Biotechnology Open Forum and Exhibition 2026: Connecting Ideas TowardsInnovation

The Biotechnology Open Forum and Exhibition 2026, held under the theme “Connecting Ideas Towards Innovation,” was a flagship initiative of the Centre for Transdisciplinary Biotechnology Research (CTBR) of the University of Colombo. Hosted on 26 th January 2026 within the university premises, this landmark event united academics, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, advanced-level students, and the general public around a shared vision harnessing the power of collaboration to advance biotechnology for national development. The forum showcased 41 research projects from seven departments of the Faculty of Science, creating a vibrant, multidisciplinary platform that demonstrated the breadth and impact of university-led research.

The inauguration commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Inoka Perera, Co-Chair of the CTBR Open Forum 2026, followed by remarks from Snr. Prof. Upul Sonnadara, Dean of the Faculty of Science. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Prof. Indika Karunathilake, delivered a compelling address underscoring the national significance of biotechnology and innovation. An overview of the CTBR and a special felicitation to its founder, Prof. Preethi Udagama, were presented by CTBR Directors Prof. Dilushan Jayasundara and Prof. Chamari Hettiarachchi. The objectives of the open forum were presented by Dr. Thilini Perera Co-chair of the Open Forum. The ceremony was further distinguished by a keynote address from Mr. Rizvi Zaheed, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Agripreneurs' Forum, and an address by Ms. K. G. R. Kuruppuarachchi, Director General (Research) of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The inauguration concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jivendra Wickramasinghe, Secretary of the CTBR Open Forum, and was followed by the official opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition powerfully illustrated how biotechnology research conducted at Sri Lankan state universities directly addresses national development priorities, spanning healthcare, food security, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification. A defining feature of the forum was its emphasis on research translation: demonstrating how laboratory discoveries are being transformed into practical innovations and market- ready products, strengthening Sri Lanka’s national innovation pipeline.

The flash talk session featured distinguished industry leaders, including Rishan Sampath, Head of Conservation and Sustainability at Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC; Heminda Jayaweera, Executive Director of Trace Sri Lanka; Lalinka Herath, CEO of BioLoom Islands (Pvt) Ltd and expert in synthetic biology and genetic engineering; and Nilaksha Freeson Neththikumara, Founder and Director of Torrington Genomics (TGB). Their participation brought valuable industry perspectives and reinforced the forum’s commitment to bridging academia and enterprise.

The forum generated a range of significant and far-reaching outcomes. Four research projects were selected for industry-led collaborative development following the sessions – a direct testament to the applied relevance of the research presented. Strong inter-departmental collaborations emerged through active discussions among faculty members, fostering new synergies across disciplines.

The forum achieved exceptional public and high-level engagement. The attendance of Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, affirmed the national importance of the research on display, while extensive media coverage by TV Derana significantly elevated the visibility of the Faculty of Science and the University of Colombo.

International engagement was equally noteworthy. Interactions with participants from China opened concrete pathways for academic supervision and postgraduate opportunities.

Beyond these immediate outcomes, the forum fulfilled a vital capacity-building role. By exposing advanced-level students and early-career researchers to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, it broadened their understanding of how crossing subject boundaries can yield holistic, impactful, and societally relevant solutions. PhD and MPhil students gained a valuable platform to present their work to both peers and school students alike — an experience that fostered mentorship, inspiration, and dialogue across career stages.

This transdisciplinary approach to education and research engagement is central to CTBR’s mission of nurturing the next generation of scientists equipped to address Sri Lanka’s long-term environmental and development challenges.