• Researchers' freedom to pursue independent studies to remain protected
• NSF and research institutions set for restructuring under new policy
• State funding to prioritise projects with tangible national benefits

The Government is planning to encourage research in nationally identified priority areas without restricting researchers' freedom to pursue their own work, with a new national research policy and institutional reforms expected to support that approach.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (2), Science and Technology Minister, Prof  Chrishantha Abeysena said that while researchers would continue to have the freedom to decide on their areas of study, the Government intends to give priority to research that delivers tangible benefits to the country.

"We can’t stop people from conducting research. That would create another issue. Instead of restricting that freedom, we want to guide the research in the right direction and give priority to studies in areas identified by the Government."

He added that a national research policy would be introduced in the near future, following which institutions such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) are expected to undergo restructuring to better support the Government's research agenda. "We are planning to implement a research policy soon. Based on that, we expect to restructure institutions such as the NSF and take this programme forward."

He also rejected suggestions that Sri Lanka lacked research, saying that funding should be directed towards worthwhile projects rather than simply increasing the number of studies. "It is difficult to say that there isn’t enough research. If a proposal is not good, there is no point in funding it. We are spending public money, we must always ensure that all research funded by the Government benefits the country," he said.

Sri Lanka's research sector has long struggled with limited funding, the lack of institutional support, and weak links between research and the industry. Although universities and research institutes continue to produce studies across a wide range of disciplines, experts have repeatedly pointed out that there is a need for greater investment in science, technology and innovation to help address national challenges and drive economic growth.