EDB and University of Moratuwa collaborate to boost engineering excellence of entrepreneurs

Projects being tested at LECO-MOU Smart Grid Research Lab at University of Moratuwa 

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 (MoU) 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, utilising 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 4 September, the EDB and the Engineering Faculty of the University of Moratuwa formalised their partnership with the signing of a MoU, a significant milestone in their collaboration. 

The event was attended by University of Moratuwa Vice Chancellor Prof. Niranjan Gunawardana, and EDB Chairman and CEO Dr. Kingsly Bernard, signed the MoU representing two sides. Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. D.P. Chandrasekara, Faculty of Engineering Dean Professor Udayanga Hemapala and Registrar Dishan Jayantha attended the event from the University of Moratuwa. EDB representatives, including Director General Chandrika D. Dharmasena, Additional Director General Anoma Premathilaka, Legal Director Thakshila Wijerathne and Assistant Director Kumudini Irugalbandara, were also present at the event. In addition, Venora Lanka Power Panels Ltd. General Manager Praharsha Gangaboda and Sentinel Systems R&D Engineer K.A.T.D. Bandara represented the private sector.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Niranjan Gunawardana, and EDB Chairman and CEO Dr. Kingsly Bernard 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, benefitting 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 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 utilise 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 organisational 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.