(DRIC) of UGC in 2013 - 2014

Progress report on the activities of the Division of Research and International Cooperation (DRIC) of UGC in 2013 - 2014

The DRIC was established in 2013 with a view to promoting a vibrant research culture and strategic international cooperation in the HEIs coming within the purview of the UGC in line with the national policy. To this end, it currently handles the following major programmes:

1. Financial Assistance for Postgraduate Studies 2. Innovative Research Grant Scheme 3. Start-Up Research Support Programme 4. Encouragements Awards Scheme 1. Publications 2. Counterpart funding for research grants from external agencies 3. Incentive allowance for research grantees 4. Conduct of regional/International workshops 5. Establishment of Chairs for Visiting Professors 6. International mobility support 7. Hiring of analytical services 5. QUT postgraduate scheme 6. Elite PhD Scholars’ Programme with University of Melbourne, Australia

Applications for the above are called at the beginning of the year. In addition, the announcements and connected details are posted on the UGC web. Applications received in respect of the above schemes are evaluated by the following panels approved by the Commission:

Panel for financial assistance for postgraduate studies

Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Vice Chairman of UGC (Chair) Prof. S. Mohanadas, Commission Member Mr. N. Gallage, Deputy Accountant of UGC

Panel for the other three schemes

Prof. Ranjith Senaratne Vice Chairman, UGC (Agriculture) (Chair) Prof. H. Abegunawardena Commission member (Veterinary Medicine) Prof. Janaka de Silva Chairman/NRC (Medicine) Prof. Dhammika Tantrigoda Chairman/ NASTEC (Physical Science) Prof. Jayantha Wijeyaratne Senior Professor, Univ. of Kelaniya (Bioscience) Prof. Siri Hettige Senior Professor, Univ. of Colombo (Arts) Prof. Uditha Liyange Former Director/PIM (Management) Prof. Rahula Atalage DVC/University of Moratuwa (Engineering)

It comprises the members of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) appointed by the Commission representing all the major fields as given above.

The above panels meet from time to time as required and evaluate the applications received in the light of the criteria approved by the Commission, and their recommendations are submitted to the Commission for consideration for approval.

Given below is a brief progress report concerning the above:

1. Scheme for Financial Assistance for Postgraduate Studies

Until March 2013, financial assistance under this scheme was provided only for postgraduate studies leading to PhD, which amounted to a maximum of Rs.750, 000. Since there are more than 1750 Lecturers only with the Bachelor’s Degree and as the cost of higher studies has considerably increased over past several years, the Commission expanded the scope of the above scheme to include support for MPhil programmes as well and raised the ceiling on support for MPhil and PhD programmes at Rs. 2.5 million and Rs. 3.5 million, respectively in line with the recommendations of the DRIC. In addition, provisions were incorporated in the scheme enabling those pursuing higher studies in Sri Lanka to have foreign exposure in the SARRC or ASEAN regions as appropriate within the said limits. Since a considerable number of academic staff undertakes higher studies outside the said regions, the Commission later extended the facility to cover all the regions subject to the stipulated ceilings. As a result, academics who are already carrying out higher studies abroad amidst serious financial constraints have been able to apply for financial assistance under this scheme. In such cases, interviews were held via the videoconference facility at the UGC and grants have been awarded to 06 candidates pursuing higher studies in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and, UK. This has been profoundly appreciated by them.

Some videoconferences conducted to evaluate applications submitted by academics pursuing higher studies overseas amidst financial constraints

Details of the postgraduate grants awarded in the past six years, and their values are given in Fig. 1. As evident therefrom, there has been a considerable increase in the number of grants awarded in the past two years. However, given the fact that only 1750 (around 30 %) academics out of a total exceeding 5,000 possess doctoral degrees, the number of applications received is far from adequate. Besides, as per Mahinda Chintana – Unstoppable Sri Lanka, it is proposed to increase the number of R & D personnel in the country from around 5,000 at present to 20,000 by 2020. The HEIs presently account for around 60% of the R & D personnel in the country, thus the sector of higher education has a pivotal role to play in this regard. Therefore the UGC needs to augment this scheme with more funding and create greater awareness among the academic community about this scheme. Hence it is intended to visit each university in early 2015 and conduct awareness programmes so as to receive more applications in 2015.

Fig.1. Progress in Postgraduate grants awarded from 2008-2014

Total no. of grants awarded Value of grants approved (Rs. mn)

100

59.38 55.29

42 38

18.76 18 11.42 8 9.2 5 3 1.86

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (Projection)

A break-down of the grants awarded in 2013 and 2014, university-wise and faculty-wise, is given in Table 1 and Fig. 2 and Table 2 and Fig. 3, respectively.

