The first Technology Incubation Centre established under a new programme implemented by the Ministry of Science and Technology was officially opened today (23) at the Park Road premises of the University of Vavuniya. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Krishantha Abeysena, and Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti.
The Technology Incubation Centre aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, research and development, commercialization of innovations, and startup development in the Northern Province. The centre has been established through a collaboration between the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vidatha Programme operating under the Ministry, and the University of Vavuniya.
The Vidatha Programme, a key initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology, focuses on taking technology to rural communities by transferring scientific, technological, and innovative knowledge to support the development of small and medium-scale enterprises. The establishment of Technology Incubation Centres marks an advanced phase of this programme, with special emphasis on empowering entrepreneurs, innovators, and startup founders.
In the initial phase, Technology Incubation Centres will be established in association with state universities, followed by district-level centres, with a total of 24 centres planned across the island. The programme will be implemented with the collaboration of several ministries, including Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, along with relevant research institutions.
This initiative is expected to serve as a strategic milestone in strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship, and SME development, while enhancing the quality and standards of locally developed products and services to compete in both local and international markets.
Coinciding with the opening ceremony, a Science, Technology and Innovation Exhibition was held at the venue, featuring leading technology and research institutions, universities, and companies in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the establishment of 172 Youth Innovation Clubs (YICs) and School Science Societies (SSSs) in schools across the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts was carried out at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.
Members of Parliament from Vavuniya, Mylvaganam Jegatheeswaran and Sellathambi Thilakanathan, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Mahesh Gammanpila, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya A. Athputharaja, along with government officials, university students, entrepreneurs, and a large gathering of invitees were present at the event.
