PM stresses innovation is catalyst for Sri Lanka's transformation

Speaking at ADB Sri Lanka's Serendipity Knowledge Forum calls for culture of innovation that is ethical, inclusive and sustainable Stresses innovation must be fundamental driver of change and growth Claims Sri Lanka's failure to prioritise innovation cause for being laggard vis-à-vis some of Asian peers Calls for reforming overall education system to foster innovation; Urges universities to be at the heart of innovation ecosystem Says new Govt. committed to setting policy direction, partnering effectively with private sector in promoting innovation

- BY NISTHAR CASSIM

PRIME Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday called for a culture of innovation that is ethical, inclusive, and sustainable to transform Sri Lanka to achieve higher socio-economic growth amidst global challenges.

Noting that Sri Lanka hitherto hadn’t prioritised innovation hence the country’s laggardness vis-a-vis some of the Asian peers, the Premier said that the new Government was committed to setting policy direction, partnering effectively with the private sector and promoting innovation.

She made these observations as the Chief Guest at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sri Lanka's Serendipity Knowledge Forum on Innovation for Economic Transformation at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

Dr. Amarasuriya said the ADB Sri Lanka's Serendipity Knowledge Forum was timely as innovation for economic transformation resonates strongly with the new Government's vision to take Sri Lanka on a new economic trajectory towards inclusion, resilience, and sustainability.

She said in line with the rethinking of the State as having an entrepreneurial role in the economy, the Government is committed to setting policy direction, partnering effectively with the private sector and promoting innovation by active involvement throughout the innovation chain.

Recalling that Sri Lanka used to be more advanced than Singapore or Korea in the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. Amarasuriya said there were many contributory factors for lack of progress thereafter, and one stood out clearly.