Table 01: Postgraduate Research Grants awarded in 2013/2014

2013 2014 Total for 2013 and 2014 No. of applications No. of applications No. of applications University Total Value Total Value (Rs) Total Value Received Approved (Rs) Received Approved Received Approved (Rs)

CMB 1 1 2,500,000.00 7 6 6,796,711.00 8 7 9,296,711.00

PDN 3 3 5,161,500.00 3 2 2,504,000.00 6 5 7,665,500.00

SJP 3 3 7,415,000.00 1 1 1,250,000.00 4 4 8,665,000.00

KLN 3 3 5,684,310.00 7 5 10,030,095.00 10 8 15,714,405.00

MRT 3 2 1,887,900.00 1 1 1,183,000.00 4 3 3,070,900.00

JFN 6 3 4,607,000.00 9 5 4,933,800.00 15 8 9,540,800.00

RUH 1 1 1,158,000.00 6 6 8,093,066.00 7 7 9,251,066.00

OUSL 1 1 2,937,560.00 3 1 771,220.00 4 2 3,708,780.00

EUSL 1 1 600,000.00 6 4 3,054,040.00 7 5 3,654,040.00

SEUSL 8 7 7,291,087.00 3 0 - 11 7 7,291,087.00

RUSL 5 2 1,945,500.00 4 2 2,659,800.00 9 4 4,605,300.00

SUSL 5 5 6,075,440.00 4 4 6,673,760.00 9 9 12,749,200.00

WUSL 4 2 3,066,342.00 4 3 4,826,600.00 8 5 7,892,942.00

UVPA 1 1 1,443,200.00 3 - - 4 1 1,443,200.00

UWU 6 3 7,608,500.00 5 2 2,508,970.00 11 5 10,117,470.00

Total 51 38 59,381,339.00 66 42 55,285,062.00 117 80 114,666,401.00

Fig. 2. Value of postgraduate grants awarded university- wise in 2013 and 2014 Value (Rs. mn) 15.71 12.75

9.54 10.12 8.66 9.25 9.3 7.29 7.77 7.89 4.61 3.08 3.65 3.71 1.44

Table 02: Value of postgraduate grants awarded faculty-wise in 2013 and 2014

Faculty Total value (Rs.)

Arts 22,745,475

Health Science 22,429,261

Agriculture, Live-stock and Fisheries 18,924,842

Science 18,138,976

Management Studies 17,926,337

Engineering and IT 8,518,450

Others 5,983,060

Grand Total 114,666,401

Fig. 3. Postgraduate grants awarded faculty-wise in 2013 and 2014

Engineering and IT Others 5.22% 7.43% Arts 19.83%

Management Studies 15.63%

Health Science Science 15.82% Agriculture, 19.56% Live-stock and Fisheries 16.5%

While all universities and faculties have generally benefitted from this scheme, a considerable variation in the number and value of grants awarded has been observed between universities and faculties. It is heartening note that the staff of SUSL, UWU and JFN have benefitted considerably from this scheme. However, among the relatively newly established universities and universities in the N and E, RUSL, UVPA and EUSL have not adequately availed 5 themselves of it in spite of the fact they have a relatively high proportion of Lecturers in the academic staff, i.e. around 45 – 60% (Table 3). Therefore during 2015, special attention will be paid and visits will be made to the universities/faculties that are in greater need of financial support for higher studies. In terms of major Faculties, except Engineering, all other faculties have benefitted from the scheme. Relatively poor response from Engineering may reflect lesser need for postgraduate training as Faculties of Engineering have less than 40% of its staff in the category of Lecturer excepting the faculties at SEUSL and JFN (Table 4) and little interest in the scheme as they have good prospects of obtaining foreign scholarships and assistantships for higher studies abroad.

TableTable 003:3. Overall percentage of different categories of academic staff in Sri Lankan Universities

Total Associate University Lecturer % Senior Lecturer % Professor % academic Professor % staff KLN 40.03 (239)* 40.2 (240) 2.01 (12) 17.75 (106) 597 CMB 42.75 (252) 38.74 (232) 2.96 (17) 15.53 (89) 590 PDN 36.02 (295) 46.93 (383) 1.96 (16) 15.07 (123) 816 SJP 30.8 (154) 51.6 (258) 3.2 (16) 14.4 (72) 500 MRT 34.5 (107) 51.29 (159) 0.96 (3) 13.2 (41) 310 RUH 41.17 (210) 44.70 (228) 1.96 (10) 12.15 (62) 510 WUSL 48.07 (75) 44.23 (69) 0.64 (1) 7.05 (11) 157 OUSL 51.9 (150) 41.17 (119) 0.3 (1) 6.57 (19) 289 UVPA 44.24 (50) 44.24 (50) 6.19 (7) 5.30 (6) 113 JFN 50.93 (244) 43 (206) 2.08 (10) 3.96 (19) 479 RUSL 60.42 (113) 36.89 (69) 0 2.67 (5) 187 SUSL 47.44 (93) 48.97 (96) 1.02 (2) 2.55 (5) 196 SEUSL 48.17 (66) 51.8 (71) 0 0 137 EUSL 46.5 (93) 53.5 (107) 0 0 200 UWU 87.39 (104) 12.60 (15) 0 0 119 Total 43.17 (2245) 44.26 (2302) 1.82 (95) 10.73 (558) 5200

* In parenthesis given the number of staff

TableTable 04: 04:Percentage of different categories of academic staff in the Faculty of Engineering across Universities

Associate Total University Lecturer % Senior Lecturer % Professor % Professor % academic staff MRT 30.23 ( 65) 51.16 (110) 0.93 (2) 17.67 (38) 215 PDN 22.00 (22) 64.00 (64) 0 14 (14) 100 OUSL 39.50 (32) 51.85 (42) 0 8.64 (7) 81 RUH 38.46 (20) 61.53 (32) 0 0 52 JFN 66.66 (4) 33.33 (2) 0 0 6 SEUSL 44.44 (4) 55.55 (5) 0 0 9 Total 31.74 (147) 55.07 (255) 0.43 (2) 12.74 (59) 463

At present, DRIC handles 106 active files relating to the postgraduate grants awarded and grants under consideration. In addition, DRIC periodically monitors progress through 6-monthly progress reports and annual financial reports submitted by the grantees, and the release of subsequent installments is contingent upon satisfactory progress.

