The Opening Ceremony of the VALID Centre (Centre for Verification of Accuracy and Learning for Innovation & Development), an Incubation Centre for Sustainable Food Innovation, was successfully held on Friday, 23rd January 2026, at the Park Road Premises of the University of Vavuniya. The event was organized by the University Business Linkage (UBL), University of Vavuniya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, as the Chief Guest, and Hon. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, as the Guest of Honour. The event brought together Members of Parliament Mr. Sudarshana Chamara Weerakoon, Mr. Samarasinghage Sajith Karunathilaka, Mr. Wickramasingha Mudiyanselage Upali Bandula Senavirathna, Mr. Balahamige Nishshanka Daraniyagala, Mr. Dissanayaka Nipun Vidushan, Mr. Adhikari Mudiyanselage Sanjeewa Adhikari, Mr. Bayyage Wasantha Kumara, Mr. Akilan Gnanamuththu, Mr. Thavidumiral Isiyas Miral, Mr. Thureirasha Sudagar, Mr, Rasalingam Kartheepan, Periyannan Karapathi, Mr. Selvasodi Selvakumaran, Mr. Sathyashivanadan Suredan, Mr. Maheswaran Vivekanandan, senior ministry officials, district administrators, university authorities, Vidatha officers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other key stakeholders.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by the National Anthem and a cultural welcome performance. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya, Senior Professor A. Atputharajah, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of the VALID Centre in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable regional development.
An introduction to the VALID Centre, including its objectives, facilities, and services, was presented by Mrs. S. Mathivathany, Director of the University Business Linkage. Senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized the role of science, technology, and research commercialization in national development. Industry insights and entrepreneurial experiences were shared by representatives from TRACE Sri Lanka and successful food industry entrepreneurs.
A key highlight of the event was the testing demonstrations and formal handover of testing reports to entrepreneurs, demonstrating the Centre’s operational readiness. The programme concluded with an Exhibition and Innovation Showcase, where guests observed innovative products and technologies developed through the incubation process. The opening of the VALID Centre marks an important milestone in strengthening food safety, innovation, and university–industry collaboration in Sri Lanka.
