November 10-12, 2025, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO) concluded a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration in science, technology, and innovation across South Asia and the globe. The visit centered around the Global Economic & Technology Summit (GETS Sri Lanka 2025, #GETSSriLanka2025) in conjunction with National Science Week in Sri Lanka, and featured a series of high-level meetings aimed at bridging research with commercial and industrial applications.
GETS Sri Lanka 2025
Dr. Benjin Luo, WAITRO Secretary-General, delivered a keynote address on ” Industry 4.0 and Beyond ” at GETS Sri Lanka 2025. In his speech, Dr. Luo emphasized the critical role of policy support and the coordination across the industrial ecosystem to gain a competitive edge during a period of groundbreaking technological revolution.
“China has set a strong example over the past decade, especially in the Yangtze River Delta region. Efforts have been focused on automation, digitalization, and enhancing production efficiency. Looking ahead, leveraging AI will be crucial in driving high-quality, green, and sustainable development. The future of growth must be fueled by innovation and sustainability.” Dr. Luo stated.
Ms. Yucheng Hang, WAITRO Program Support, also shared insights on international cooperation, highlighting how WAITRO and NICE contribute to a better future through shared innovation. She emphasized that overseas cooperation is not just about research or funding—it is about turning innovation into shared prosperity, transforming ideas into trade, and turning roadblocks into opportunities.
National Science Week
WAITRO representatives participated in the session “Role of Science Diplomacy in Informed Decision Making at the Science-Policy Interface”, hosted by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Science and Technology. As part of the event, the WAITRO Secretary-General joined the panel “Untapped Potential of Soft Power and Cooperation to Enhance Scientific Partnerships for National Development Goals”. A question was addressed to WAITRO on how to balance national development priorities with global sustainability missions.
Dr. Luo responded, “A key part of this mission is to foster an open and collaborative global innovation network. Through NICE as the Secretariat Host, we are actively advancing national sustainable development in alignment with WAITRO’s global mission. In this way, WAITRO serves as a platform that units innovation actors worldwide while supporting members in balancing national priorities with shared sustainability goals.”
Engagement with Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs)
WAITRO’s engagement with local premier research bodies continued throughout the three-day visit.
WAITRO met with Sri Lankan Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) at the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), a long-standing WAITRO member. And attended a virtual trilateral meeting connecting its leading member, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK), with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on strategic partnerships in sustainable technologies and areas of mutual interest.
On November 12, the WAITRO team met with leadership from the University of Peradeniya (UOP), Sri Lanka’s oldest university, and the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), to discuss membership benefits and potential collaborative opportunities.
This visit underscores WAITRO’s steadfast commitment to advancing global knowledge sharing and sustainable development. By connecting Sri Lanka’s vibrant research and innovation ecosystem with its international network, WAITRO aims to catalyze new opportunities for industrialization and commercialization of homegrown research, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic and technological advancement.
Author
