Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Hasanthi Urugodwatte Dissanayake recently called on Minister of Industry and Technology of Turkiye, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, and discussed how both countries can learn from each other in science, technology, research, innovation and development related spheres. The discussions revolved around the importance and the need for commercialization of research and innovation.
The Minister of Industry and Technology warmly welcomed the Ambassador and appreciated the existing bilateral relations. It was noted that both countries have been continuously supporting each other at times of distress, demonstrating sincerity and friendship. The assistance rendered by Türkiye to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004, and the support extended by Sri Lanka in the face of the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye in 2023 were referred to in this regard.
The Minister underscored that within a period of about 20 years, Türkiye has increased the government share of expenditure from 0.5% of GDP to 1.4% by 2024. Further, the Minister noted that it took over 20 years for Türkiye to create effective systems to convert outcomes of R & D and innovation to a level that it could be commercialized. He added that the process was slow but steady, and it required transformative changes in government and bureaucracy, with continuous commitment, consistency and resilience of the institutions involved. He further elaborated that Türkiye has concrete strategies in the industrial sector, including for adopting new technologies, and that most industries are now automated.
Ambassador Dissanayake particularly highlighted the initiative of the new Sri Lankan Government: "National Initiative for R&D Commercialization" to commercialize research and innovation.
Moreover, the Ambassador appreciated how progressive Turkiye has been in commercializing R & D with close connections between universities and industrial and techno-parks, from which Sri Lanka also can learn.
Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır expressed his commitment to share the experiences of Türkiye and conveyed the keenness of Türkiye to learn from Sri Lanka as well. It was proposed to facilitate a familiarization tour for delegations of managers of technological and industrial parks of Sri Lanka to learn from Turkish experience in R&D and innovation.
Both sides identified the importance of signing a bilateral legal instrument covering areas such as intellectual property, standards, research and development, and SMEs. Furthermore, the early conclusion of the bilateral agreement on promotion and protection of investment was highlighted as a critical element for moving forward in these fields that lead to commercialization, and ensure mutual benefits. The Minister was of the view that entities such as Türk Patent (for intellectual property), KOSGEB (responsible for SMEs) and TSE (Turkish standards institute), TUBITAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye), that are under the purview of his Ministry could collaborate with counterpart agencies in Sri Lanka and that his Ministry is ready to create a new platform for the two countries to enhance the knowledge and capacity of a range of industries with R&D leading to commercialization.
Noting that last year the Ambassador called on the President of TÜBITAK and held discussion on cooperation, it was agreed to encourage joint projects between TÜBITAK and relevant counterpart organizations in Sri Lanka with an MoU between Ministries covering subjects of science, technology and industry in the two countries.
The Minister was also interested in Sri Lanka's minerals and mineral industries, particularly gem mining. The Ambassador elaborated on various aspects of Sri Lanka’s gem industry.
At the suggestion of the Ambassador, the Minister agreed to assist sending a delegation to the next FACET exhibition in Sri Lanka in order for the Turkish gem and jewellery traders to understand the products offered by Sri Lanka and skills available in Sri Lanka in gem and jewellery industry.
Responding to the Minister, the Ambassador also briefed the Minister on investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly those related to industries and technology.
Head of Foreign Relations in the Ministry of Industry & Technology of Türkiye, Ahmet Halit Halip, and Engineer Cemal Yüksel were also present at the meeting.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
22 January 2025
