For the first time in almost half a century National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD) is now looking at moving away from an enterprise dependent on Government Treasury funding to a profit making one.
“From its inception on August 14,1974 it has been providing services to the industrial, automobile and several other sectors and is a key institution for offering certifications,” said Director General Dr. Jayathu G Samarawickrama.
“In addition to providing certificates for imported and locally made products for exporters we are also providing laboratory facilities for many industries and other facilities.”
He said that they also have around 200 plus employees who are well versed in research and development. In September 1978 the office was shifted to the present location of IDB Industrial Estate Ekala Ja-Ela and today they have a large space to offer more facilities. He said that after the economic crisis they felt that they too should convert the mindset of the staff of the institution and look towards generating more profits.
“Since I took over the institution last year we have been marching towards this target by early next year. We should be able to make profits moving away from the dependency on the government. From mid next year we will be able to offer a dividend to the government.”
He outlined that one key area they wanted to concentrate on was providing novel products to entrepreneurs and earning a franchise from it.
“In addition we will also design cost effective solutions for the industrial sector and market them to the companies.”
He also said that they will also look at providing technological assistance to many other sectors where they will be able to gain finances.
“We also hold regular events and the last was the International Engineering Research Symposium (IERS) and Networking Forum – 2023 held at Waters Edge last month where President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Chief Guest.
Samarawickrama at this event also explained the services and resources available at NERDC that can be utilized by the private sector and other institutes for their journey to uplift the economy of the country. This year, NERDC shall also expand our external outreach by featuring our work in the Sri Lanka Science Index Database.
He also said in a bid to attract schoolchildren and school leavers they will hold an Engineering Exhibition today (1) and tomorrow at their premises. “This event will also showcase some of the latest technology to visitors.” (SS)
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