The Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Chief Representative in Sri Lanka Akira Shimura and the Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Research Dara Wijayathilake signed an agreement recently to provide Nanotechnology‐related equipment to Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC).

The equipment will further support the Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL) “Nanotechnology Initiative” launched in 2007.

The initiative aims to facilitate scientists’ investigations into nanotechnology applications with a view to achieving technological progress, enhancing global competitiveness of local exports and eventually lead the country towards economic development.

The provision of equipment to SLINTEC forms part of JICA’s overall assistance which also includes the dispatch of a Japanese expert who contributed immensely to the initiation of MEMS/NEMS (Nano‐Electro‐Mechanical‐Systems and Microelectromechanical Systems) research in Sri Lanka, technology transfer on MEMS/NEWS and human resource development initiatives on nanotechnology at SLINTec.

This assistance will further help the introduction of nanotechnology based innovations to small and medium scale industries in Sri Lanka thus expediting the penetration process of local industries into international markets. “Developed nations are infusing major funding into nanotechnology promotion. Developing nations are following suit. To this effect GoSL’s focus on nanotechnology research and development is timely.  Therefore, JICA supports the GoSL’s initiative and hopes nanotechnology will not only provide an opportunity to shape up technological advancement in the country but it will also lead to significant breakthroughs and solve economic, social and environmental problems.” says JICA Sri Lanka’s Chief Representative Akira Shimura.

The government setup the SLINTEC to concentrate on nanotechnology applications in fields such as energy, healthcare, textiles, rubber and telecommunications.