Meeting on Formulation of National Defence Research and Development Policy

A high level meeting on formulation of the National Defence Research and Development (R&D) Policy was held at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, yesterday (16 December), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).

The Deputy Minister highlighted the progress in formulating a National Defence R&D Policy. He also noted the ongoing review and reassessment of the draft gazette notification to ensure its alignment with the overarching National R&D Policy framework. Emphasizing the importance of a cohesive and forward looking strategy, he stressed its critical role in advancing national security objectives.

The formulation of a National Defence R&D Policy is a much awaited strategic imperative for national security. Its primary aim is to enhance and leverage the nation's existing defence potential and credentials. Discussions also focused on lessons learnt from recent disasters, the effective integration of tri forces capabilities, and the importance of a structured mechanism to incorporate these strengths into the national defence policy framework.

Addressing the gathering, President's Senior Advisor on Science and Technology Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya emphasized the need for coordinated stakeholder consultations and evidence based decision making, highlighting that national security must remain the foremost priority.

The Head of the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) briefed participants on the draft policy objectives and their relevance to strategic operational readiness and innovation.

Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Minister directed that all policy objectives be fully integrated with the overarching National Policy and instructed relevant teams to incorporate the feedback received and advance the draft policy for further review.

The Secretary Minister of Defence, tri forces Commanders, committee members and senior officials tri forces were in attendance.