An International Cooperation Agreement (ICA) to enhance scientific cooperation in High Energy Physics between the scientific community of Sri Lanka and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), was signed in Geneva on Wednesday (8 February 2017). Hon. Minister of Science, Technology & Research, Susil Premajayantha and the Director for International Relations of CERN, Ms. Charlotte Warakaulle signed on behalf of the two parties.

Sri Lanka becomes the 47th country to sign an ICA with CERN, which is regarded the most prominent particle physics research institute in the world. This Agreement will create a framework for the participation by Sri Lankan scientists, engineers and technicians in research projects of the CERN and increase opportunities for Sri Lankan undergraduates and physics teachers to participate in CERN’s training programmes.

Sri Lanka‘s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Deputy Permanent Representative Mrs. Samantha Jayasuriya, Counsellor Ms. Shashika Somaratne, the Officer responsible for CERN cooperation Second Secretary Ms. Dilini Gunasekera, and Head of the Group of Fifteen (G-15) Secretariat Mr. Gihan Indragupta were associated with Hon. Minister Mr. Premajayantha in the discussions, while CERN’s Senior Advisor and former Head of International Relations. Dr. Rüdiger Voss, Head of Associate Member and Non-Member State Relations Prof. Emmanuel Tsesmelis and other senior officials were associated with Ms. Warakaulle.