The National Research Council of Sri Lanka (NRC) is a funding agency in Sri Lanka, providing financial assistance to public sector scientists. Established as a statutory body through an act of parliament in 2016 by the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the NRC aims to foster and facilitate research in the fields of science and technology. The objective of the NRC is to build a strong and dynamic scientific and technological community in Sri Lanka and to support research initiatives in higher education institutions, public sector research institutes, and other government institutes to address national needs. The NRC also seeks to engage the private sector in enhancing research efforts in science and technology.
The National Research Council of Sri Lanka is an institute under the Ministry of Technology.
History
The National Research Council of Sri Lanka (NRC) was established by President Chandrika Kumaratunga on April 20, 1999 with Aries Kovoor appointed as the founding Chairman. In July 2007, President Mahinda Rajapaksa formalized the NRC's establishment as a Special Agency through a warrant issued under Article 33 of the Constitution by exercising the powers vested in him, with Eric Karunanayake appointed as Chairman. Since its inception, Janaka de Silva has represented the NRC and was appointed Chairman by President Mahinda Rajapaksa through a presidential directive on September 9, 2013. Under Janaka de Silva's leadership, the NRC was established as a statutory body through an act of parliament in 2016.
Leadership
The National Research Council is led by the Chairman, who serves as the head of the institution and presides over the Council's meetings and its overall management. As of February 2023, the Chairman of the National Research Council is Hemantha Dodampahala, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Prior to his appointment, the Council was chaired by Janaka de Silva, who held the position until January 2020.
List of Council Members
The Board of Directors, commonly referred to as the "Council," comprises the following individuals: the Chairman, ten Council Members, a representative from the Ministry, and a representative from the Treasury. Hemantha Dodampahala - Chairman (Since 2020 – Present) Veranja Karunaratne (Since 2016 – Present) Chandana Jayarathna (Since 2020 – Present) K. R. Ranjith Mahanama (Since 2023 – present) H. A. Dharmagunawardane (Since 2023 – present) Gotabhaya Ranasinghe (Since 2023 – present) Manjula Ranagalage (Since 2023 – present) Niranga Alahacoon (Since 2023 – present) A. S. Nishshanka (Since 2023 – present) P. M. Dharmathilake (Since 2021 – present) M. M. Nawfal (Since 2022 – present)
Former Chairmen
Aries Kovoor (1999 – 2005) E. H. Karunanayake (2005 – 2013) Janaka de Silva (2013–2019)
Former CEO
Manisha Rajapakse (2018-2022)
Grants
Target Oriented Multidisciplinary Research Grants (TO Grants)
The NRC recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing complex problems and advancing the understanding of various fields. In 2013, the NRC, in alignment with the Ministry of Technology & Research, launched a program aimed at promoting such an approach by inviting pre-proposals from public scientific research and development organizations, universities, and other research groups. The Target-Oriented Multi-Disciplinary research grants focus on solving nationally relevant issues related to economic development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. These projects aim to fill major knowledge gaps and address challenges faced by the nation, with a clear path for translating research outcomes into policy, strategy, product/process development, and uptake.
The NRC has identified ten thrust areas of research and has invited proposals from several priority areas associated with the National Research and Development Policy Report. The value of the grant provided to selected research projects is up to Rs. 50 million over a period of five years. Funding is highly competitive and the NRC will select the most appropriate and capable researchers with the ability to work as a team towards tangible outcomes.