KEYNOTE SPEECH

The generation of new knowledge in all disciplines and dissemination of such knowledge for the benefit of humankind is a primary objective of a university. Research activities conducted by academics at universities are instrumental in generation of new knowledge. The fact that a single Sri Lankan university has not made it among the first 1000 universities in the world according to Times Higher Education ranking is a testament to the amount of our contribution to the advancement of humankind. This ranking is mainly based on direct and indirect research performance of universities. So, is this the anticipated performance for a developing nation or are we underperforming? If this is the expected rank, are we happy with it? Or if we are underperforming, where have we gone wrong? A tropical island nation has its own unique issues that require need-based research to drive novel solutions. Continuing to wait for the answers to our problems from over the seas is yet to prove effective.

No matter which way we spin it, promoting the research culture in the university system is instrumental in ensuring the contribution of the university education system to the national development. However, funnelling more money into research by increasing research grants etc. does not necessarily foster a better research culture. Research conducted for the sole purpose of advancing the careers of university academics, to earn their promotions, to earn positions in the university administration, does not foster the university research culture or contribute to national development as much as their own personal advancement. Therefore, in addition to increasing the funding for research and developing the research infrastructure, it is paramount to develop a university system where the contributions of the university academics for research and development are an essential component for consideration for promotions and administrative positions. The researchers in our university system are well-versed in the limitations and shortcomings of the university administrative procedures and are, therefore, better equipped to troubleshoot the advancement of a struggling university education system. If we neglect the contributions of our researchers, when we consider applications for promotion and administrative roles, we encourage a university culture where only those who choose to abandon the pursuit of new knowledge are promoted to and the system will continue to stagnate. The university system and the country require national need and curiosity-driven researchers who are motivated by the pursuit of intellectual joy.