Engineers from the Arthur C. Clarke Institute Restore Discarded Equipment Worth LKR 3 Million at a Nominal Cost of Under LKR 5,000

Under the direct intervention and strategic guidance of the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology and Chairman of the Gampaha District Health Committee, Professor Chrishantha Abeyesena, a comprehensive program has been initiated to upgrade the technical infrastructure at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama. This initiative—focused on restoring essential medical equipment and machinery—is being executed with the vital technical collaboration of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT).

Recently, a formal ceremony was held at the hospital under the auspices of Hon. Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeyesena to officially hand over the first consignment of equipment that has been successfully repaired, modernized, and reconstructed through this program.

This critical requirement was brought to the Hon. Minister’s attention during an official observation visit to the hospital in his capacity as the Chairman of the Gampaha District Health Committee. Responding to his formal directive, the engineering division of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute proactively volunteered their expertise for this undertaking.

The restored inventory encompasses a vital range of medical and technical devices, including:

• IR Timers with Power Supplies

• Industrial Ovens

• Patient Standing Aid Units

• Multimonitors

• Grinder Machine Control Panels

• Power Units and Controllers for Tilting Beds

• Heat Guns and Rotary Tools

All of these items had long been slated for repair but remained out of commission. The extensive delays and subsequent withdrawal of these instruments from active service were primarily attributed to exorbitant repair estimates, the permanent closure of original manufacturing firms, and a distinct lack of capable local technical institutions to facilitate the necessary restorations.

The paramount achievement of this endeavor is the successful restoration of discarded technical equipment, valued at approximately three million Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR 3,000,000.00), executed at a highly nominal expenditure of under five thousand Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR 5,000.00). This remarkable feat was made possible exclusively through the specialized expertise of the ACCIMT engineers. In the absence of their timely intervention, these valuable medical assets would have been permanently decommissioned.

The official handover ceremony was graced by a distinguished gathering, including Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute; Mrs. Kumari Meegahakotuwa, Director General of ACCIMT; the contributing technical engineers; and Dr. Prabath Abeyesiriwardena, Director (Planning) of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

An official meeting between the Minister of Science and Technology of Sri Lanka, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, and the Minister of Science and Technology of the Government of Vietnam, Mr. Vu Hai Quan, was held on 8th May 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo.

This bilateral meeting took place in conjunction with the state visit of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. To Lam, to Sri Lanka, which marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Key Highlights of the Discussion:

• Strengthening Cooperation: Both ministries have been tasked with reinforcing long-term cooperation by enhancing knowledge, research, and technical capabilities in the fields of science, technology, and innovation to achieve national development goals.

• Historic MOU: For the first time, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• Implementation Roadmap: The primary objective of this meeting was to build a mutual understanding regarding the roadmap for the practical implementation of the signed MoU. Extensive discussions were held regarding these future steps.

Areas of Mutual Interest:

Both parties agreed to collaborate and exchange knowledge in several key sectors to benefit both nations:

• High-quality Human Resource Training.

• Cooperation in the Digital Technology Industry.

• Standards and Quality Infrastructure.

• Sharing expertise in Satellite Technology.

• Agriculture and Agricultural Modernization.

• Marine Science and Capacity Development.

Attendees:

• Sri Lankan Delegation: Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Mohammed Navavi, and other ministry officials. Heads of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute, the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) were also present.

• Vietnamese Delegation: Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Mr. Nguyen Thien Nghia, International Cooperation Officer Ms. Dinh Phuong Thao, and other high-ranking officials.

As the Ministry of Science and Technology, our primary focus remains the empowerment of national development through the strategic utilization of indigenous technological expertise. In a significant milestone towards modernizing the agricultural sector, a specialized drone technology workshop was recently convened at the Kurukulawa paddy fields in Wattala. The event was presided over by the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena.

During the workshop, an advanced drone designed for seeding and solid fertilizer broadcasting was demonstrated. This innovative aircraft was designed locally by CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd, featuring controlling firmware and software entirely developed within Sri Lanka. This technology offers an optimal solution to the pressing labor shortages currently facing the agricultural industry, while ensuring high efficiency and substantial time savings. Furthermore, the introduction of such sophisticated technological tools paves the way for fostering a new generation of "young, smart farmers" adept at leveraging modern digital advancements.

Currently operating with a payload capacity of 3–5 kg, these drones are well-suited for seed broadcasting in the Dry Zone's paddy fields during the upcoming Maha season, as well as solid fertilizer application during the Yala season. Discussions also focused on scaling up production to develop high-capacity drones capable of carrying 25 kg and 50 kg payloads to better serve the agrarian communities in the Dry Zone.

The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Professor Chandana Jayaratne, Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT); Dr. Frank Niranjan, Agricultural Advisor to the Minister; Mr. Rohitha Seram, Vice Chairman of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha; alongside ministry officials, local government members, the technical development team, local farming communities, and tech enthusiasts.

A special Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Sri Lanka and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand. The agreement aims to enhance the professional capacity of scientists and research officers active in the country’s science and technology sectors. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry premises under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeyasena.

Signatories of the Agreement:

• On behalf of Sri Lanka: Mr. Y. L. Mohamed Nawavi (Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology) and Mrs. Geethani Kannangara (Director of International Relations).

• On behalf of AIT: Professor Siddharth K. Jabade (Vice President of AIT).

• Upcoming Signatory: Professor Pai-Chi Li (President of AIT) is also scheduled to sign the agreement.

Scholarship Opportunities (2026–2031): Under this collaborative program, scholarship opportunities for Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) research will be available from 2026 to 2031. The focus will be on the following priority fields:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources Management

• Aquatic Resources

• Food Innovation and Nutrition

• Climate Change and Sustainable Development

• Disaster Management

• Sustainable Energy Systems

• Urban Planning and Public Policy

Financial Details and Objectives: As per the agreement, AIT will provide a 35% special tuition fee waiver for this program, while plans are in place to secure the remaining financial requirements through external financial institutions.

The primary objective of this MoU is to produce professionals capable of contributing to the country’s stable development by enhancing their academic, technical, and practical knowledge to achieve national development goals.