The Minister of Science and Technology (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena stated that the strategic plan for the restructuring of Vidatha Resources Centers will be implemented before the end of this year.

He further stated that plans have also been made to establish three main Technology Incubation Centers in collaboration with universities in Sri Lanka, and that preliminary plans have been initiated to establish 25 small Incubation Centers within Vidatha Resources Centers across the country.

These matters were discussed at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena, which met in Parliament recently (Aug. 21).

Expressing his views on this occasion, the Minister said that a strategic plan has been prepared for the restructuring of Vidatha Resources Centers, and that steps will be taken to improve the efficiency of Vidatha officials and to evaluate their performance. Members of the Committee pointed out that there has been no supervision in the proper execution of duties. However, the Minister, commenting further, stated that suitable measures have been taken to change this situation. He also noted that through Vidatha officials, science and technology will be popularized at the school level, and that measures will be taken to provide technical support to small and medium-scale enterprises at the rural level through Vidatha Centers.

Discussions at length were also held regarding the establishment of committees comprising relevant personnel and Vidatha officials in order to provide technical support for various industries. In addition, Ministry officials stated that the results of studies carried out to find technological solutions for the human-elephant conflict have been submitted to the relevant Ministry.

On this occasion, Members of Parliament also stated that they expect the intervention of the Ministry of Science and Technology to prevent damage caused to agricultural crops by other animals.

A group including Members of Parliament, the Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, representatives of institutions under the Ministry, and other state officials participated in this meeting.