Hon. Minister of State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation Dr. (Mrs.) Sita Arambepola stated that support will be given to bring the research results to a wider commercialization level. The Minister said this while participating in an observation tour of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies in Kandy which is functioning under the Ministry.Hon. Minister of State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation Dr. (Mrs.) Sita Arambepola stated that support will be given to bring the research results to a wider commercialization level. The Minister said this while participating in an observation tour of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies in Kandy which is functioning under the Ministry.
During the visit, the scientists of the institute briefed the Hon. Minister on the progress of the institute and the ongoing research and completed research. The Minister paid special attention to these matters and observed the relevant laboratories at length. The Minister pointed out the importance of giving commercial value to the products of the institute in order to get the proper results from the relevant research carried out by the scientists of this institute and said that she would continue to provide the necessary support to solve the problems and bring them to a wider commercial level.
Speaking further the Minister said, “Focusing more on research, innovation and the use of technology is a turning point in a country's economic development. From the moment that decision is taken, those countries mark the beginning of change and development. The role of our Ministry is very important in achieving the national development objectives of the country. All institutions need to work together with good management to maximize that role. Therefore, we are conducting a special study to gain an understanding of how to maximize the contribution of these research institutes in the coming year to achieve the national economic development goals of the country. We will also start the study pertaining to this institute from today”.
Additional Secretary to the Ministry, Deepa Liyanage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology, Prof. Ranjith Premalal, Chairman of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Prof. Athula Sumathipala, Director, Prof. Saman Senaweera and other officials were also present on the occasion.
