For the first time in Sri Lanka, a rare opportunity for those engaged in neuroscience related fields has come by, as the workshop on neuroscience continues. The much acclaimed workshop began on 14th December at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura features academics from a number of foreign universities as well as foreign students. Several symposia had been held from the beginning, to discuss Natural products that enhance brain health, Movement disorders, Innovative therapeutics for the brain and also to discuss double doctoral opportunities for postgraduate students in neuroscience.
The main focus of the workshop is on Sri Lankan natural products that can protect the brain from a line of diseases. Research has showed that natural products can do a great deal more than any medicine that has been used so far. Products such as tea, cinnamon and pepper are known for their impact on the improvement on the brain. As Sri Lanka is rich many of these products, the workshop has brought academics and industrialists under one roof to talk about the possibilities to take them into global markets as medically effective natural products. On this head, a panel discussion too was held on 17th December with the participation of His Excellency President Maithreepala Sirisena, Hon.Rajitha Senaratne – Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Hon.Navin Dissanayake – Minister of Plantation Industries, Hon.Daya Gamage – Minister of Primary Industries and Mr.Wei You – Secretary General of the Tea Industry Committee. The aim to form international connections to give our natural products a global exposure can benefit both health and economic fields.
This workshop includes lectures and practical sessions by foreign experts, and it is undoubtedly an invaluable experience for the local students. The university equally gives the chance to obtain information on double doctoral degrees for its students in accordance with previous MoU’s signed. In coming events in the itinerary, there will be discussions on movement disorders and mind relaxation that helps healthy brain aging.
This seven day workshop has already proven that it is truly one of a kind. With many areas covered, it develops a broader scope in brain related health and is simultaneously productive for students, researchers and industrialists as well as the public, since ultimately these findings are for the benefit of humans.