2. Innovative Research Grants Scheme (IRGS)

In order for staff to conduct cutting-edge research and promote a vibrant research culture in the HEIs, the UGC introduced the Innovative Research Grants Scheme on 18 July 2013 as per the Commission decision taken at its 877th meeting. Some salient features of this scheme are given below:

1. Should be innovative and address high priority research concerns of regional/national importance 2. Should be multidisciplinary 3. Should promote inter-institutional and international cooperation 4. Should lead to produce postgraduates particularly PhD 5. Research findings should be commercialized and/or published in peer-reviewed journals as appropriate 6. Should contribute to capacity building

The RAC appoints two reputable reviewers for evaluation of the proposals received under this scheme. The review process sometimes gets delayed due to heavy preoccupation of the reviewers and/or due to their international mobility. However, DRIC does everything possible to minimize the turn-around time involved in the review process. In awarding grants, high priority areas identified by the NASTEC and UGC are given priority consideration.

A total of 36 applications have been received to date which have been evaluated by the RAC- appointed reviewers, and based on their recommendations, the Commission has awarded 12

7 grants at a total value of Rs. 83 million (Annex 01). Six applications are currently under review (Annex 02) and 18 have not been supported for lack of scientific merit and originality.

The candidates whose applications have been rejected have been informed accordingly along with the reviewers’ comments, giving them an opportunity to resubmit the proposals taking into account the reviewer’s comments.

In terms of the value of the innovative research grants awarded, 51% has been in the field of Health Science (Rs. 41.9 m) while 27% ( Rs. 22.1 m) and 22% (Rs. 18.3 m) have been the fields of Agriculture and allied fields and Science, respectively (Table 5, Fig. 4). Thus there have been no innovative research grants in the fields of Arts, Management and Engineering. Of the 15 universities, no applications were received from MRT, EUSL, UVPA and UWU. Applications submitted by USJP, RUSL and OUSL have either not been recommended for support or are still under review. Of the eight universities that received innovative research grants, the highest has been by CMB (Rs 40.9 million) while the lowest by JFN (Rs 0.9 million) (Fig. 5).

Table 05: Value of Innovative Research Grants awarded in 2013 and 2014 in different fields

Faculty Grants value (Rs.)

Health Science 41,874,238.50

Agriculture, Live-stock and Fisheries 22,076,135.00

Science 18,297,832.00

Fig. 4. Value of Innovative research grants awarded faculty-wise during 2013 and 2014 Science, 22% Health Science, 51%

Agriculture, Live-stock and Fisheries, 27%

Fig. 5. Value of Innovative research grants awarded university-wise during 2013 and 2014

40.95 Value (Rs. mn)

13.51 9.44 5.15 3.69 3.83 4.73 0.92

JFN SEUSL RUH PDN WUSL KLN SUSL CMB

3. Start-Up Research Support Programme (SRSP)

The Lecturers after securing PhD resume duties with a great deal of drive, enthusiasm and aspirations. This is particularly so when higher studies are carried out abroad. However, due to lack of the requisite laboratory facilities and research funds, they are often unable to initiate any new studies applying their new knowledge and competencies. This has led to dissipation of energies and enthusiasm of many a postdoctoral teacher, diminishing the research output and accomplishments in the most productive period of their life.

Therefore Commission launched the Start-up Research Programme on 20.03.2014 as per the Commission decision at 891st meeting providing research funds on a competitive basis enabling postdoctoral teachers to undertake research of regional/national interest. Any post-doctoral teacher who has obtained PhD within the last three years is eligible to apply for research funds under this scheme. It has features and criteria similar to those of the Innovative Research Grant Scheme excepting the need to produce postgraduates, particularly PhDs.

The evaluation process of applications under this scheme is basically similar to that of the Innovative Research Grants Scheme. However, the RAC recognizes that the applicants in this category are relatively inexperienced and need guidance and direction. Therefore, it is encouraged to have a senior don as a co-investigator as appropriate. Details of the grants awarded and under review in 2014 under this scheme are in Table 06. Presently one proposal is under review. Two grant applications have not been supported for want of scientific merit and/or non-conformity to the criteria laid down. The candidates have been informed accordingly along

9 with the reviewers’ comments, giving them an opportunity to resubmit the proposal taking into account the reviewer’s comments.

Table 06: Grants awarded under the Start-up Research Support Programme in 2014

No. PI and affiliation Date of Title of project Date of Budget (Rs.) receipt award

01 Dr. L.V. Ranaweera 16.06.2014 Geology of Rocks from the 02.10.2014 1,036,500.00 Dept. of Natural Resources Ranna Complex, Sri Faculty of Applied Sciences Lanka: Implications to Sabaragamuwa upper to Lower Crustal University of Sri Lanka Evolution

02 Dr. H.K.S. Amarakeerthi 16.06.2014 Interaction Rich Virtual 02.10.2014 1,183,000.00 Dept. of Physical Sciences Classrooms with function and technology Electroencephalography- Faculty of Applied Sciences based Brain Computer Sabaragamuwa Interfaces University of Sri Lanka 03 Dr. Ruchika Fernando 10.06.2014 Docetaxel encapsulated 18.12.2014 3,495,000.00 Dept. of Veterinary Public Low Temperature Sensitive Health and Pharmacology Liposomes (LTSL) to Faculty of Medicine and target solid tumors. Animal Sciences University of Peradeniya 04 Dr.Enoka P. Kudavidanage 10.06.2014 Empowering the wildlife 18.12.2014 4,800,000.00 Dept of Natural Resources protected area management Faculty of Applied Sciences sector of Sri Lanka: a rapid Sabaragamuwa University of assessment of the wildlife Sri Lanka protected areas and introducing a web based knowledge sharing platform. 05 Dr. Kamani Ratnayake 10.06.2014 Development of cashew 18.12.2014 1,665,000.00 Dept. of Horticulture and apple-based processed Landscape Gardening products and Faculty of Agriculture and characterization of their Plantation Management chemical, sensory and Wayamba University of Sri nutritional properties. Lanka

Table 07: Value of Start-Up research grants awarded faculty-wise in 2014

Faculty Grants value (Rs.)

