Sri Lanka, June 1 -- Strengthening Sri Lanka's research and innovation sector is essential for achieving long-term economic prosperity, according to Prof Ashoka Jayawira Bandara, an inventor and academic who holds eleven world patents for new discoveries. Currently, based in the United Kingdom, Prof. Bandara is engaged in research across several institutions including Kingston University.

Speaking at a special discussion with the Daily News recently, Prof. Bandara stressed that research-driven innovation has been a major factor behind the economic success of many developed nations and should become a national priority in Sri Lanka.

He noted that countries with strong economies invest heavily in research across sectors such as industry, ...