A meeting organized by the National Initiative for Research & Development Commercialization (NIRDC) was held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to streamline and commercialize research and development activities in the defence sector.

Participating institutions included the Centre for Defence Research and Development under the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Police.

The NIRDC Unit, established under the Presidential Secretariat, aims to accelerate national development by facilitating investment opportunities to commercially apply completed or nearing completion research projects from both public and private institutions.

Defence institutions play a critical role for the progress of technology and science in relation to national security and development. Acknowledging this importance, the meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya.

During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the completed and on-going research and development projects within the defence sector, as well as those planned for the future. Special attention was given to identifying opportunities for collaboration among research and development units, enhancing innovation capabilities, and exploring ways to share resources effectively.

The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between research and development units relevant to these sectors, enhancing innovation capabilities and exploring ways to share resources effectively. It also examined possible steps to strengthen coordination between civil and defence research institutions. The discussion concluded productively, with several innovations identified that have the potential for future commercialization.

The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) . Russel Aponsu, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investments) . Idunil Gunathilaka along with other officials.

[PMD]

A special naval operation at sea led to the interception of a craft with packages suspected to be narcotics.

More details regarding the incident will be released as they become available.

(Navy Media)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need to create a clean and transparent local governance system that effectively utilizes budget allocations for the development of the rural sector.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Friday (11), while addressing a public gathering held in Karainagar, Jaffna.

Elaborating further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“This country is rich in cultures and traditions and inherits a proud and prosperous history.

I was deeply moved by the information I received about Karainagar. In 1977, around 80,000 people lived in Karainagar. Unfortunately, today it has dropped to 10,500. What happened to the rest of the people? I also learned that Karainagar is home to some of the most educated and affluent people in the Northern Province. That is remarkable, but the issue is that in order to become educated and affluent, they were forced to leave Karainagar.

Who speaks up for those who could not leave? They are citizens of this country. They are entitled to have equal rights like everyone else does. As the Minister of Education, I looked into the education system in Karainagar. I discovered that there are only two schools offering GCE Advanced Level education, with only two teachers in total. Further, all students who have passed the Grade 5 scholarship exam leave Karainagar to Jaffna for further education.

Throughout the years, there were changes in governments, presidents, national administrations, members of parliament representing this area, local governments, and provincial councils but what have they done to uplift the education of Karainagar?

Education increases the value and prosperity of people. Education is vital as such. However, for decades, the right to quality education has been denied in this region. In addition, there is a severe water issue in Karainagar. Access to clean drinking water which is a basic necessity, comes at a cost to the people in this area. Various projects launched to provide drinking water have never been completed due to corruption.

Further, roads, transport, and many other services have deteriorated due to corruption at the local level. It has been 16 years since the war ended yet what has changed since then? Why have these issues not yet been resolved? That is why the upcoming local government elections are crucial. Problems at the local level must be addressed by local government institutions.

About a month ago, the first budget of the government has been passed.

A significant allocation has been made from all local government accounts for education, health, public welfare, infrastructure, and public transportation but these funds must be spent wisely.

For that, local governments should be governed by clean and corruption-free environment. Therefore, in this election, we must elect people who are free from corruption and dedicated to the purpose of serving the public. In 2024, the people of this country made a decision to change the political culture. On May 6, they will once again have the opportunity to make a thoughtful decision for the betterment of their villages.”

During the event, Minister of Fisheries . Ramalingam Chandrasekar also shared his views:

“Today, the political morality we expected for has taken root in this country. Unlike the governance of previous governments, the representatives of the current government are not exercising the power to enrich themselves and some even do not hesitate to return their salaries for serving the general public.

Today, the public service receives higher salaries, and the government is taking possible decision for the benefit of the people.”

The event was attended by Members of Parliament Shri Bhavan and Ilayankumar, along with other public representatives and candidates contesting in the local government elections.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]