Science 7,019,500.00

Veterinary Medicine & Animal Sciences 3,495,000.00

Agriculture 1,665,000.00

Grand total 12,179,500.00

Fig. 6. Value of Start-Up research grants awarded faculty-wise in 2014 Agriculture 13.67 %

Science 57.63 % Veterinary Medicine & Animal Sciences 28.7 %

Five grants with a total value exceeding Rs. 12 million have been awarded for post-doctoral academics in the fields of Science (58%), Veterinary Medicine (28%) and Agriculture (14%) (Fig.6).

4. Encouragement Awards Scheme

The University Grants Commission at its 890th meeting held on 05.03.2014 decided to launch an Encouragement Awards Scheme with a view to promoting high impact research, high quality publications, university-industry partnerships, international cooperation, international mobility etc. This Scheme is introduced in line with the government policy of raising the world ranking of the universities in Sri Lanka. It is expected that these awards will contribute towards that end through promoting academic excellence and high impact research in the Universities.

To start with, the Scheme will support the following on a competitive basis:

1. Publications 2. Counterpart funding for research grants from external agencies 3. Incentive allowance for research grantees 4. Conduct of regional/International workshops 5. Establishment of Chairs for Visiting Professors 6. International mobility support 7. Hiring of analytical services

Given below are the grants awarded under this scheme to date.

No. of applications Category received No. awarded Total value (Rs)

International mobility support 25 13 2,040,947.80 Publication awards 15 10 1,087,950.00 Counterpart contribution for research Nil - -

Incentive allowance for research grantees Nil - -

Conduct of regional/international workshops Nil - -

Establishment of Chairs for visiting Professors Nil - -

Of the six types of awards, applications have been received only for publications and international mobility. Therefore action will be taken in 2015 to conduct awareness sessions in the HIEs regarding this scheme.

5. QUT Postgraduate Scheme

The UGC jointly with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia has launched a split PhD Programme for the benefit of the junior academics at the universities. QUT, leading seat of higher learning in Australia, has research strengths particularly in Science, Engineering, Technology and Health Sciences

Lecturers attached to any of the universities/Campuses coming within the preview of the UGC are eligible to apply for the above Joint Split PhD programme provided s/he

1. holds a special degree with a Second Class Upper Division or above

2. has an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no subtest score less than 6 3. has registered as a doctoral student either at University of Colombo (CMB) or University of Peradeniya (PDN) with which QUT has signed joint/split PhD agreements

The evaluation process of applications under this scheme is basically similar to that of the Postgraduate Grants Scheme of the UGC. Nine Lecturers have submitted applications under this programme and 05 candidates have secured admission for higher studies at QUT as given below. Response from QUT in respect of other 04 applications is still awaited.

No. PI and affiliation Date of Title of Proposed Study Date of Budget receipt award (Rs)

01 Mrs. A. Liyanage 27.05.2014 Emission factors of Nitrous Oxide 18.09.2014 3,500,000 Dept. of Agricultural Biology emission from major cropping Faculty of Agriculture University systems of Sri Lanka of Ruhuna 02 Mr. M.N. Fernando 20.05.2014 Factors influencing stakeholders' 18.09.2014 3,500,000 Dept. of Information Technology empowerment when using personal Faculty of Management Studies health records (PHRs) and Commerce University of Sri Jayewardenepura 03 Miss. I.A.J.K. Dissanayake 29.05.2014 Forecasting growth and yield 02.10.2014 3,500,000 Lecturer (Probationary) performance of Sri Lankan grown Dept. of Plant Sciences Sesame/ Thala (Sesamum indicum Faculty of Science L.) and its wild relatives to water University of Colombo deficit conditions: A Modelling Approach 04 Dr. D.C. Ranasinghe 13.05.2014 The effect of progressive resistance 02.10.2014 3,500,000 Lecturer (Probationary) and aerobic exercise training Dept. of Allied Health Science behavioral, physical and Faculty of Medicine biochemical parameters in Sri University of Colombo Lankan adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus 05 Mrs. W.A.M Madhavi 20.10.2014 Molecular simulations of the 20.11.2014 3,373,675 Lecturer (Prob.) dynamics of water in model Dept. of Physics cartilage University of Colombo

6. Elite PhD Scholars’ Programme with University of Melbourne, Australia

An elite PhD programme for training of outstanding graduates in Engineering, IT, Mathematics and Computer Science has been developed between the UGC/Ministry of Higher Education and University of Melbourne. Under this programme Melbourne School of Engineering will admit up to 5 outstanding graduate students per year passed out from Universities of Moratuwa, Peradeniya and Colombo with effect from 2015. Graduates (Hons) with a GPA of 3.75/4 or above in the last two years of their study programme in the said degree programmes are eligible to apply.

