Call for Concept Notes for Mega Projects - National Initiatives to Address High Priority Research

The National Science Foundation, under the purview of the Ministry of Science and Technology, has embarked on several national initiatives addressing high-priority national concerns that require a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. The ultimate objective of these initiatives is to make a significant direct or indirect contribution to the national GDP and, consequently, the socio-economic development of the country. This initiative will emphasise contributions from all disciplines, with teams working beyond boundaries, focusing on results, closely monitoring progress, and delivering outputs within the given timeframe and expected quality to create an impact. The key selection criteria transcend commercialization-ready or near-commercialization R&D outputs, with a substantial envisaged contribution to the national GDP also considered within the scope. The following priority areas have been identified to embark upon mega projects

1. National Initiative for Energy Research: Seeking Sustainable Solutions for the Energy Crisis. This initiative focuses on the development of innovative energy storage devices, advanced rechargeable battery technology, supercapacitors, solar panels, and geothermal energy harvesting methods. These efforts aim to create sustainable and efficient energy solutions to tackle the ongoing energy crisis.
2. The National Initiative for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management: aims to develop innovative and multidisciplinary solutions to effectively reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife. By engaging various stakeholders and utilizing cutting-edge research, the initiative seeks to create sustainable solution, ensuring both human safety and wildlife conservation across diverse ecosystems.
3. The National Initiative for Climate-Resilient Agriculture focuses on boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability: using climate-smart technologies. This project aims to explore and identify both biological and technological solutions that can enhance national agricultural productivity, ensuring that farming practices are resilient to climate impacts and promoting long-term food security.
4. The National Initiative for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: seeks to combat the growing CKD crisis in Sri Lanka through a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. This initiative aims to enhance existing frameworks by integrating various disciplines, ultimately aiming to identify fundamental mechanisms of disease development and develop new technologies to treat patients.
5. The National Initiative for Tea Sector Improvement is designed to double the economy of the tea sector. This programme focuses on enhancing the quality and quantity of tea yield potential  through detailed value chain analysis, implementing strategies for value addition, and boosting export opportunities for tea products.
6. National Initiative for Cinnamon Sector Improvement aims to enhance cinnamon yield potential by introducing new technologies for cinnamon cultivation and introducing advanced methods for the separation of chemical compounds. The initiative also focuses on the development of new cinnamon cultivars and creating a robust value chain to improve global competitiveness in the cinnamon market.
7. Value Addition to Mineral Resources: aims to optimize the extraction and processing of high-value minerals to promote sustainable export growth. This initiative provide funding to research the enhancement of national mineral resources, Graphite, Ilmenite, Rutile, Zircon, Quartz, Feldspar, Clay, Kaolin, Apatite, Silica Sand, Garnet sand, Mica, Calcite and Dolomite, thereby ensuring better value addition and economic benefits.

If you have a pragmatic proposal on above please submit your concept note (maximum 1-2 pages), covering the followings.

E-version of the concept note shall be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  on or before 25^th April 2025.

After the above deadline, there will be a key stakeholders forum to which the above proponents will also be invited. Afterwards, the proponents of promising concept notes are expected to work on detail proposals for consideration for funding subject to integrating projects befittingly to Mega projects.

Should you require more clarifications, please feel free to contact Eng. Mahesh Dissanayake, Head of Research Division (Tel. 011 2696771 Ext. 120, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).