• Polythene bags, bottles and food packaging break down 
• Tiny particles contaminate the environment and enter the food chain 

Tiny plastic particles can damage human organs including the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys, a leading researcher warned. Sri Lanka’s plastic problem is far more serious than the unsightly heaps of polythene bags, discarded bottles and food packaging that litter roadsides, beaches and public spaces, said Prof Hasintha Wijesekara of the Sabaragamuwa University. He added that beneath the visible rubbish lies a less obvious danger: the gradual breakdown of plastic into tiny particles that can contaminate the environment and potentially enter the food chain. Delivering the keynote address at the Lincoln International Multidisciplinary Conference (LIMC) at the Lincoln Institute of Graduate Studies (LIGS) recently, he warned that unless measures are taken to reduce the plastic threat, prevent its spread and protect the water, soil and ecosystems, this invisible problem will become a major national disaster. Prof Wijesekara highlighted the importance of examining plastic pollution not merely as a waste-disposal problem, but as a wider environmental threat. Scientific investigations into microplastics and pollutants released from open dumpsites have raised concerns about the contamination of surrounding water resources. The implications deserve greater public attention and a stronger response from policymakers.

Prof Muditha Vidanapathirana of the Uva Wellassa University pointed out that the theme of the conference, ‘Beyond Boundaries: Rethinking Futures through Sustainable Solutions’, is most relevant as it places human well-being at the centre. He stressed the importance of research for the advancement of any nation. Prof Vidanapathirana said: “Ethical practices are paramount in research.” He urged researchers to always obtain the consent of the persons who are used for scientific tests.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of the LIGS, Prof Chandana Udawatte called upon the researcher to work across disciplines while preserving depth, methodological rigour and critical judgement in order to ensure ultimate credibility. He added that effective mentorship, constructive peer review and opportunities for collaboration help researchers to turn promising questions into robust investigations.

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Tishan Subasinghe urged researchers to consider how their findings can inform organisational decisions, strengthen public trust and support development that creates enduring value. “Inspire partnerships that translate sound research into responsible leadership and measurable progress towards a sustainable future”.

The LIMC Co-Chair, Dr Roshan de-Lima emphasised the importance of the informal sector among the employment arena for an economy. He pointed out that nearly 55 per cent of the 8.8 million workforce belongs to the informal sector and that their contribution to the economy is gigantic. “Sustainable solutions must be scientifically credible, socially responsive and adaptable to the communities that they serve,” he said, and added, “Effective solutions must remain sensitive to local circumstances”.

Prof Anthony ‘Skip’ Basiel of the London School of Intelligent Computing and Technology, England, while acknowledging that artificial intelligence (AI) provides a wide access to knowledge, warned that AI generated content might contain errors, fabricated references or misleading interpretations. Hence, human review, critical judgement and responsibility remain essential to maintain academic trust, he said.