Under this programme, the Melbourne School of Engineering will fund 100% of the tuition waiver (currently AUD 36,896 per annum) and 80% of the living stipend (currently AUD 25,849 per annum tax free per student) for 3.5 years while the UGC/ Ministry of Higher Education of Sri Lanka will fund 20% of the living stipend for 3.5 years (i.e. around AUD 18,000 per student). In addition, UGC/Ministry of Higher Education of Sri Lanka will fund

a) One return air ticket Melbourne-Colombo and 4 nights of accommodation and meals in Sri Lanka per student.

b) One return air ticket Melbourne-Colombo and 2 days of accommodation and meals in Sri Lanka (around AUD 2000) for the main academic supervisor at School of Engineering of University of Melbourne.

Further benefits are provided including financial support for publications in scholarly journals.

This programme was initiated by Prof. Saman K. Halgamuge, Associate Dean (International) at Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne jointly with DRIC/UGC and Ministry of Higher Education. Applications for scholarships under this programme will be called in early January, 2015.

7. Development of a database of retired and emeritus professors

A database of retired and emeritus professors of the universities has been developed based on the information provided by the respective universities in response to a questionnaire sent (Annex 04).We note that is not fully complete, and we endeavor to make it as complete as possible with the support of the universities. The universities have found it difficult to provide the current contact details of many of them as their residences have changed. Yet, we believe that the database will prove useful particularly to relatively newly established faculties and universities to get the services of emeritus and retired professors to enhance their academic and research programmes. The database has been posted on the UGC web as well.

8. Development of a database on intellectual resources available in HEIs

All the Universities have developed inventories of the physical assets available in their respective institutions. However, in knowledge-based economy, intellectual assets become the most valuable and precious resource; yet no inventory of such resources is hitherto available in the HEIs. Therefore, the DRIC took steps to develop a database of intellectual resources available in the universities. In this regard, a questionnaire was developed with the assistance of the MIS Division of the UGC and sent to the HEIs with a view to collecting the requisite information including field of postgraduate training, area/s of expertise, current research interests and five most important recent publications of the individual senior academics, i.e. Senior Lecturer and above, along with key words. The information received from universities has been developed into a database by the MIS Division and work has been completed to a great extent. The database is to be launched shortly.

This database will facilitate and promote development of university-industry partnerships and academic linkages with foreign universities. For instance a company interested in getting the services of an expert don in aquaculture or a foreign professor interested in finding a local counterpart to work on whales or elephants can easily find such persons by visiting the database using key words. This will also help rationalization of intellectual capital available in the country.

9. Development of a database of laboratory and testing facilities available in HEIs

Universities have a wide range of high-end equipment which are meant to be used on a 24 /7 basis. However due to lack of information on the availability of high-end analytical and testing equipment and facilities available in the individual universities, there is unnecessary and wasteful duplication of expensive equipment. Moreover, due to compartmentalization of HEIs consequent to rigid disciplinary boundaries, these equipment are hardly shared/used across disciplinary and institutional boundaries and remain under-utilized.

Therefore, the DRIC decided to develop an inventory of high-end equipment available in the individual universities including analytical/testing services offered and fees charged for such services. This information is currently being built into a database so that once it is launched any Department of Study could hire such services at a very low cost, avoiding unnecessary duplication of expensive high-end equipment. In addition, the private sector could also draw upon this rich analytical/testing facility base in the universities to meet their analytical and testing needs in a very cost-effective manner and with reliability. This will obviate the necessity for the private sector to make heavy investment on high-end equipment, thereby adding to their competitiveness. This database that is also being developed with the assistance of the MIS Division is to be launched shortly. It is hoped that it will facilitate and foster inter-institutional cooperation and university-industry partnerships. Besides, it can serve as a good avenue for income generation for the HEIs.

10. Information on postgraduate training received by academic staff in foreign countries

In the past, university teachers mainly went to N. America and Europe for higher studies. However, the situation is now rapidly changing and countries such as Japan, India, China and Australia are becoming the major countries providing opportunities for higher education overseas. Therefore it was decided to collate information from the HEIs to ascertain the opportunities made available by different countries in the past 10 years for higher studies abroad. The information received from the HEIs is being processed, and once it is complete, it will be possible to see the contribution made by different countries to the development of intellectual capital in our universities. It is proposed to identify an active focal point for each major country from each university and form nexuses of such focal points for the major counties. We hope to leverage these nexuses when meeting with foreign missions/ambassadors to secure more opportunities for short- and long-term training of the academic and administrative staff and to promote academic cooperation with foreign universities.

11. Facilitation of academic cooperation with foreign universities

The DRIC has established close rapport with the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission and EU Office in Colombo. As a result, it has been able to encourage and promote universities to apply for Senior Fulbright Scholars from USA to enhance their academic and research programmes. Two Fulbright Scholars are due to come on short-term fellowships to University of Jaffna and University of Wayamba shortly. The DRIC has also facilitated issuance of visa to visiting scientists from abroad. As the universities are making increasing requests to the DRIC in this regard, it is proposed to establish close contacts with the relevant sections of the Ministry of External Affairs so as to facilitate issuance of visa to Visiting Scientists and Fellows.

12. Foreign visitors received by DRIC

The DRIC has received a considerable number of foreign visitors in 2013 and 2014 from countries such as Australia, UK, Germany, France, Malaysia, India etc., a cross-section of which is given in Table 9. Their visits have mainly been relating to development of academic cooperation with relevant universities with a view to offering joint degrees programmes, arranging tropical exposure to their students and forging mutually rewarding partnerships. Their interests have been communicated to relevant universities for further action.

