Nalin de Silva
Encyclopedia
Nalin de Silva is a Sri Lanka
n theoretical physicist
, philosopher and a political analyst. He is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics
and the Dean of the faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya
, Sri Lanka.
Prof. De Silva has also approximated western science to witchcraft
, and openly stated that objective scientific method is a lie.
In June 2011 when the findings of a study advised by him were questioned he stated that the data had been given to him by the god "Natha". The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, an organization in which De Silva claims lifelong membership, has said that they consider it "extremely unfortunate that the Dean of a Science Faculty should make it his publicly stated aim to run down science and bring it into disrepute."
De Silva has not published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal since 1976 and stated that he prefers 'to publish my original work in newspapers as they can be judged by a bigger audience, though they may not be so called experts in the field'.
, Sri Lanka. He had his primary education at Bauddhaloka Maha Vidyalaya - Wekada (Panadura) and at Thurstan College
.
He entered the University of Ceylon
in 1963 and graduated in Mathematics in 1967. De Silva obtained his Doctorate in Theoretical Cosmology
from the University of Sussex
in 1970.
and the Nava Sama Samaja Party
, and as a marxist and a theoretical physicist studying both disciplines he intensively began to question the foundations of both Marxism
and Western Science. As a result, in 1986, he wrote Mage Lokaya (My World), criticizing the basis of the established western system of knowledge, and its domination throughout the world.
This has further evolved in to a study of Epistemology & Ontology
, and in the process he has introduced and developed the concept of chinthanaya as the basis on which knowledge is constructed relative to the sense organs, culture and the mind. His writings form the theoretical and philosophical basis of “Jathika Chinthanaya” an idea proposed by Gunadasa Amarasekara
. Thus he is popular as a representator of Sinhalese
nationalism
.
for several decades. In 2010 a team of scientists headed by Prof. Priyani Paranagama, Head of the Chemistry Department at Kelaniya University, conducted a study to find the cause of the disease. The team was advised by Prof. Nalin de Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Kelaniya University. The team presented their findings in June 2011. They stated that they had found high concentrations of arsenic
in drinking water, vegetation, rice and other samples in the region. The team however refused to release their data to the public raising questions about their methodology. Their finding were followed by allegations that the arsenic was being introduced to the system through foreign pesticides and fertilizers.
As this statement caused a huge uproar in the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka the Industrial Technology Institute stated that they had used Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
on rice samples which showed no high levels of arsenic. The ITI study also found that in samples of 28 different pesticides only 3 showed any signs of arsenic, and even then not in the concentrations that De Silva's team alleged. The Kelaniya University team stated that they had used new methods to locate the Arsenic in the samples they collected but did not feel a need to submit their findings for peer-review. De Silva stated that they did not publish their results in a "so-called peer reviewed journal due to our concern regarding the authorship of the paper as the original idea was given by ‘samyak drshtika devivaru’ (Omniscient Gods)."
When the authenticity of the findings made by the University of Kelaniya team were questioned by other scientists De Silva stated that the god "Natha" had first told them about the arsenic through a mystic.
Dr Paranagama too has stood by De Silva and defended their methods. She said that they had first been told of the Arsenic by the wife of "a university lecturer who had developed her mental faculties to communicate with a higher being", but then used scientific methods to deduce it.
The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science released a statement in July 2011 questioning the validity of the findings and the process and individuals involved in the study. Their statement laid the blame for the scandal firmly on Prof Nalin De Silva and they called for other scientists and researchers in the group to distance themselves from De Silva to have their work tken seriously.
Prof. De Silva has also referred to linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky
as a puppet of the Western Christian Modernity.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
n theoretical physicist
Theoretical physics
Theoretical physics is a branch of physics which employs mathematical models and abstractions of physics to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena...
, philosopher and a political analyst. He is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
and the Dean of the faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya
University of Kelaniya
The University of Kelaniya is a state university of Sri Lanka. Situated just outside the municipal limits of Colombo, in the ancient and historic city of Kelaniya, the University has two major campuses, seven locations, six faculties and four institutions....
, Sri Lanka.
Prof. De Silva has also approximated western science to witchcraft
Witchcraft
Witchcraft, in historical, anthropological, religious, and mythological contexts, is the alleged use of supernatural or magical powers. A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft...
, and openly stated that objective scientific method is a lie.
