Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekhar emphasizes that the commitment of young people is essential for the advancement of the field
‘NARA should take the lead in preventing ocean pollution and developing new products’ – Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage
With the aim of further strengthening the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the country’s premier scientific research institution in the fisheries and ocean resources sector, appointment letters were given today (16) to 85 newly recruited officers. The ceremony was held at the NARA auditorium under the patronage of Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekhar and Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage.
A key highlight of the recruitment drive was the appointment of 45 professionals to the positions of Chief Scientist, Senior Scientist and Scientist. In addition, appointments were made to several other posts, including Senior Hydrological Surveyor, Hydrographic Surveyor, Senior Extension Officer, Assistant Director (Human Resources), Sociologist, Economist, Store Keeper, Librarian, Personal Assistant to the Director General, Technological Officer (Mechanical), Computer Network/Hardware Technological Officer, Development Officer (Project), Research Assistant, Management Assistant (Non-Technical) and Electrician.
Addressing the new appointees, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekhar stated: “More than half of those receiving appointments today are scientists. The very title ‘scientist’ commands respect. Reflect on whether you are prepared to serve in a manner worthy of that title. NARA safeguards the ocean resources of this country. If this institution is managed efficiently and innovatively, it has the potential to generate substantial income for the nation.”
Change in political culture:
The Minister further emphasized that, unlike in the past when political interference often influenced public sector recruitment, the appointments to NARA were made strictly on merit, without any political involvement. “Our government has worked to establish a new political culture by reducing privileges such as vehicle permits, official residences and additional allowances for politicians in order to strengthen the national economy. In line with the principle that Members of Parliament should not receive pensions unavailable to the general public, a bill to abolish MPs’ pensions will be presented to Parliament tomorrow,” he said.
Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage, addressing the gathering, stressed that NARA must move beyond conventional research and embrace innovation. “What we see on the surface is not the full reality. Science is a deep exploration of nature. We must take the fisheries industry beyond its traditional boundaries. The time has come for NARA to focus on areas such as oil exploration, marine mineral resources and the development of new seafood-based products,” he stated.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the Deputy Minister noted that Sri Lanka is ranked among the ten most polluted ocean regions in the world. “It is your responsibility to help change this situation by conducting research, raising public awareness and protecting our beautiful coastline and marine environment. It is not too late for us—this is the time to rise to the highest heights,” he added.
The Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, and the Chairman of NARA, Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi, were also present at the event.