Here particular mention should be made that the DRIC was instrumental in inviting a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Sciences headed by Prof. Chunli Bai, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) as well as the President of the Third World Academy of Science (TWAS), to UGC on 02 April 2014 which enabled the universities to learn about the valuable scholarships and fellowships offered by the said institutions for training and capacity building of the academic staff and establish contacts with the CAS.

In 2015, it is envisaged to further expand and augment the activities of the DRIC in line with the action plan proposed for 2015.

Table 09: Foreign visitors received by DRIC

Date Name Affiliation 01-08-2013 Dr. Ge Liu Tianjin Chengjian University Mr. Zhang Qi Tianjin Maritime College Ms. Julie Sun Nankai University Mr Lu Xiaodong Tianjin Polytechnic University 09.09.2013 Prof. Dr. Matthias Hühn Adjunct professor of Management & Association universities Dean of Programmes of Kühne Logistics University-Germany 10.09.2013 Iranian delegate 24.09.2013 Prof. John Rosenberg Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President, Trobe University Prof. Leigh Drake Executive Dean & Professor of Financial Economics, Trobe University Prof. Paul Mather Professor & Head of the La Trobe Business School, Trobe University Mr. Amit Malhotra Manager, South Asia, Trobe University Mr. David Samuel Business Development Manager of La Trobe University, Australia and International Operations, Australian Trade Commission - Australia 01.10.2013 Prof. Unil Perera Regents’ Professor of Physics, of Georgia State University, Atlanta 11.11.2013 Professor Robert D Anderson Deputy Vice Chancellor, Massey University, New Zealand Mr. Michael O'Shaughnessy Director of International Relations, Massey University, New Zealand 09.12.2013 Dr. E I Rumyantseva NP Pushchino’s Biotechnological Cluster, Russia 13.12.2013 Miss Jillian Foster Program Officer, South and Central Asia US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission 17.12.2013 Dr. Krasae Chanawongse Director, of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Thailand

10.01.2014 JAICA delegation 16.01.2014 Dr. Philip K.Way Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Slippery Rock University Ms. Pamela J. Frigot Director International Services Slippery Rock University Dr. Susan Hannman Dean, College of Health Environment and Science Slippery Rock University Dr. Athula Herat Associate Professor Dept. of Physics and Pre-Engineering Slippery Rock University 24.01.2014 JAICA University 18.02.2014 Mr. Hakan Arslan Director-Travel operation Bosphorus Travels & Tourism Pvt. Ltd 21.02.2014 Dr. Catherine Bell Artist and Senior Lecturer Australian Catholic University 25.02.2014 Charles Darwin delegation 06.03.2014 Prof. Paul Burnett and Dr. Queensland University of Technology Tony Sharma (QUT), Australia 02.04.2014 Chinese delegation (CAS) 24.04.2014 Ms. Heidi Piper Director International Griffith University Ms. Ashini Malhotra Regional Manager (India & Sri Lanka) 14.08.2014 Prof. Chunli Bai CAS delegation Prof. Yue-Liang Wu Prof. Si Zhang Jiang Yiqi Prof. Qiwei Qin Prof. Dongxiao Wang Prof. Dr. Tou-Shao WANG Prof. Tieniu Tan Qiu Hua Sheng Prof. Yaping Zhang 26.09.2014 Prof. Dilanthi Amaraunga University of Huddersfield Prof. Richard Haigh University of Huddersfield 07.10.2014 Mr. Nocholas John Ounstead GIZ Consultant Miles 20.10.2014 Mr, Kiichiro Iwase First Secretary and Head of Economic Cooperation Section 29.10.2014 Mr. Abizer Merchant Regional Director South Asia Macquarie University 18.11.2014 Mr. Alois Lang Burgenland Austria

13. Establishment of a National Digital Library Consortium under the auspices of the UGC

In order to create a vibrant research culture and raise the ranking of Sri Lankan universities, it is vitally important that the academics and students especially postgraduate are provided with unhindered access to scholarly journals in their respective fields. Therefore it is imperative to ensure that the requisite journals are available in the university libraries. However, the escalating prices of journals, devaluation of SLR and competing considerations for funding, i.e. infrastructure development needs, have affected the subscription to the requisite journals by the individual universities. Consequently the libraries are compelled to discontinue subscription to a sizable number of must-have journals posing serious constraints to conducting cutting-edge research and publishing in scholarly journals.

Therefore, the Standing Committee on Library and Information Sciences (SCOLIS), UGC having deliberated on the serious consequences of discontinuation of scholarly journals on the research output (both the quality and quantity), the academic standards and relative ranking of Sri Lankan universities has recommended that a consortium of libraries coming within the purview of the UGC be formed and a national digital library be established.

Such a consortium will yield the following key benefits:

1. Provide 24/7 access to thousands of journals including past issues bundled in the databases in a cost effective manner to all staff and students of all the universities

2. Provide a single entry point to databases/e-journals for all the universities having diverse and varied research and academic interests.

3. Secure better terms of agreement for use, archival access and preservation of subscribed electronic resources, which is not possible when institutions subscribe to journals individually

4. Reduce problems associated with printed material such as wear and tear, physical space provision, shelving, binding and cumbersome payment schemes and loss-in-mail issues etc.

