Business
Cracking the Code: Why women’s innovations are lagging behind in Sri Lanka

By Dilani Hirimuthugodage
“I do not intend to get a patent right for my invention as I do not want to disclose my research findings and methodologies to the public domain”, stated a female researcher who has discovered a solution for dengue fever.
Like her, many female innovators are unwilling to obtain Intellectual Property (IP) protection and commercialise their innovations for various reasons. One of the significant issues is the insufficient understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and their application. Given that this year’s World IP Day, observed on April 26, focuses on “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”, it is timely to explore the state of women’s innovations in Sri Lanka and consider possible strategies to promote better IP protection for women’s creativity and innovations.
Women in Innovations
The number of patent applications issued to women is a crucial and commonly used indicator to determine their involvement in innovation. However, Sri Lanka does not have gender-specific patent application data. Based on approximate calculations, the number of individual female patent applications fluctuated between 2010 and 2022, averaging nearly 25 patent applications per year in the last five years (Infographic 1). This represents only 8% of the total patent applications during that period.
Globally, women’s patent applications are less than men’s; in 2020, nearly 16.5% of international patent applications were filed by women. Sri Lankan women appear to do poorly, especially compared to their Asian counterparts, where women’s applications represent 17.7% of total applications, with China and India leading the way.
Infographic 1:
Gender Disparity in Sri Lanka’s Patent Applications (2010-2022)
Why are Women’s Innovations Low in Sri Lanka?
Women’s involvement in research and development (R&D) activities, one of the key components of innovations, is at a satisfactory level in Sri Lanka. According to the National R&D survey conducted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2020, nearly 50% of researchers in the country are females. This figure is the highest percentage when compared with other South Asian countries. However, in total, the output indicators of R&D, such as the number of patents, journal publications, commercialisation, etc., are low in Sri Lanka. Further, the low number of female patents reveals that most women are involved in less patent-intensive fields, such as natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Moreover, female researchers are uninterested in commercialising their inventions or using them for commercial purposes. There could be several reasons for this, such as a lack of awareness of IPRs and their importance, lack of incentives and institutional support for research commercialisation, and lack of targeted programmes to promote women’s innovations.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are the core fields of innovation. Female STEM education in Sri Lanka is relatively good. According to the University Grant Commission (UGC) statistics, in 2017, women comprised 49% of undergraduate enrolments in STEM subjects in local universities. Yet very few women work or lead in STEM-related fields. This could be attributed to negative stereotypes surrounding girls’ competencies in subjects like mathematics, engineering, and information technology, as well as social, cultural, and gender norms.
Moreover, women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s creative industry sector is nearly 36%, with significant contributions in the product, graphic and fashion design and craft sectors. Nonetheless, the Creative and Cultural Industries in Sri Lanka report reveals that women’s awareness of IPRs, even within the creative industry sector, is very minimal.
What Needs to be Done?
IPRs play a major role in encouraging innovation and creativity as they help to turn an idea/solution into a commercial opportunity. In Sri Lanka, there is clearly a need to encourage more female participation in patent-intensive R&D fields (such as medical sciences, engineering and technologies) and commercialisation. ‘Technology Transfer and Commercialization Units’ in universities and research institutes should collaborate effectively with key stakeholder organisations such as the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO), and the National Innovation Agency (NIA) to create awareness amongst women innovators and to support them in managing IP related commercial activities. Furthermore, Sri Lanka can promote gender-inclusive innovation policies by introducing special programmes encouraging women’s participation in R&D activities and commercialisation, including national awards and incentive schemes in universities and research institutes.
Women’s participation in STEM fields and careers should be promoted by providing scholarships and introducing mentoring and development-oriented programmes. Furthermore, the importance of IPRs should be taught in secondary school and university curricula. This fact was highlighted by a young female inventor with more than 60 patent rights in Sri Lanka. She noted that “an inquisitive mind and a thirst for knowledge from school age have encouraged me to innovate. Creativity should be encouraged at the school level”.
It is of utmost importance to raise awareness and strengthen knowledge on access to IPRs amongst women innovators in Sri Lanka. This could be done by establishing women-focused support networking systems, collaborations, learnings through selected role models, mentorship and funding programmes. Countries such as India (Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)), Singapore (Women in Science (SgWIS) organisation), China, and South Korea have programmes and organisations tailored explicitly for women innovators.
Lastly, it is crucial to maintain an accurate and current database of women’s patent applications at individual and group levels at the national database system of NIPO. Simple modifications to patent applications could facilitate this process. In addition, having such a database would be valuable in developing policies specific to women’s innovations.
Link to the full Talking Economics blog: https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2023/04/26/cracking-the-code-why-womens-innovations-are-lagging-behind-in-sri-lanka/
Dilani Hirimuthugodage is a Research Economist at IPS with research interests in Agriculture and Agribusiness Development, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Intellectual Property. She holds a BA in Economics with a Second Class (Upper) and Masters in Economics (Distinction Pass) from the University of Colombo. In addition, she is a part-qualified candidate of CIMA-UK. (Talk with Dilani: dilani@ips.lk).
Business
SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.
The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.
Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.
As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.
Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.
A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.
Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.
During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.
The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.
Business
Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.
Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.
Business
Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.
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