The inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative which was reinstated for the 10th parliament took place on Wednesday (Jan. 08) at the Parliament premises and Minister. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena and Member of Parliament  Shanakiyan Rasamanickam were elected as Co-Chairs of this caucus.

The name of Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeysena as Co-Chair of the caucus was proposed by Member of Parliament  Dr. Janaka Senarathna and seconded by Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law  Bhagya Sri Herath. The name of Member of Parliament  Shanakiyan Rasamanickam was proposed by the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sajith Premadasa and seconded by Member of Parliament Hon. Nalin Bandara.

Also, Member of Parliament Jagath Manuwarna was elected as the convener of this caucus and Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law. Chamindrani Kiriella,  Chandana Sooriyaarachchi,  S. M. Marikkar and Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe were elected as Co-Deputy Chairs.

Addressing this caucus, the new Co-Chairs mentioned that they are looking forward to doing all the work that can be done through this caucus in order to bring the Parliament closer to the people and expecting full support from all.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized an Indian fishing boat which was poaching in Sri Lankan waters and apprehended 10 Indian fishermen, during a special operation conducted off the
Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna in the dark hours of 08th January 2025.

The Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.

The seized fishing boat  together with the ten Indian fishermen  were brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka can enhance its position in the global market through a robust new product development strategy, which will also create new market opportunities. He made these remarks today (08) during the official launch of the “National Initiative for R&D Commercialization” held at the Presidential Secretariat.

As part of the initiative, the newly developed website nirdc.gov.lk was also launched. This platform aims to facilitate the commercialization of research and development, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth through the production of value-added goods and services, which will ultimately drive national economic development and social progress.

The President pointed out that while grassroots-level innovators do emerge in Sri Lanka, there has been a lack of adequate mechanisms to properly support, nurture, and commercialize their ideas. He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for free and innovative thinking, backed by an efficient system to channel these ideas into productive outcomes. With such a framework in place, Sri Lanka can transform itself into a hub of innovation.

Historically, the country has allocated a mere 0.12% of its annual GDP for research and development. Despite Sri Lanka’s abundance of natural resources, there has been limited focus on utilizing research to generate economic benefits. However, with the new government in place, a significant number of local and international investors have shown keen interest in investing in Sri Lanka. The government aims to capitalize on this momentum by efficiently managing investments to spur economic growth without delay.

The recently established Ministry of Science and Technology has already begun implementing a long-term, well-structured R&D strategy. The immediate priority will be to convert near-complete or completed research projects into marketable, value-added products and services, providing a quick boost to the economy.

To support this effort, the “National Initiative for R&D Commercialization (NIRDC)” has been established, chaired jointly by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya. The initiative includes a committee comprising experts from diverse fields such as scientific research, industry, economics, law, arts, and indigenous heritage.

During the event, President Disanayake highlighted that while human needs remain constant, the methods of fulfilling those needs evolve. He noted that innovation and new product development are key to shaping those new methods.

Addressing past shortcomings, the President observed that Sri Lanka’s outdated approach to technology and innovation has hindered its ability to compete in the global market. Despite technological advancements driving a shift in global market trends, Sri Lanka remains trapped in traditional sectors like tea, coconut, and rubber.
President Disanayake further underscored that globally leading companies have succeeded by integrating innovation with technology, noting that five out of the world’s top ten companies are technology-based.

He pointed out Sri Lanka’s past neglect of technology as a key economic driver, contrasting it with developed countries that prioritized technological advancements and achieved significant economic growth.

The President concluded by stating that eradicating poverty is essential not only to eliminate social suffering but also to restore the rights of marginalized communities. He asserted that through innovation, the rural poor can be empowered by ensuring their right to economic participation and access to information, which will ultimately improve their quality of life.

Expressing his views, Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya stated:

Up to now, research and development (R&D) outcomes in Sri Lanka have not been effectively integrated into the economy. Under this new program, efforts will be directed towards commercializing R&D, enabling economic growth and fostering social development to build a sustainable economy.

The event was graced by a distinguished gathering, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Ministers Sunil Handunnetti and Wasantha Samarasinghe, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando and Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President  Russel Apponsu, university vice-chancellors and representatives, heads of state and private research institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, industrialists, and senior executives from banks and financial institutions.