July 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has taken a landmark step in reshaping its research and development (R&D) landscape with the formation of a dedicated national committee to identify and prioritise the country’s most pressing research needs.
In what marks the first initiative of its kind, the newly formed body is tasked with evaluating and categorising research efforts across the nation in alignment with long-term development goals and national interests. The move is intended to bring coherence and strategic direction to a sector long criticised for its disjointed and piecemeal approach.
The committee is jointly led by Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, and Professor Rohan Fernando, Chairman of the National Science and Technology Commission. A team of 20 experts from a range of disciplines will support this effort, ensuring broad representation across scientific, academic, industrial, and policy-making spheres.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), a key focus will be aligning the R&D strategies of universities, public institutions, industries, and government bodies with the country’s development agenda. Another crucial aim is to guide the allocation of public funds for R&D in a way that maximises impact, relevance, and accountability.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s research sector has functioned in silos, often disconnected from real-world application and national progress. This fragmented structure has limited its contribution to both economic growth and social development.
The establishment of the committee signals a shift towards evidence-based policymaking. Data collection will extend from local institutions to national surveys, allowing decisions to be informed by a comprehensive understanding of ground realities.
Ultimately, the government hopes this structured, priority-led approach will help transform the sector into a more effective, responsive, and impactful force for national advancement.
