The National Awareness Day (NAD) of the Erasmus+ NSIS Project was successfully held on 19
March 2026 at the University of Colombo, bringing together academics, policymakers,
researchers, librarians, and industry representatives to explore strategies for strengthening
innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.

The event was organised by the University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the other Sri
Lankan NSIS project partners, the University of Peradeniya and the University of
Ruhuna, under the EU co-funded Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project
“Developing Information, Research, and Digital Skills for Business, Innovation and
Entrepreneurship (NSIS)”. The programme highlighted the growing importance of digital
transformation and research capacity in higher education. Senior Professor K.L. Wasantha
Kumara, Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, attended as Chief Guest, while
Professor I.M. Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, was the Guest of
Honour.

The event attracted over 160 participants, including academics, policymakers, librarians, and
professionals representing 20 organisations such as state and private universities, government
institutions, and professional bodies, including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, Consumer Affairs Authority, and the
National Chamber of Commerce.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Tharanga Ranasinghe, Project Coordinator from the
University of Kelaniya, emphasised the need to strengthen digital, research, and information
competencies to support a knowledge-driven economy. He noted that the three-year NSIS project
brings together partner institutions from seven countries, Ireland, Romania, Germany, Greece,
India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, to enhance the role of library and information professionals in
research and innovation ecosystems.

An overview of the project was presented by Mr. Padraig Kirby, Project Manager at the
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands, Ireland. He outlined the project’s
background, objectives, and key outcomes, including the development of a 10-module training
curriculum, an online learning platform, and a Training of Trainers (ToT) model to ensure long-
term sustainability and regional impact. He also highlighted the project’s focus on strengthening
the role of library and information professionals in supporting research, innovation, and
entrepreneurship within universities.

The programme featured keynote addresses by Professor Kaushalya Yatigammana of the
University of Kelaniya and Dr. Mihai Bârsan of MB Think Tank, Romania. Professor
Yatigammana highlighted the importance of digital and research skills in supporting Sri Lanka’s
transition towards a knowledge economy, noting existing gaps in digital literacy, research
capability, and industry–academia collaboration. Dr. Bârsan focused on the management of

intellectual property in knowledge transfer, emphasising the evolving third mission of
universities in contributing to economic and societal development through innovation and
industry engagement.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion on Empowering Innovation and
Entrepreneurship through AI, Digital Transformation and Research Skills, moderated by Mr. T.
Ramanan. The panel, comprising Mr. Padraig Kirby, Professor Kaushalya Yatigammana, Dr.
Mihai Bârsan, and Dr. Chathura Rajapakse, critically examined the role of artificial intelligence,
digital technologies, and intellectual property in strengthening research and innovation
ecosystems. The discussion also addressed practical strategies for implementing the NSIS
curriculum and ensuring sustainability beyond the project lifecycle.

The NSIS initiative aims to strengthen research ecosystems, promote technology transfer, and
foster closer collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. The project is
expected to contribute significantly to innovation-led, knowledge-based economic growth in Sri
Lanka and the wider South Asian region.