- Prez notes need for mechanisms to moot grassroots innovators’ ideas
Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya stated that under the newly launched National Initiative for Research and Development (R&D) Commercialisation (NIRDC) programme, efforts will be directed towards commercialising R&D.
Up to now, R&D outcomes in Sri Lanka have not been effectively integrated into the economy, according to him.
He stated thus at the launch of the same yesterday (8) at the Presidential Secretariat where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that Sri Lanka can enhance its position in the global market through a robust new product development strategy, which will also create new market opportunities.
As part of the initiative, the newly developed website www.nirdc.gov.lk was also launched. This platform aims to facilitate the commercialisation of R&D (RDC), thereby contributing to the production of value added goods and services. The NIRDC is chaired jointly by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Prof. Udugamasooriya. The initiative includes a committee comprising experts from diverse fields such as scientific research, industry, economics, law, arts, and indigenous heritage.
The President pointed out that there has been a lack of adequate mechanisms to properly support, nurture, and commercialise grassroots-level innovators ideas. He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for free and innovative thinking, backed by an efficient system to channel these ideas into productive outcomes.
Historically, the country has allocated 0.12% of its annual gross domestic product for R&D.
The recently established Ministry of Science and Technology has already begun implementing a long-term, well-structured R&D strategy. The immediate priority will be to convert near-complete or completed research projects into marketable, value-added products and services.
President Dissanayake noted that innovation and new product development are key to shaping the new methods of fulfilling evolving human needs.
Addressing past shortcomings, the President observed that Sri Lanka's outdated approach to technology and innovation has hindered its ability to compete in the global market. Despite technological advancements driving a shift in global market trends, Sri Lanka remains trapped in traditional sectors like tea, coconut, and rubber.
President Dissanayake further underscored that globally leading companies have succeeded by integrating innovation with technology. He pointed out that in the past Sri Lanka has neglected technology as a key economic driver.