An array of innovative products produced by the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) was handed over to the Military and respective State Departments under the direction of Defence Secretary and National Security and Disaster Management State Ministry Secretary Gen. (retd.) Kamal Gunaratne at the CDRD Head Office in Pitipana on Nov 8.

Among the items, Digital Mobile Radio, GPS Tracking Device for Special Operations, Smart Target System for Jungle Lane Firing, BTR – BDA Armoured Personnel Carrier Simulator, 81 mm Mortar Simulator, B-Vehicle Simulator and High-Tech Soldier Project were the innovations handed over to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva officially received those projects from the day’s Chief Guest Gen. Gunaratne. Meanwhile, Ten Digital Mobile Radio units each were handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) during the session.

Electronic Prosthetic Limb was handed over to Private D.W.M.K. Fernando of the Ranaviru Sevana of SLA and the Department of Wildlife Conservation received the Handheld Device to Repel Wild Elephants which was developed under the project to thwart wild elephant intrusions and attacks.

During the session, National Cadet Corps (NCC) received an Officers’ Database for NCC use.

The Document Management System, Land Acquisition and Management System, Mobile Phone and Drone Jammers were also showcased under the programme.

The respective CDRD sectional heads briefed the Secretary on its progress, discoveries and its future plans following the main function.

CDRD is an institution functioning under the purview of State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management headed by CDRD’s Director General Maj. Gen. (retd) Renuka Rowel which is pioneering in providing much-needed cost effective innovative solutions to the country.

The country’s premier research arm, CDRD is a brainchild of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was the Defence and Urban Development Secretary.

The CDRD was created with a vision to establish a world-class science and technology base providing the military a decisive edge, by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.

CDRD is now focusing on developing and delivering the ground-breaking defence related products to meet future needs.

During the session, CDRD’s Director General presented a memento to the Defence Secretary to mark the special occasion.

Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, SLN Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne, SLAF Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe, officers of the Defence Ministry, Department of Wildlife Conservation, NCC and State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management were also present.