The IRC aims to advance knowledge in science, technology, policy and operational practice. Its work will serve universities, government institutions, industry, commerce and communities. Moreover, it will do so at local, national and international levels.
The IRC will research, develop and share reliable and sustainable policies, processes, science and technologies. These will help manage issues and risks such as social backwardness, poor economic approaches and environmental harm. In addition, the IRC will support climate resilience and sustainable development. It will do this through partnership initiatives that focus on four areas:
First, the IRC will provide know-how to support human security. This includes clean air, safe water, sufficient food and housing. It also includes sustainable socio-cultural, economic and environmental development.
Second, the IRC will strengthen prevention, mitigation and adaptation. These efforts will address natural and human-made risks, disasters, diseases, deaths and damage.. Such risks are growing because of socio-economic, environmental and climate change.
The IRC is a formally structured, non-profit and non-partisan centre within the University of Vavuniya. Its purpose is to develop, deliver and promote multidisciplinary research. Furthermore, it will extend collaboration among national and international universities and industries. As a result, research students, staff and communities will gain more opportunities. Ultimately, this will support sustainable change at regional, national and international levels.
Sustainable development in Sri Lanka and South Asia depends on collaboration. Governments, institutions and communities must work together on social, economic, environmental and political challenges. Therefore, academic and research institutions must lead. They can do this by fostering evidence-based policy, innovation and knowledge transfer.
For this reason, UoV proposes the International Research Centre (IRC). It will act as a think-tank that bridges local and global expertise. In addition, it will conduct both bottom-up and top-down research and promote sustainable solutions.
The University is located in a multi-ethnic, post-war region. Consequently, it aims to strengthen research capacity through partnerships, remote PhD programmes and community engagement. Furthermore, the IRC will support multidisciplinary research, policy advocacy and a public knowledge repository. Finally, by training future leaders and encouraging critical discussion, UoV hopes to empower communities to tackle emerging challenges.
The IRC will coordinate and support all international research, innovation, think-tank and outreach activities. It will also support related postgraduate education and training, such as remote or shared PhDs and research fellowships. As a result, staff and students will build stronger research and academic skills.
In addition, the IRC will help the University identify opportunities for international collaboration and partnership. It will also help the University secure funding from national and international players. With the support of funding institutions and partner universities, the IRC can reach beyond the campus. For example, it will offer lifelong learning and practical know-how to local, national and international communities. This work will help achieve the IRC’s vision, mission and goals.
Furthermore, the IRC will invite people, businesses, industries and institutions in Sri Lanka and abroad to take part. These partners may bring data, knowledge, skills and experience. They can also help develop reliable and innovative research tools and techniques. Others may contribute curriculum for knowledge and technology transfer, or offer teaching, training and learning support. Finally, some partners can provide funds or other in-kind resources.
The IRC’s work is based on the following principles: