Under the NIRDC, financial assistance amounting to Rs. 227 million has been awarded to innovators for nine projects selected during the first quarter

The presentation of certificates and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the allocation of funds to nine selected projects under the National Initiative for the Commercialisation of Research and Development (NIRDC) took place yesterday morning (22) at the Presidential Secretariat.

These nine projects, chosen from proposals submitted during the first quarter of this year, will receive total funding exceeding LKR 227 million. Certificates were presented by Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya.

The Bank of Ceylon is providing the financial assistance, with an agreement signed by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Bank of Ceylon’s General Manager & CEO, Mr. Y.A. Jayathilaka. According to the agreement, disbursements will be made in installments, contingent upon each project’s progress as measured against defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Certificates were awarded to the following beneficiaries:

1. Vx Safenet – A digital wellbeing and child-friendly internet platform based on telecommunication networks. Certificate awarded to Mr. Theekshana Kumara of Visuamatix (Pvt) Ltd.
2. Volfpack Energy Supercapacitor Project – Developed with advanced materials such as Fractal Graphene and Activated Carbon Supercapacitors. Certificate awarded to Mr. Sanjeewa Karunaratne of Volfpack Energy (Pvt) Ltd.
3. Cold Brewed Cinnamon Extraction Project – Preserves essential nutrients in cinnamon without harmful chemicals, sugar, or additives. Certificate awarded to Mr. Muditha Jayathilaka of Pure Cinnamon Exports (Pvt) Ltd.
4. High-Tech Portable Device for Rapid Coconut Oil Purity Testing – Developed by the Aloka Laboratory at the University of Colombo. Certificate awarded to Prof. G.K.D.S. Jayaneththi.
5. Samanala Farm Project – Showcases Sri Lankan tea cultivation excellence globally. Certificate awarded to Mrs. Pabasara Manthunga of Samanala Farm.
6. AI System (Chatbot) for Sinhala – A natural voice-enabled conversational AI system designed to enhance government efficiency and integrate visually impaired communities with the digital world. Certificate awarded to Dr. Randil Pushpananda, Department of Computer Science, University of Colombo.
7. Planet’s Pick Holdings Project – Producing naturally healthy Kitul-based beverages and fat-free milk as alternatives to sugar-sweetened drinks. Certificate awarded to Mr. Kapila Wijesekera on behalf of Planet’s Pick Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.
8. TDR Knitting Project – Empowers women in regions such as Galagedara, Matale, and Dambulla through export-focused flat-knit technology. Certificate awarded to Mrs. Lakmali Wanasinghe of TDR Knitting (Pvt) Ltd.
9. “Magic-grow” Soil Microbial Activator Project – Enhances crop yield using locally sourced natural microorganisms while reducing chemical fertilizer use. Certificate awarded to Mr. Wasala Siriwardana of Wasala Agro.

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake emphasized that commercializing research findings will introduce a new dimension to Sri Lanka’s economy, offering significant opportunities for economic and developmental growth. He extended his congratulations and best wishes to all project beneficiaries.

Minister of Science and Technology, Krishantha Abeysinghe, noted that fourteen institutions under the Ministry are prepared to support the transformation of research concepts into commercial ventures. He highlighted that other institutions, particularly within universities and the fields of health, irrigation, and agriculture, are also prioritizing this process.

He further stated that, up to now, Sri Lanka lacked a comprehensive national policy on research and development. The government is preparing to present such a policy to the Cabinet soon, with a strengthened institutional framework and a clear implementation strategy based on extensive studies.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, remarked that the event marks a significant step forward in implementing the policy “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” with a strong focus on research and innovation. Over the past 18 months, efforts have been divided into 17 key sectors, involving both local and expatriate Sri Lankans in discussions on research, development, and innovation. These efforts have culminated in the launch of NIRDC under the President’s Office.

Dr. Jayatissa highlighted the challenge of non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka, noting the substantial annual expenditure on advanced medical equipment. He stressed the importance of developing community-level mechanisms for early identification of patients, underscoring the need for continued research and support in this area. He called for coordinated, research-driven solutions to public sector needs, aiming to integrate all sectors and realize the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”

Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, explained that a production-based economy is central to the government’s development policy, with value-added goods and services being vital. He stated that the current President has actively promoted research and development, providing consistent support even before assuming office.

Prof. Udugamasooriya outlined that NIRDC is designed to identify research with commercialization potential and provide necessary support to bring it to fruition. Funding is provided for projects near commercialization, with efforts to connect researchers with investors and resolve operational obstacles — a first for Sri Lanka.

During the initial round, research proposals worth approximately LKR 2.2 billion were received. A rigorous and transparent evaluation process, involving research and technical evaluation, administrative, financial, and commercialization potential assessments, was implemented. Around 200 independent evaluators participated, ensuring unbiased selection. Of these, nine proposals were ultimately chosen to receive funding under NIRDC.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director General of the National Initiative for the Commercialisation of Research and Development.

The event was attended by a distinguished group, including Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayanta Fernando, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, ministry secretaries, the Secretary to the Prime Minister, senior civil servants, university vice-chancellors, heads of research institutions, bank chairpersons and executives, scholars, researchers, and academicians.