(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Dr. (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola , State Minister of Skill Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovations stated that scientific research should be carried out identifying the issues encountered by the general public and aimed at resolving such issues The Hon. Minister expressed these views recently during an observation visit she paid to the Industrial Technology Institute at Malabe.
She paid special attention to the ongoing research and value added products being developed by the institution, employing latest research technologies and inaugurated the construction of the final phase of the Herbal Products Laboratory being developed under the China – Sri Lanka joint bio technology laboratory project, on the premises of the research complex.
The Hon. Minister further expressing her views said
“Scientists at our Institutions are tirelessly engaged in scientific research with much dedication. We have to find out the degree of contribution towards the upliftment of the living standards of the general public and strengthening the economy of the country. These research should provide sustainable solutions to the issues being encountered by the general public”
“Therefore it is vital that efficient coordination between all research Institutions under the Ministry is established ensuring close links with mutual understanding. This makes it easy to find solutions for common issues through research. I intend to invite a programme to have a round table discussion with all research Institutions under the purview of the Ministry. The exchange of knowledge among institutions is vitally important. Sometimes, research of similar nature are carried out at various institutions. A research would commerce at a particular institution while a research of similar nature has continued up to a certain extent. Since this is a waste of time and money, it is my opinion that it is more productive if such research could be continued from the point another institution stopped it.”
The Hon. Minister gave instructions to officials to initiate necessary measures to utilize the knowledge gained form research to introduce new products to the public and also to transfer such technologies to several entrepreneurs targeting the creation of a network of industries.
Dr. Sirimal Premakumara, Chairman of ITI, stated that since Sri Lanka is a country rich in valuable and rare herbs, the said laboratory will be made use of to produce herbal pills, capsules, syrups and various local medical compounds employing high end technologies to add value to these local herbs and that a grant of US dollars 600,000 has been received from the Chinese Government for the purpose of setting up of this laboratory.