In June 2011 when the findings of a study advised by him were questioned he stated that the data had been given to him by the god "Natha". The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, an organization in which De Silva claims lifelong membership, has said that they consider it "extremely unfortunate that the Dean of a Science Faculty should make it his publicly stated aim to run down science and bring it into disrepute."
De Silva has not published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal since 1976 and stated that he prefers 'to publish my original work in newspapers as they can be judged by a bigger audience, though they may not be so called experts in the field'.
Early Life and Education
Prof. Nalin de Silva was born on October 20, 1944 in Kovilagodella, PanaduraPanadura
- History :The historic debate 'Panadura Vadaya' was held in this place which is a milestone of the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka with the initiative of the ven. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thera.- People and Culture :Panadura is home to about 100,000 citizens...
, Sri Lanka. He had his primary education at Bauddhaloka Maha Vidyalaya - Wekada (Panadura) and at Thurstan College
Thurstan College
Thurstan College is a public school in Colombo. It is a National School, i.e. it is controlled by the Central government as opposed to the Provincial Council and provides both primary and secondary education.-Overview:...
.
He entered the University of Ceylon
University of Ceylon
The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was...
in 1963 and graduated in Mathematics in 1967. De Silva obtained his Doctorate in Theoretical Cosmology
Cosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the Universe as a whole. Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keep it in order...
from the University of Sussex
University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is an English public research university situated next to the East Sussex village of Falmer, within the city of Brighton and Hove. The University received its Royal Charter in August 1961....
in 1970.
Academic work
Nalin de Silva was formally a member of the Marxist Trotskyite Lanka Sama Samaja PartyLanka Sama Samaja Party
The Lanka Sama Samaja Party is a Trotskyist political party in Sri Lanka....
and the Nava Sama Samaja Party
Nava Sama Samaja Party
The Nava Sama Samaja Pakshaya is a Trotskyist political party in Sri Lanka. It was formed through the expulsion from the Lanka Sama Samaja Party of the Vama Samsamja tendency led by Dr Vickrambahu , Sumanasiri Liyanage and others. Siritunga Jayasuriya and Vasudeva Nanayakkara joined later...
, and as a marxist and a theoretical physicist studying both disciplines he intensively began to question the foundations of both Marxism
Marxism
Marxism is an economic and sociopolitical worldview and method of socioeconomic inquiry that centers upon a materialist interpretation of history, a dialectical view of social change, and an analysis and critique of the development of capitalism. Marxism was pioneered in the early to mid 19th...
and Western Science. As a result, in 1986, he wrote Mage Lokaya (My World), criticizing the basis of the established western system of knowledge, and its domination throughout the world.
This has further evolved in to a study of Epistemology & Ontology
Ontology
Ontology is the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence or reality as such, as well as the basic categories of being and their relations...
, and in the process he has introduced and developed the concept of chinthanaya as the basis on which knowledge is constructed relative to the sense organs, culture and the mind. His writings form the theoretical and philosophical basis of “Jathika Chinthanaya” an idea proposed by Gunadasa Amarasekara
Gunadasa Amarasekara
Gunadasa Amarasekera is a prominent Sinhala writer, poet, and essayist from Sri Lanka. Gunadasa Amarasekera was born in Yattalamatta in Galle District. He was educated at Mahinda College, Galle and Nalanda College Colombo...
. Thus he is popular as a representator of Sinhalese
Sinhalisation
Sinhalisation is a term that has number of meanings in Sri Lanka. Etymologically it is derived from Sinhala.-Sociological:From a sociological point of view it could mean the assimilation of ethno cultural minorities in Sri Lanka such as the Sri Lankan Tamils, Colombo Chetties and indigenous Veddas...
nationalism
Nationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what...
.
Arsenic Scandal
The Rajarata Chronic Kidney Disease (RCKD) has been an ailment prevalent in the North Central Province of Sri LankaNorth Central Province, Sri Lanka
North Central Province is a province of Sri Lanka. Its capital is Anuradhapura. The province is not densely populated with a weak economy, as the land tends to be dry tropical woodlands.-History:...
for several decades. In 2010 a team of scientists headed by Prof. Priyani Paranagama, Head of the Chemistry Department at Kelaniya University, conducted a study to find the cause of the disease. The team was advised by Prof. Nalin de Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Kelaniya University. The team presented their findings in June 2011. They stated that they had found high concentrations of arsenic
Arsenic
Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol As, atomic number 33 and relative atomic mass 74.92. Arsenic occurs in many minerals, usually in conjunction with sulfur and metals, and also as a pure elemental crystal. It was first documented by Albertus Magnus in 1250.Arsenic is a metalloid...
in drinking water, vegetation, rice and other samples in the region. The team however refused to release their data to the public raising questions about their methodology. Their finding were followed by allegations that the arsenic was being introduced to the system through foreign pesticides and fertilizers.
