014, The Sunday times.
65. Sandun Ilangasinge, Hasintha Wijesekara, Meththika Vithanage, Blue sapphire treatment. “Paludu Pirau Nil Maniken Ape Manik Karmanthayata Anathurak”, 19 January 2014, Lankadeepa.
Sri Lanka is rich in gems. However, fake treatments are being practiced for the cracked blue sapphires. This article describes how to find such fake treatments.
66. Meththika Vithanage, Viduranga Waisundara, The ‘trudge’ between scientific research and scientific knowledge, 21 January 2014, Dailly mirror.
67. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Chemical weapons. “Jeewaya wanasana rasayanika awi” 16 April 2014, Vidusara.
Chemical weapons are used in recent wars. This article describes how those are made and the effects of those.
68. Meththika Vithanage, Viduranga Waisundara, Role of fundamental research and its true worth. 8 February 2014, Sunday Times.
69. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Ancient civilizations influenced by drought “Darunu niyangayata bili u iparani shishtachara”, 10 September 2014, Vidusara.
This article states the drought influenced ancient civilizations.
70. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Blue LED. “Nil LEDyen arambunu viduli viplawaya”, 15 October 2014, Vidusara.
LED bulbs are a novel finding which made a turning point of science as well as energy. This article demonstrated the finding.
71. Meththika Vithanage, Viduranga Waisundara, A knowlwdge-based economy for preventing the human capital fight, 02 November 2014, The Sunday Times.
72. Meththika Vithanage, Viduranga Waisundara, Establishing an R&D culture in Sri Lanka. 21 March, 2015. Sunday Times.
73. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Ray Wijeyawardhana. “Deshiyathwaya udesa Ray bihikala chinthanaya”, 26 November 2014, Vidusara.
"Ray" Wijewardene was a Sri Lankan Engineer, Aviator, Inventor and Olympian athlete. He was an authority on tropical farming and natural resource management, on which topics he originated systemic thinking. This article describes about his findings.
74. Tharanga bandara, Meththika Vithanage, Landslides due to human activities. “Manawa kriyakarakam mangin ugra u naya yaam”, 17 December 2014, Vidusara.
Landslides is common in Sri Lanka due to haphazard development and constructions. This reviews the causes for landslides and mitigation measures.
75. Tharanga bandara, Meththika Vithanage, Persistant chemicals in oceans. “Sagara Sampatha Wanasana Sthai Kabanika Sanyoga”, 11 February 2015, Vidusara.
Many chemicals are disposed to oceans. Among them some are persistent. This article briefed about the persistent organic chemicals in the oceans.
76. Lakshika Weerasundara, Meththika Vithanage, Lichens “Lichen, Sobadahame Apooru Sahajeewee Sabandathawaka Prathipalaya”, 04 March 2015, Vidusara.
A lichen is a composite organism with symbiotic relationship. This article describes their characteristics and how can they be used as pollution indicators in the atmosphere.
77. Yohan Buddhika, Meththika Vithanage, GIS for landfill site selection. “Parisarayatath Jana Jeewithayatath Haniyak Nowana Lesa Kasala Bahara Karanna GIS Thakshanaya”, 13 March 2015, Ada.
Geographical Information Systems is a software which can be applicable to select the most environmentally less harmfull site for solid waste disposal. This article demonstrates how GIS can be applied for the above purpose taking Kandy city in Sri Lanka as a case study.
78. Lakshika Weerasundara, Meththika Vithanage, Atmosphere. “Jeewaya Jeewath Karawana Wayugolaye thathu”, 17 March 2015, Wijaya.
An atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding a planet or other material body, that is held in place by the gravity of that body. It can be cleassified into various layers based on its temperature. This was explained in this particular article.
79. Lakshika Weerasundara, Meththika Vithanage, Any solution to traffic in Kandy? “Mahanuwara vaahana thadabadayata visandumak nathda?”, 03 May 2015. Lankadeepa.
Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka, geographically located in a valley so that it has persistent atmospheric pollution, which is worsen by the traffic. The alternatives were given in the article in order to reduce the atmospheric pollution.
80. Tharanga bandara, Meththika Vithanage, Methane hydrate: energy source in the ocean. “Methane hydrate, maha sayura thula sangaunnu balashakthi prabhawaya”, 27 May 2015. Vidusara.
Methane hydrate is one big energy source which is in the ocean. This article explains about methane hydrate and expresses the ideas of how it is useful for the future.
81. Madhushan Subhash Wickramasinghe, Meththika Vithanage, Grapheen: Technological turning point. “Thaakshanika lookaye vishmayajanaka nipayuma - grafeen”, 01 July 2015. Vidusara.
