National authority to coordinate research and development activities

The Cabinet of Ministers has given the nod for the Government to establish a national science technology and innovation coordinating authority to facilitate the coordination of research and development activities at various research institutions and centres.

The authority will facilitate the coordination of research and development activities administered by 21 line ministries and about 80 research institutions and research centres, a statement on Cabinet decisions said.

The initiative has been taken with the view of gaining the maximum outcome of investments made on science, technology and innovation for the socio-economic development.

Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha tabled the proposal to establish the coordinating authority.