As this statement caused a huge uproar in the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka the Industrial Technology Institute stated that they had used Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Atomic absorption spectroscopy
Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a spectroanalytical procedure for the qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical elements employing the absorption of optical radiation by free atoms in the gaseous state. In analytical chemistry the technique is used for determining the concentration...
on rice samples which showed no high levels of arsenic. The ITI study also found that in samples of 28 different pesticides only 3 showed any signs of arsenic, and even then not in the concentrations that De Silva's team alleged. The Kelaniya University team stated that they had used new methods to locate the Arsenic in the samples they collected but did not feel a need to submit their findings for peer-review. De Silva stated that they did not publish their results in a "so-called peer reviewed journal due to our concern regarding the authorship of the paper as the original idea was given by ‘samyak drshtika devivaru’ (Omniscient Gods)."
When the authenticity of the findings made by the University of Kelaniya team were questioned by other scientists De Silva stated that the god "Natha" had first told them about the arsenic through a mystic.
The merit (pina) in this regard should go to the "samyak drshtika devivaru" who first told that Arsenic is present in Rajarata drinking water and later revealed to us that Arsenic which is not found naturally in Sri Lanka has found its way to the wells and the wewas in Rajarata through Agrochemicals.
It’s simply like this. We can see professors. Professors cannot see Arsenic. We cannot see gods. Gods can see Arsenic. I like this because there is certain symmetry in it... I know very well that the so-called objective scientific method is a lie.
Dr Paranagama too has stood by De Silva and defended their methods. She said that they had first been told of the Arsenic by the wife of "a university lecturer who had developed her mental faculties to communicate with a higher being", but then used scientific methods to deduce it.
The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science released a statement in July 2011 questioning the validity of the findings and the process and individuals involved in the study. Their statement laid the blame for the scandal firmly on Prof Nalin De Silva and they called for other scientists and researchers in the group to distance themselves from De Silva to have their work tken seriously.
There is another serious issue which casts grave doubts on the credibility of the claims made by the Kelaniya group. The press has publicly identified as the leader of this group an individual, who despite holding a responsible position, professes a disdain for 'Western' science. He has publicly claimed supernatural revelations ('samyak drushtika devivaru') as the source of his group's information and even methods. While recognizing that many scientists are deeply religious, the SLAAS wishes to state categorically that superstition and the supernatural have no place in science, and that scientific results inspired by such sources are highly suspect because of a probable bias on the part of the investigator.
We also note that other researchers in the group have yet to distance themselves from the eccentric statements of their leader, and they need to do this if they wish to be taken seriously as scientists.
Western Cultural Dominance
Prof. De Silva has also been a vocal opponent of what he calls western cultural dominance which he claims is in it's final phase.The western Christian modernity (WCM) is in the last phase of its hegemony and is acting like an insane person. It has no respect for the sovereignty of the other countries as has been exemplified from invasions, killings and supporting so called rebel groups in the countries in Asia and Africa. The USA that became the leader of WCM after the so called second world war is trying desperately to hold to the hegemony of WCM. After more than five hundred years of world domination WCM will have to leave the planet without making the people suffer more and more.
Prof. De Silva has also referred to linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky
Avram Noam Chomsky is an American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and activist. He is an Institute Professor and Professor in the Department of Linguistics & Philosophy at MIT, where he has worked for over 50 years. Chomsky has been described as the "father of modern linguistics" and...
as a puppet of the Western Christian Modernity.
The west also maintains people such as Chomsky who is not known to the average American in order to show to the world that there is freedom for the intellectuals to champion their views heard more by the rest of the world than by the Americans themselves.
Sacking from University of Colombo
De Silva was sacked from the University of Colombo for engaging in unlawful political activity within the campus. In subsequent letters he has described the event.When I was in the University of Colombo, not the best place to fight the cultural pentagon, I was asked by the then Vice Chancellor G. L. Peiris why I was teaching Jathika Chinthanaya to a captive audience. The audience was not that captive and had the backing of the Vice Chancellor and some members of the senior staff, and of course the cultural pentagon. Nothing happened to the captive audience but soon I found that I was out of the University system.