Grapheen is one such novel materials which is very light in weight but enormously strong. This is considered as one technological turning point in the recent innovations. Properties and uses of grapheen have been explained in this article.
82. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Pyramid at Mars? “Pirameedaya pilibanda puwathakin yali avilunu rathu grahayage jeewaya pilibanda kuthuhalaya, 08 July, 2015. Vidusara.
A photo showing a pyramid at Mars from a rover shakened the science world. However, later on it was revealed that it was not a pyramid but a rock. This story was explained to the Sri Lankan community by this article.
83. Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Meththika Vithanage, Potable water. “Bemata sudusu diya bindak labeida?” 06 October 2015, Wijeya.
Water can be palatable and potable. This article introduced the quality parameters that we should think of for potable water.
84. Madhushan Subhash Wickramasinghe, E-waste. “Nodanuwathwama apa wanasana electronika apadhrawaya”, 15 November 2015. Lankadeepa.
Electronic waste is quite hazardous and in Sri Lanka it is haphazadly disposed, which will eventually release toxic heavy metals to the environment and pollute drinking water and soil. This article explains the e-waste problem in Sri Lanka and the effects.
85. Monitoring landfill leachates from Gohagoda. “Gohagoda kasala kanden shareerayata ahithakara apadrawya gonnak”, 24 February 2016. Ada
This article reveals the findings of the research conducted by Dr. Meththika Vithanage and her team regarding the monitoring of an open dump site at Kandy for its pollutants.
86. Hasitha Roshana Karavita, Meththika Vithanage, Gliricedia biomass conversion to dendro power. “Wisiekwani siyawase balashakthi sahayakaya, Gliricedia”, 30 March 2016, Vidusara.
Dendro power is produced by burning biomass. There are few dendro power plants in Sri Lanka which pyrolyze gliricedia biomass. This article describes the process of dendro power production.
87. Meththika Vithanage, Lakshika Weerasundara, Pradeep Piyathilaka, Municipal Solid Waste. “Apata wina katina apema kasala”, 25 April 2016. Dinamina.
Municipal solid waste in Sri Lanka is dumped directly to open dumping yards and no single treatment or protection to the environment. This article again expresses the views of how to manage the MSW minimizing the environmental effects.
88. Sonia Mayakaduwa, Meththika Vithanage, Explosion at Salawa: Contamination of water. “Salawa pipireemen pasu apawithra wu pasa ha jalaya pirisidu karanne keseda?”, 12 June 2016, Lankadeepa.
A huge explosion of military ammunition happened in Sri Lanka very close to a resident area. The ammunition polluted the entire water and soil in the area. This article explained they pollutants that can be in the water and how to treat those at the household level.
89. Madushan Subash Wickramasinghe, Meththika Vithanage, Composites. “Sanyuktha drawya”, 29 June 2016, Vidusara.
A Composite material is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components.
90. Naveendra kumar, Meththika Vithanage, Jayantha Obeysekara, Warming up of the Indian Ocean: Ramification and Adaptation, 06 August 2016, The Sunday Times.
91. Sonia Mayakaduwa, Meththika Vithanage, Increase in temperature in the Indian Ocean.“Indian sagaraya unusum wei”, 14 August 2016, Lankadeepa.
Recent weather events indicated an increase in Indian Ocean temperature which induced change in weather in Sri Lanka. This article expresses views on the weather changes discussing recent data.
93. Meththika Vithanage, Is the real cause of CKDu hidden? “Haduna Nogath Wakigadu Rogaye Seba Hethuwa Hangilada?”, 18 September 2016, Lankadeepa.
The recent emergence of an apparently new form of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) has become a serious public health issue in Sri Lanka. Researchers have put up many different hypotheses however, none of them seemed really explaining the CKDu. The article critically discuss the reasons behind CKDu and research in Sri Lanka.
94. Meththika Vithanage, Bandunee Liyanage, Kusala Madhushani Premaratne, Biochar based novel approach for the environmental remediation of CKDu endemic areas in Sri Lanka, 25 September 2016, The Sunday Times.
95. Madushan Subash Wickramasinghe, Meththika Vithanage, Does Helium resource vanish from the world? “Swabhawika Helium Sampatha Lowen Thuran Wee Yaida?”, 11 January 2017, Vidusara.
Helium is a natural resource which is used for many different industries. However, now helium resource is being threatened and this article describes the reasons and the needful.
96. Lakshika Weerasundara, Ruvini Amarasekara, Dhammika Magana-Arachchi, Meththika Vithanage, Deadly dust in Kandy city. “Mahanuwara Duwille Sangaunu Marayoo”, 12 February 2017, Lankadeepa.
This article has discussed the research findings of the dust analysis from Kandy. Heavy metals and bacteria has been found in evelated levels, which can create a threat to the health of the city lives.