Tri Forces Weigh a Unified Path for Defence Research
The Tri Forces are looking at a more coordinated approach to defence research and development, with the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD), as Sri Lanka prepares for the forthcoming National R&D Policy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a discussion on streamlining Research and Development (R&D) within the Tri Forces in coordination with the CDRD at his office on Monday (17 Aug).
The discussion centred on developing a coordinated mechanism to strengthen defence research and innovation in keeping with the forthcoming National R&D Policy, while ensuring the effective use of national budgetary allocations.
The initiative is also aimed at increasing the contribution of the defence sector to national requirements, strengthening preparedness to deal with existing and emerging security challenges, and fostering a stronger R&D culture within the Tri Forces.
President’s Senior Advisor on Science and Technology Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya, who joined the discussion virtually, gave an overview of the National R&D Policy, its expected outcomes and the role of the defence sector in its implementation.
Major General Jayasekara stressed the need for a systematic and sustainable R&D framework that would enable the defence sector to respond to national technological and security requirements while encouraging research and innovation across the Tri Forces.
The discussion also examined the existing R&D structures within the Army, Navy and Air Force, the selection of projects that address national requirements, coordination with the CDRD and the establishment of a joint mechanism for defence research.
One of the key expected outcomes is for the Tri Forces and the CDRD to formulate a sustainable plan for the development, promotion and continuation of defence R&D in accordance with the national R&D policy.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Commanders of the Tri Forces, Additional Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Defence, Director General of the CDRD and senior officers responsible for R&D within the Tri Forces also participated in the discussion.
