The Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, has stated that the government’s aim is to take steps to further enhance the capabilities of research institutions in the country.
He made this statement as the Chief Guest at the prestigious 70th Anniversary Celebration and 2025 Research Summit of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), an institution under the purview of the Ministry of Science and Technology which
unfolded on Tuesday (02) at the Waters Edge Hotel.
The Industrial Technology Institute, established in 1955 as the successor to the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, is an institution with a pioneering history of multidisciplinary research and development in Sri Lanka.
The Minister further remarked, “I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the Industrial Technology Institute, which has immensely contributed towards the advancement of the scientific and industrial research sector in the country. This is a research institute that has received national and international quality certificates and accreditation for conducting scientific research.
It is the government’s aim to further develop the capabilities of such research institutions by providing them with the necessary human resources, infrastructure, as well as research equipment.
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Even now, certain research needed by this country is being directed abroad by spending the country’s money. We aim at developing research institutions to such a level that these research can be conducted within the country also facilitating the provision of the services of those institutions not only to this country but also to South Asia and the Asian region .”
Special honors were bestowed upon Professor (Mrs.) Ilmi Hewajulige, the current Director General of the Institute, by presenting her with the lifetime award in appreciation of her unique contribution in the research and development and technical sectors towards bolstering the Industrial Technology Institute’s prominence both nationally and internationally during its 70-year long journey.
In addition, the institution’s officers with lengthy service periods were recognized at this anniversary event.
Awards were presented for Best Researcher, Best Commercialized Patent, Best Support Service provider, Science
and Technology Excellence for Technical Services, Science and Technology Excellence for research and development for the period 2023 – 2025. It also honored clients who have supported and placed their trust in the institution over the years, and presented awards of recognition to ITI scientists who have obtained doctoral degrees and supervised doctoral students between 2023 and 2025.
This event marked the launch of the e-book on Research and Development Results, which presents the research and development profile of ITI for the period 2010-2020 by the Minister of Science and Technology.
