The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has established a partnership with the Engineering Faculty of the University of Moratuwa by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration between the Academia and the Entrepreneurs of construction, power and energy, and engineering services in Sri Lanka.
The collaboration aims to support the Research and Development projects of entrepreneurs that elevate service quality for international clients, enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lankan engineering services. This project will help attracting a wider global clientele while bridging the gap between academia and the private sector, utilizing their collective expertise to foster innovation and economic growth, thereby improving Sri Lanka's global standing. Furthermore, this partnership will stimulate industry growth and offer students the essential practical experience in key sectors crucial for the nation's development.
On September 4, 2024, the EDB and the Engineering Faculty of the University of Moratuwa formalised their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, a significant milestone in their collaboration.
The event was attended by Prof. Niranjan Gunawardana, Vice Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, and Dr. Kingsly Bernard, Chairman & CEO of the EDB, signed the MoU representing two sides. Dr. Dp Chandrasekara, Deputy vice Chancellor, Professor Udayanga Hemapala, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Mr.Dishan Jayantha, Registrar attended the event from the University of Moratuwa. EDB representatives, including Mrs. Chandrika D. Dharmasena, Director General, Mrs. Anoma Premathilaka, Additional Director General, Mrs. Thakshila Wijerathne, Legal Director, and Kumudini Irugalbandara, Assistant Director were also present at the event. In addition, Mr. Praharsha Gangaboda, General Manager from Venora Lanka Power Panels (Pvt)Ltd and Mr K. A. T. D. Bandara, R&D Engineer, Sentinel Systems represented the private sector.
Prof. Niranjan Gunawardana, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman/CEO of the EDB, highlighted the significance of collaboration in Research and Development. They pointed out that these partnerships are vital for fostering effective and sustainable practices in key sectors, benefiting both the business community and society at large. Furthermore, they stressed that in the current competitive global landscape, it is essential for industry stakeholders to collaborate with academic and corporate partners to advance research and development, which is critical for creating high-quality products capable of succeeding in international markets.
This initiative designed as a two-year program that starts this year, aimed at fostering collaboration among selected companies to develop innovative solutions that enhance global market competitiveness. The EDB aims to cultivate partnerships between industry and academia, facilitating connections between businesses and university research to address complex research challenges with practical applications.
Currently, two projects initiated by Venora Lanka Power Panels (Pvt) Ltd and Sentinel Systems are in progress under this initiative, focusing on the creation of IoT-enabled power distribution systems and Advanced Building Management Systems. These projects utilize cutting-edge technologies to address rising energy costs and alleviate financial burdens on individuals and businesses. Also this will empower individuals to track their daily electricity usage, enabling informed decision-making by transforming complex data into practical business insights, thus providing essential information for both individuals and organizational leaders.
Both EDB and the University of Moratuwa are confident that this partnership between two entities marks a significant advancement in developing effective business solutions for Sri Lanka's construction services, Renewable Energy and engineering sectors, with the expectation of inspiring new ideas and driving progress in the Renewable Energy field.
Below are images that illustrate the progress of these projects, which are being tested at the LECO-MOU Smart Grid Research Lab at the University of Moratuwa.
