SLIBTEC, USAID to establish Sri Lanka’s first Biotechnology Innovation Park

From left: Hasitha Wijesundara and Malith Gunasekara of USAID PARTNER project with Treasury Secretary and SLIBTEC Chairman S.R. Attygalle and SLIBTEC Chief Operating Officer Amali Ranasinghe

The Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) will collaborate with the U.S. government’s development arm, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to promote innovation in the biotechnology sector by establishing Sri Lanka’s first Biotechnology Innovation Park.  

The SLIBTEC Biotechnology Innovation Park will be a 13.2-acre facility in Pitipana, Homogama, that will house high-end biotechnology innovation and manufacturing firms. An on-site research facility will provide a centralised multidisciplinary research and service facility, with initial areas of research in biopharma, biofuel, agro biotech and other emerging fields. 

The park will become a centre point of innovation in biotechnology in Sri Lanka and will attract investments and partnerships from local and international firms. By unleashing change through bio-innovation, the SLIBTEC expects to increase Sri Lanka’s hi-tech exports by at least one percent.

Following the signing of a Letter of Cooperation with USAID’s PARTNER project, Treasury Secretary and SLIBTEC Chairman S.R. Attygalle stated, “SLIBTEC Park and SLIBTEC Research Facility will open doors in Sri Lanka and internationally for multidisciplinary research and hi-end biotech development. This will facilitate and promote innovation in all spheres of biotechnology, including medical, agricultural and industrial sectors. This will also usher in a new era for sustainability as well as facilitate the creation of a more technologically advanced nation.”   To support the development of the park, the Finance Ministry worked closely with USAID to secure technical expertise through USAID’s PARTNER project for the next two years. The SLIBTEC will use this support to develop the operational framework that will help it to develop a modern business model based on international best practices. PARTNER will also provide support in areas such as the park design, research management policy and training opportunities. 

“As one of Sri Lanka’s longstanding development partners, USAID has provided development and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka for more than six decades, making substantial investments in almost every sector. Today, we are proud to extend our support to ensure the country’s potential in biotechnology is pursued, promoted and developed,” said USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives Reed Aeschliman. 

“The socio-economic impact of this investment to Sri Lanka will be significant as it creates jobs, increases innovation and promotes entrepreneurship.”

SLIBTEC (Pvt.) Ltd was incorporated in October 2020 as a government-owned entity (www.slibtec.gov.lk). The Treasury is the sole shareholder and the Treasury Secretary is the SLIBTEC Chairman.

USAID’s PARTNER project is a US $ 19 million, five-year initiative to facilitate trade and strengthen government efficiency to fuel broad-based economic growth in support of the Government of Sri Lanka’s vision for economic development and improved international trade. This project is one component of the longstanding partnership between the American and Sri Lankan people to support self-reliance and promote a healthy, educated and employed population.