Friday Nov 13, 2026
Friday Nov 13, 2026
Friday, 13 November 2026 04:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation has called for mandatory regulations and standards for electric vehicles (EV) and battery technology, while also reviewing the performance of state research institutions and the commercialisation of innovations.
The committee met under the Chairmanship of MP Dr. Janaka Senarathna. It considered the 2022 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC), the 2023 Annual Report of the National Science and Technology Commission, the 2024 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, and the 2025 Annual Performance Report of the Science and Technology Ministry.
Members were told that NERDC has the capacity to test battery capacity, durability and lifespan, among other parameters. Officials warned, however, that no mandatory regulations or standards currently govern imported EVs, batteries, controllers and charging stations.
They urged that relevant standards be set and that testing and certification be made compulsory.
The Committee also discussed the technology for converting fuel vehicles to electric, the need for training programs, and standards and regulatory mechanisms to ensure the safety of converted vehicles.
Officials flagged a shortage of human resources in research and development (R&D) institutions and called for suitable salary and allowance schemes to attract and retain qualified engineers and researchers. They also stressed the need to improve the performance of State research institutions, address shortcomings, manage research outcomes effectively and consolidate institutions with similar functions.
On the Inventors Commission, the Committee reviewed its electric fencing projects aimed at curbing the wild elephant threat, the setting up of university-affiliated incubation centres, and plans to promote innovation through digital platforms. Officials also said three of the four electric fencing projects implemented so far were operating successfully.
Members also discussed a proposal to amend the Intellectual Property Act to introduce a “Petty Patent system,” intended to protect inventors’ rights and speed up the commercialisation of inventions.
MPs Lasith Bashana Gamage, Chathura Galappaththi, Thanura Dissanayake, Hasara Liyanage and Chandima Hettiarachchi attended, along with officials of the Science and Technology Ministry.
