Research vital for a knowledge-based economy - S.B. Dissanayake

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Research is needed to achieve high standards of knowledge-based economy in the face of global challenges, said Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake in Jaffna.

He was addressing the Jaffna University International Research Conference at the Tilco Jaffna City Hotel on Friday. Over 600 local and foreign scientists, researchers and university Dons participated in the research conference under the theme 'Post War Capacity Development".

The Higher Education Minister said that the confab has brought together researchers in agriculture, basic sciences, management, health education, information technology and social sciences on one platform.

In the light of their indepth studies, these researchers will address the complex issues and the challenges ahead, he said."

The world is highly competitive today. Unless we improve our competitiveness through research and development, Sri Lanka will be far behind other emerging nations.

The universities have a bigger role to play in facing global challenges, the Minister said.