5. To provide several other user-oriented services such as training and document delivery.

Table 10: Expenditure by universities on foreign scholarly journals / databases in 2013

University-wise expenditure on journals / databases - 2013 Univ. No. of Cost (Rs.) Databases Cost (Rs.) Total (Rs.) printed journals 1 MRT 59 7,440,197.00 5 14,754,406.00 22,194,603.00 2 SJP 102 10,629,023.78 2 2,689,870.33 13,318,894.11 3 JFN 111 12,700,115.09 0 - 12,700,115.09 4 CMB 65 5,895,026.48 3 2,263,190.61 8,158,217.09 5 OUSL 62 4,791,670.00 2 1,542,530.00 6,334,200.00 6 KLN 41 4,046,855.18 1 2,267,861.52 6,314,716.70 7 RUH 58 4,923,344.40 3 504,621.90 5,427,966.30 8 RUSL 25 691,547.00 3 2,388,010.00 3,079,557.00 9 PDN 15 1,079,548.00 3 1,822,000.00 2,901,548.00 10 WUSL 18 688258.22 2 130,000.00 2,294,981.48 11 UVPA 60 1,450,548.00 0 - 1,450,548.00 12 EUSL 2 994,900.00 0 0.00 994,900.00 13 SEUSL 8 139,681.97 0 0 139,689.97 14 WUSL 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 15 SUSL 47 789,964.96 0 0 789,964.96 TOTAL 673 56,260,680.08 24 28,362,490.36 86,099,901.70

Fig. 6: Expenditure by universities on foreign scholarly journals / databases in 2013

At present, a total sum of around Rs. 90 million is spent by the universities annually to subscribe to about 673 printed journals (Table 08 and Figure 06) which does not provide for sharing them across the universities. As evident from the above, there exists a grave disparity between the universities in terms of access to scholarly journals, and even some of the universities identified to be promoted as world class universities subscribe only to a few titles. Thus they do not have the basic library facilities and services to attract foreign students and faculty.

Several countries in the SAARC region such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have already established digital libraries in their countries, and Maldives is also currently planning to establish such a consortium. Establishment of such a digital library is a pre-requisite to transform Sri Lanka into an education and knowledge hub.

Fig. 7: Expected increase in the number of journal titles at each university through the consortium

Therefore on the recommendation of the SCOLIS, the Commission approved the establishment of a consortium on 23-01-2014 providing for the establishment of a digital library with over 3,500 e- journal and databases at a cost of around. Rs. 110 million (Annex 05 and Figure 7). This would benefit all the academic and administrative staff (> 5,000) as well as students (around 100,000) of the 15 universities. It would lay the foundation for internationalization of Sri Lankan universities and lead to creating a robust research culture and intellectual atmosphere in them, thereby raising their international ranking. The enhancement of academic infrastructure of universities through establishment of a national digital library undoubtedly constitutes an important landmark in the annals of higher education in the country and is unarguably one of the greatest contributions made to propel Sri Lankan universities to a new high under the internationalization programme launched under Mahinda Chintana.

Acknowledgements

First, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, Chair of the UGC, for reposing confidence in me and assigning the subject of research and international cooperation to me, which paved the way for the establishment of the Division of Research and International Cooperation at the UGC in 2013. I record my deep gratitude to the members of the Commission for supporting the new initiatives of the DRIC, which enabled us to achieve most of the progress reported above.

In spite of their heavy preoccupation, the members of the Research Advisory Committee and other Evaluation Panels served with great dedication and devotion which enabled the DRIC to administer and manage the grant and award schemes effectively. My profound gratitude goes to them for their wisdom and mature guidance.

Establishment of the Digital Library became a reality because of the concerted and concentrated efforts on the part of the Librarians for a period of over two years headed by Dr. Pradeepa Wijetunga, Librarian, and University of Peradeniya. I express my deep appreciation and profound gratitude to them for their dedication and devotion without which the digital library would have never seen the light of day. I also wish to record my gratitude to Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education and the officers at the UGC, particularly those in the Department of Finance and Division of General Administration, especially to Mr. R.A.U. Ranaweera, Accountant, Mr. Rasika Karanarathna, Senior Asst. Secretary and Mr. M.M. Siraju, Asst. Secretary for the assistance and cooperation extended in this regard.

Ms. Damayanthi Panagoda, Head/MIS Division, UGC extended her fullest support in developing the databases described in the report, which is gratefully acknowledged. The work of DRIC is handled by the staff attached to the Office of the Vice Chairman, mainly Mrs. Gayani Wickramarachchi (Asst. Secretary), Mr. Shammika Wijewardena (Scientific Assistant up to July 2014), Mr. Yasiru de Silva (Scientific Assistant since August 2014), Ms. Shiromi Rajasuriya (Senior Staff Assistant), Mr. Nuwan Dissanayake (Computer Application Assistant) and Mr. Asanka Sugatharathna (Office Helper) who have been attending to the work of DRIC while performing other duties of the Office of the Vice Chair. I am deeply grateful to them for their unstinted support and unremitting efforts.

