December 23, Colombo (LNW): Yesterday (22), the Presidential Secretariat hosted a ceremony marking the presentation of certificates and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for nine innovative projects selected under the National Initiative for the Commercialisation of Research and Development (NIRDC).
The projects were chosen from proposals submitted during the first quarter of this year.
Collectively, the projects will receive over LKR 227 million in funding, with certificates handed out by Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and the President’s Senior Advisor on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya.
Financial backing for the initiative will be provided by the Bank of Ceylon, with the funding agreement signed between Dr. Kumanayake and the Bank’s CEO, Mr. Y.A. Jayathilaka. Funds will be released in stages, contingent on the progress of each project as measured against agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The nine projects recognised at the event include:
1. Vx Safenet – A child-friendly digital wellbeing platform leveraging telecommunication networks; represented by Mr. Theekshana Kumara of Visuamatix (Pvt) Ltd.
2. Volfpack Energy Supercapacitor Project – Employing advanced materials like Fractal Graphene and Activated Carbon Supercapacitors, led by Mr. Sanjeewa Karunaratne.
3. Cold Brewed Cinnamon Extraction – Producing nutrient-rich cinnamon extracts free of chemicals and additives, by Mr. Muditha Jayathilaka of Pure Cinnamon Exports (Pvt) Ltd.
4. Rapid Coconut Oil Purity Testing Device – A portable, high-tech device developed at the University of Colombo’s Aloka Laboratory, represented by Professor G.K.D.S. Jayaneththi.
5. Samanala Farm Project – Highlighting innovative Sri Lankan tea cultivation, with Mrs. Pabasara Manthunga receiving the certificate.
6. Sinhala AI Chatbot – A voice-enabled AI system designed to enhance government services and accessibility for visually impaired users, led by Dr. Randil Pushpananda.
7. Planet’s Pick Holdings – Creating naturally healthy Kitul-based beverages and fat-free milk alternatives, represented by Mr. Kapila Wijesekera.
8. TDR Knitting Project – Empowering women in rural regions through export-focused knitting technology, led by Mrs. Lakmali Wanasinghe.
9. “Magic-grow” Soil Microbial Activator – Boosting agricultural yields using locally sourced microorganisms, with Mr. Wasala Siriwardana as the project lead.
Dr. Kumanayake emphasised that bringing research from the lab to the marketplace will add a fresh dimension to Sri Lanka’s economy, offering both economic and developmental benefits. Minister of Science and Technology, Krishantha Abeysinghe, noted that fourteen institutions under his Ministry are ready to support research commercialisation, with universities, agricultural, irrigation, and health institutions prioritised in this effort.
Highlighting the country’s evolving approach to innovation, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that research must focus on practical solutions to pressing societal challenges, including non-communicable diseases. He stressed that the government’s vision, articulated in the “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” initiative, requires coordinated and evidence-based research efforts across all sectors.
Professor Udugamasooriya added that the government’s production-driven economic strategy relies heavily on value-added goods and services, which in turn depend on effective research and development. NIRDC is designed to bridge the gap between completed research and market-ready products, addressing challenges such as funding shortfalls and operational obstacles, and connecting researchers with potential investors—an approach unprecedented in Sri Lanka.
During this first funding round, NIRDC received proposals totalling approximately LKR 2.2 billion. A rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process, involving technical, administrative, financial, and commercial viability assessments by around 200 independent experts, was used to select the nine successful projects.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director General of NIRDC.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including government ministers, the Central Bank Governor, senior advisors to the President, heads of research institutions, university vice-chancellors, banking executives, and scholars.
