Agreements for 16 research projects and 22 workshops are currently being formalized under the Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Research Programme. Organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding for the 2024 cycle of these joint research and workshop initiatives took place on July 1, 2026 at the Ministry of Environment auditorium in Battaramulla, under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeyesena.
Aimed at promoting advanced environmental research and facilitating mutual knowledge exchange between Sri Lanka and India, this unique bilateral cooperation program represents a highly significant diplomatic milestone for both nations. Initiated in September 2008, the program has now reached its fifth phase. Moving beyond traditional academic outputs, the initiative is deeply focused on addressing pressing societal challenges faced by both nations through robust collaboration. It emphasizes bridging scientific excellence with practical impact to produce commercially viable innovations with real-world applications.
The 2024 cycle focuses on nine priority areas of strategic importance to both countries: food technology, plant-based medicine, metrology, space research and applications, robotics and automation, industrial electronics, renewable energy, waste management, and information and communication technology. Through these focus areas, a shared partnership is being implemented to fulfill common developmental needs, strengthen innovation capacity, and generate socio-economic benefits that are vital to both India and Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Science and Technology highlighted that in addition to their strong geographical and historical ties, India and Sri Lanka have joined hands with a shared vision for a technologically advanced future. He noted that the modern world faces borderless challenges such as climate change, food security, public health crises, and the need for clean energy. The Minister emphasized that solutions to these issues will not come from isolated efforts, but rather through joint laboratories and collaborative intellectual projects built upon shared knowledge. Reaffirming the government's continuous commitment to fostering an unhindered, advanced scientific environment, he stated that state-supported discoveries will be instrumental in shaping policy decisions, creating new industries, and elevating the living standards of millions in the region.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Mohamed Nawawi; the Political Counselor and Head of Chancery at the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, Dr. Rambabu; Professor Chandana Jayaratne and other principal members of the Evaluation Committee, as well as university Vice-Chancellors, government officials, scientists, and leading researchers.
