Seoul: The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a discussion on streamlining Research and Development (RandD) within the Tri Forces in coordination with the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) at his office on Monday (17 Aug). The discussion focused on developing a coordinated mechanism to strengthen defence research and innovation in line with the forthcoming National RandD Policy, while ensuring effective utilization of national budgetary allocations. The initiative also aims to enhance the contribution of the defence sector to national requirements, strengthen preparedness to address existing and emerging security challenges, and promote a stronger RandD culture within the Tri Forces.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, President’s Senior Advisor on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya, who joined the discussion virtually, provided an overview of the National RandD Policy, its expected outcomes, and the role of the defence sector. The Deputy Minister highlighted the need for a systematic, sustainable RandD framework that helps the defence sector meet national technological and security requirements while supporting innovation and research across the Tri Forces.

The discussion covered the existing RandD structures within the Tri Forces, mechanisms for selecting projects that address national requirements, coordination with CDRD, and the establishment of a joint mechanism for defence research. A key expected outcome of the discussion is for the Tri Forces and CDRD to formulate a sustainable plan for the development, promotion and sustainability of defence RandD in accordance with the national RandD policy.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Tri Forces Commanders, the Additional Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General of CDRD and senior officers responsible for RandD within the Tri Forces also participated for the meeting.