ITI to hold Open Day tomorrow

• Target investors, entrepreneurs, university students, general public to create awareness of the products and services available

By Charumini de Silva

The Industrial Technological Institute (ITI) — the pioneer scientific research and development (R&D) organisation will open its doors on 19 March to investors, entrepreneurs, university students and general public to create awareness on innovative science-based solutions available for multidisciplinary industrial sectors of the economy. 

Potential entrepreneurs andinvestors attending the Open Day could also get a head-start to their business aspirations with amazing innovative solutions through dedicated R&D activities by ITI as well as other institutes such as the Export Development Board (EDB) and financial institutions on the same day.

The ITI locatedat No.363, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo-7 will open at 9.30 a.m. on 19 March and will give visitors a first-hand experience of the state-of-the-art facilities and explore the innovative R&D products and technologies that have been introduced to the market.  “We have strived to provide a sound base for many Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and investors to enrich themselves with innovative R&D, technical services to accelerate industrial development for the benefit of Sri Lanka,” ITI Senior Deputy Director Marketing and Business Development Manori Wijemanna told the Daily FT.

Despite being the pioneering scientific R&D organisation in Sri Lanka, she said many of the people in both private and public sector are not aware of the facilities the ITI has that generates innovative science-based solutions to multidisciplinary industrial sector of the nation. 

“This Open Day will be a great opportunity to enlighten people on the offerings of the ITI and help the budding entrepreneurs with testing services, technical knowhow, R&D, machinery, certifications and many more,” she added.

Wijemanna also said that researchers and staff will also be available to visitors to seek additional information about their facilities and supporting programs in their preferred area of industries as well as other specialised institutions leading in their respective fields.

The ITI is a wholly-owned institute of the Government of Sri Lanka and functions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research. A statutory board incorporated on 1 April 1998, under the Science and Technology Development Act No. 11 of 1994, the ITI is the successor to the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (CISIR).

True to the vision, the institute has grown steadily over the past 64years from a humble beginning in 1955 (as CISIR) and has expanded continuously to boast of skills and expertise from a myriad of different scientific disciplines. 

“Through 64 years of existence, the ITI has made tremendous contributions towards national development, especially in the advancement of local industrial sector by providing innovative solutions through dedicated research and development activities. Thus, it is with a sheer knowledge and confidence that we come forward to meet the diverse and increasingly complex demands of our valued clientele,” she added.

Over 64years of experience blended with efficient management, the ITI has already won international acclaim as a prestigious research and technology institute. Among others, notable achievements highlight its international recognition through premier certifications such as ISO 77025, IS0 9001 and SWEDAC (Swedish Board for Accreditation and conformity Assessment) accreditation.

The ITI has already cemented relationships with several other world’s eminent research organisations to work together. To achieve the status of par excellence, the ITI is fortunate to have state-of-the-art laboratory facilities along with well-experienced and talented staff members.

Six major sections within the ITI were sharing these facilities to generate innovative science-based solutions to multidisciplinary industrial sector of the nation. These represent: Food Technology Section (FTS), Herbal Technology Section (HTS), Material Technology Section (MTS), Environmental Technology Section (ETS), Biotechnology Section (BTS) and Information Service Centre (ISC).

Wijemanna also said the new addition of the Malabe Research and Development Complex to the ITI is considered as a memento of appreciation of not only its past contributions to the nation but also as the trust bestowed upon the ITI’s future contributions to be delivered at an accelerated pace.