Professor Ranjith Senaratne Division of Research and International Cooperation Vice Chair/UGC

Annex 01: Research grants awarded in 2013 and 2014 under the Innovative Research Grant Scheme in 2013 and 2014 2013

No. PI and affiliation Date of Title of project Date of Budget receipt award (Rs) 01 Prof. D. Nandadeva 24.06.2013 Efficacy and cost- 26.09.2013 7,000,000.00 Samarasekara effectiveness of clinical Dept. of Surgery breast examination vs. Faculty of Medicine mammography in the University of Colombo screening of breast cancer in Sri Lanka 02 Dr. N.W.B. Balasooriya 25.06.2013 Purification of Sri Lanka 29.08.2013 3,695,000.00 Dept. of Physical Science Natural vein graphite for Faculty of Applied Science novel Technological South Eastern University of Sri Applications Lanka

03 Prof. Vajira H.W. Dissanayake 28.06.2013 01. Molecular, Cytogenetic, 07.11.2013 32,771,588.50 Human Genetics Unit Gene expression and Faculty of Medicine epigenetic profiles of University of Colombo hematopoietic stem cells of patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in a Sri Lankan Population

02.Molecular characterization of Mesenchymal stem cells of patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in a Sri Lankan Population 04 Dr. D.S.M. De Silva 26.06.2013 A study towards 07.11.2013 9,445,000.00 Dept. of Chemistry development of low cost Faculty of Science "Electro-Chemical University of Kelaniya Deposition Protocols (ECDP)" for growth of thin film CdS and CdTe semiconductor materials used in fabrication of high efficiency solar cells

2014

No. PI and affiliation Date of Title of project Date of Budget receipt award (Rs) 01 Dr. (Mrs.) G.A.K.S. Perera 02.04.2014 Fabrication and performance 04.09.2014 4,076,392.00 Dept. of Electronics evaluation of super capacitors Faculty of Applied Sciences based on gel polymer Wayamba University of Sri electrolytes as energy storage Lanka device

02 Dr. D.L.C. Kumari Fonseka 09.04.2014 Production efficiency and 04.09.2014 3,833,525.00 Dept. of Crop Science quality improvement in Faculty of Agriculture cinnamon University of Ruhuna (CinnomomumVerum J. Presl.) through the enhancement of dry matter assimilation and partitioning 03 Dr. P.A. Dinesh Coonge 31.03.2014 Prevalence of Mild Cognitive 04.09.2014 924,650.00 Dept. of Community and Impairment and its selected Family Medicine correlates among elders in Faculty of Medicine Jaffna district University of Jaffna

04 Prof. W.A.P.Weerakkody 24.04.2014 Characterization of 04.09.2014 4,731,610.00 Dept. of Crop Science Karuthakolomban mango Faculty of Agriculture germplasm for superior traits University of Peradeniya and grafting success using morphological and biochemical traits, assisted by molecular markers 05 Dr. D.A.M. De Silva 01.04.2014 Value chain approach to 18.09.2014 4,946,000.00 Dept. of Agribusiness maximizing the contribution Management of underutilized crops to Faculty of Agricultural sustainable economic Science development and nutritional Sabaragamuwa University of wellbeing of small holders in Sri Lanka northern Sri Lanka

06 Dr. Asha Sanjeewani 01.04.2014 Modelling the Climate 18.09.2014 8,565,000.00 Karunaratne Sensitivity and Assessing Dept. of Export Agriculture Genetic Structure of Proso Faculty of Agricultural Millet ("Meneri") in Sri Science Lanka Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

07 Prof. C.A.N. Fernando 31.03.2014 Photoelectrochemical water 18.09.2014 1,081,440.00 Dept. of Electronics reduction for H2 production Faculty of Applied Sciences from Cu2O semiconductor Wayamba University of Sri surfaces for H2 fuel cells to Lanka meet future energy requirements 08 Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe 01.04.2014 A study to compare the 20.11.2014 1,178,000.00 Dept. of Clinical Medicine efficacy of topical indigenous Faculty of Medicine oil preparation against a University of Colombo placebo in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Annex 02: Applications are under review

No. PI and affiliation Date of Title of project Remarks receipt

01 Dr. B. Sampath Sumedha 02.04.2014 The mechanisms of generating Being revised in Seneviratne endemicity along the elevational the light of Dept. of Zoology gradient; its implications for the reviewers’ Faculty of Science management of montane University of Colombo biodiversity in Sri Lanka comments or revised proposal under review

02 Dr. V.P.S.Perera 31.03.2014 Use of Composite Structures made - do - Dept. of Physics of SiO2 Extracted from Rice Husk Faculty of National Science to enhance the Efficiency of Dye- Open University of Sri Lanka sensitized Solar Cells.

03 Dr. D.H.N. Munasinghe 31.03.2014 Establish genetic marker to - do - Dept. of Zoology identify species in commercially Faculty of Science important crab genus Scylla (mud University of Ruhuna. crab) and estimation of their population variation in Sri Lanka: implications to upgrade culturing programs and prioritize conservation strategies.

04 Prof. Shyama R. Weerakoon 31.03.2014 Sustainable utilization of - do - Dept. of Botany GrynopswallaGaetner Faculty of Natural Sciences ('WallaPatta'): Production of Open University of Sri Lanka Agarwood type fragrant constituents using cell suspension and in vitro plant propagation

05 Dr. Jithangi Wanigasinghe 01.04.2014 Interventional study on the role of - do - Dept. of Pediatrics prednisolone as a preventer of Faculty of Medicine development of West Syndrome University of Colombo 06 Dr. Kalaivani Vivehananthan 19.09.2014 Identification and Characterization - do - Dept. of Biotechnology of Catabolic Genes of Petroleum Faculty of Agriculture and Hydrocarbon degrading Bacteria Plantation Management and Evaluation of their Efficiency Wayamba University of Sri for Bioremediation Lanka

Annex 03: Schedule of emeritus and retired professors of universities of Sri Lanka

University of Colombo - Emeritus Professors TOTAL-3