Officers of the Sri Lanka Scientific Service (SLSS) assigned to the Research Division of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Research play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s research sector and disseminating scientific knowledge. Their responsibilities are aligned with the Ministry’s mandate to foster research development and popularize science across the country.
Research Facilitation: The Research Division is primarily focused on research facilitation and is responsible for guiding five research institutions and two research grant-awarding bodies. These institutions are assisted in developing their annual research action plans, and the Division closely monitors the progress of these plans. The Division also plays a crucial role in identifying national research needs and facilitating stakeholder discussions to promote a responsive and dynamic research culture.
A key initiative currently being undertaken by the Division includes the development of a National Research Roadmap, which will provide strategic direction for research activities in the country. Additionally, the Division is working on establishing a centralized mechanism to manage government-funded research projects and oversee the performance of research institutions. This ensures a coordinated approach to the management of research resources and outputs.
Furthermore, the Division oversees the grant-awarding process and monitors internationally collaborative research programs, ensuring that these projects align with national priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes. The Division also handles all other research-related duties assigned to the Ministry.
Science Popularization: In addition to research facilitation, the Research Division is actively involved in the networking and coordination of science popularization activities. This includes the organization and management of events by institutions under the Ministry’s purview, such as the annual National Science Day celebration. By coordinating these activities, the Division helps to promote scientific awareness and education, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation within the community.