A discussion was held on 08th June 2023 to identify and map the pathway to extend the existing international cooperation between NSF and NSFC. The discussion was chaired by Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Chairman/NSF and moderated by Prof. Shameen Jinadasa, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya.
Upon the invitation extended by the Chairman/NSF, Prof. Yuansong Wei briefed on the new programme launched by NSFC targeting the SDGs and the major global challenges. The newly launched programme is focused on Sustainable Development International Cooperation (SDIC) with the theme of “Human-Environment Systemic Dynamics and the UN SDGs”. This aims to encourage holistic and interdisciplinary research on SDGs.
Adding to the briefing done by Prof. Wei, Prof. Jinadasa elaborated on all the opportunities available with NSFC to initiate and establish international collaboration at different levels starting from individual scientists.
Eng. Lawrance Madapatha, Executive Director of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka and Dr Wasantha Ilangasinghe, General Manager of National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) together with some officials from the NWSDB joined the discussion on invitation. During the discussion, research and development needs of industries and NWSDB were explained.
Considering the opportunities available and research and development needs of industry and NWSDB, it was decided to develop a detailed proposal for international cooperation between NSFC and NSF.