Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, following discussions and first-hand exposure to Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), called for the establishment of a single apex body for science, technology and innovation in Sri Lanka.
During the visit, Mr. Premadasa met with Mr. Chris Leck, Chief International Partnerships Officer, and Mr. Elvin Chia, Senior Assistant Director, of A*STAR. He said that what he had read, heard, and personally observed at A*STAR reinforced the need for an integrated, mission-driven institution, proposing the creation of a Sri Lanka Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation. He noted that Sri Lanka currently has multiple research institutions that are widely dispersed, underfunded, and lack a coordinated national strategy.
He outlined key focus areas for the proposed agency, including agri-biotechnology and food security, climate resilience, rice, tea and coconut research, post-harvest and cold-chain technology, tropical health and biomedicine, advanced manufacturing for SMEs, electronics and precision tools, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, GovTech, smart logistics, and disaster prediction.
Mr. Premadasa highlighted A*STAR’s globally admired, mission-driven model, strong state backing, industry-first approach, and emphasis on international collaboration. He also referenced similar institutions such as India’s CSIR and South Korea’s KIST, noting that Sri Lanka has much to learn from these models.
He concluded that Singapore’s sustained investment in research and innovation, with 1% of GDP contributed by the government and a further 1% by the private sector, demonstrates how a clear national vision and strong institutions can drive higher-value economic growth, a path Sri Lanka must urgently pursue.