The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, among the three Ministries under debate today, I will focus on Science and Technology. We have had a rich discussion; let me also respond to some Opposition queries.

¶ 02 An Opposition Member referred to our science and technology policy. Many helped us to formulate policy; I especially acknowledge Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya and his team. For a country without a proper science policy, we have now introduced one, enabling research and development to move forward.

¶ 03 On Eppawala phosphate: under the Ministry of Science and Technology, we have Cabinet approval to call for investors; 14 investors have already expressed interest. We expect to establish the plant in Trincomalee very soon. On sulphuric acid: Phase 1 is underway. I urge the Opposition to get updated facts and do research before making claims.

¶ 04 This Ministry cannot be viewed in isolation: it can generate answers to many national problems. One of our 2026 priorities is reducing poverty by uplifting the rural economy; the Ministry can do much here. We have Cabinet approval for the Vidatha Action Plan. Around Rs. 75 million has been set aside to upgrade 73 Vidatha Resource Centres to strengthen grassroots production under the “Technology to the Village” concept, creating opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Previously, Vidatha centres mostly showcased experiments. Now, with all officials aligned, we will use Vidatha to transfer technology and practical benefits to entrepreneurs and build small enterprises.

¶ 05 Representing Galle, I note Karandeniya is renowned for cinnamon. With zero budgetary burden, under the Industrial Technology Institute’s zero-waste concept, we have planned a central processing facility for cinnamon in Karandeniya. Through value addition, we can build product networks and create cinnamon-related by-products and industries.

¶ 06 On STEM education, as the Opposition Leader asked: the National Science Foundation is developing a learned society through STEM. In 2025, we established Young Inventors’ Clubs in 100 schools to deliver knowledge in robotics and AI to the new generation. With 2026 education reforms, we plan to expand to 1,000 schools, aligned to students’ aptitudes.

¶ 07 We also aim to expand university–Vidatha collaboration to create more innovation and production centres at Vavuniya, Eastern, and Ruhuna universities. Regarding private R&D: these initiatives are precisely for them. We invite students and experts abroad interested in R&D to bring their knowledge home. We are creating facilities to start centres at university level, with space for private-sector engagement to solve real problems. Our policy pivots on “research into practice” and “lab into market.” Instead of ad hoc measures, we pursue a policy-driven package to achieve “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.”

¶ 08 An Opposition Member claimed there is no coordination among institutions. In fact, we have unified officials and built policy to direct all funding. We need development with policy. We invite all experts to join this scientific renaissance so that the benefits reach villagers, the grassroots, and entrepreneurial youth. We will fully support Government efforts to deliver these benefits. I thank the institutions, officials, and expert teams assisting us, and I thank you for the time, Hon. Presiding Member.