By Dr .C.S. Weeraratna A tractor transporting sugarcane. J.A.A.S. Ranasinghe, in an article titled “Exodus of scientists from research institutes to universities – A national malady” published in the Sunday Times on November 22 has highlighted scientists leaving crop research Institutes to other institutions and that these institutions are heavily understaffed. According to Mr. Ranasinghe, 12 experienced and qualified research officers have left the Rubber Research Institute (RRI) during the last five years. The situation at the other research institutions also may be similar. The traditional plantation crop sector which comprises tea, rubber, coconut and sugarcane plays a key role in the Sri Lankan economy. The contribution to foreign exchange earnings by these export crops is the second-highest with a 21.5 per cent share in the total export income, thus reducing outflow of foreign exchange substantially. It also provides employment opportunities to around 500,000.