A Task Force has been appointed by Prof. Sampath Amarathunge, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, consisting a group of USJ senior academics to improve the quality research and development.
The preliminary studies and situation analysis carryout by the Task Force and suggested the importance of establishing a University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research & Development Promotion and Consultancy Centre (USJ-RDPCC). This will be developed into a fully-fledged R & D hub with Research Training capabilities to facilitate the requirements of other universities, research institutes, and the industries as well. It will operate as a National level Centre (Hub) that could assist research and development requirements of any Sri Lankan or foreign clients.
This proposed development intends to establish a Research Complex called Science and Innovation Park (SIP) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura premises including a Multidisciplinary Research Laboratories on Environmental Quality Assurance, Water Quality and Algae Studies, Advanced Materials Research (NANO Technology), Kidney Research, Dengue Research, Cancer Research, DNA Studies, Drug Quality Assurance. Also it will house faculty wise Research Programmes on: Medical Sciences (7 Projects), Management & Business Development (4 Projects), Humanities and Social Science Research (3 Projects), Post Graduate Research (1 Project) including construction of a Convention Centre with IT and Video Conferencing facilities and a Press, International Centre etc. and a Consultancy Company (a special purpose vehicle to undertake feasibility studies, EIAs and IEES of Public and Private Sectors as well as market research and product development for the industry). The USJ-SIP is envisaged to be a research hub for Sri Lanka and beyond, particularly in the SAARC Region.
