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.

Marking the commencement of National Integrity Week under the theme "Culture of Integrity - Clean Sri Lanka," the staff of the Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Ministry Secretary Mr. Mahesh Gammampila, gathered today (27) to take the National Integrity Pledge.

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.