INSS conducts lecture on “Military Innovations and Its Contributions to National Security”

The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS),  conducted a public lecture titled “Military Innovations and Its  Contributions to National Security” recently at the  “Nandimithra Auditorium” of the Ministry of Defence at the Defence  Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.  

Senior Professor Ajith De Alwis, Professor of Chemical and  Process Engineering at the University of Moratuwa and Chief Innovation  Officer of the National Innovation Agency was the guest speaker at the  event. Representing Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice  Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Chief of National Intelligence Major  General Ruwan Kulathunga (Retd) graced the event.   

Overlooking Director General & Acting Director (Research) of INSS Colonel Nalin Herath made the introductory remarks.  

The INSS as the premier think tank on national security  established under the Ministry of Defence, having understood the  importance of defence innovation and its potential organised this  lecture to raise awareness of the pivotal role of the National  Innovation Agency, crucially in the National Wealth Equation Through  Innovation, Defence Innovation, and partnership building. The event  also sought to enhance understanding of the concept of Innovation-Based  Learning (IBL), highlight the necessity of homegrown measures,  solutions, and remedies, and realise the full potential of innovation.  

Senior Professor De Alwis delivered a thorough and  insightful presentation. He emphasised the need for innovation, stating  that “we have to wage another war – an economic war.” He discussed how  to drive innovation by fostering collaboration between academia,  industry, and government, and underscored the necessity of building a  strong innovation ecosystem. 

Professor Alwis emphasised the critical role of knowledge  assets, contemporary thought, innovations, science, and technology in  shaping a nation’s development. He supported his argument by providing  examples from some of the world’s leading developed economies, such as  Israel and South Korea, where advancements in these areas have  contributed significantly to their rapid growth and global  competitiveness.  

His presentation also focused on Total Defence, which  includes military, civil, economic, social, digital, and psychological  aspects, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to safeguard  national security. In addressing these elements, Professor De Alwis  stressed the importance of innovation in strengthening all areas of  Total Defence, ensuring national resilience in the face of modern  threats.  

An interactive Q and A session at the end of the lecture  enable the members of the audience to have their queries answered by the  guest speaker. During the session, the Chief of National Intelligence  presented Senior Prof. De Alwis with a souvenir as a token of gratitude.   

Innovation in the 21st century has become crucial for  economic resilience. While academia thrived, conducting research with  practical outcomes remained a challenge. However, research and  development were essential for national success, enabling proactive and  reactive measures for economic growth. The National Innovation Agency  (NIA), established by Parliamentary Act No. 22 of 2019, was tasked with  coordinating Ministries, institutions, and the private sector to create  and sustain a national innovation ecosystem, supporting innovations from  idea to market. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, entrepreneurs, senior  Defence Ministry officials, members of the think tank, researchers, tri  forces officers and many distinguished invitees attended the event.