About VALID Centre
Verification of Accuracy and Learning for Innovation & Development
Incubation Centre for Sustainable Food Innovation
SMEs are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s national economy, significantly contributing to the GDP. In the Vavuniya District, MSMEs are crucial for regional economic resilience.
The VALID Centre serves as a bridge between academic research and industrial application, offering specialized certificate programs and essential incubation services. Established in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Centre opened on 23 January 2026 at the Park Road premises of the University of Vavuniya.
Why VALID Centre?
Vavuniya’s regional economy faces unique challenges that hinder SME scalability.
Limited Technical Expertise
Limited access to high-end technical expertise required for modern industrial growth.
Testing & Certification Gaps
Lack of integrated testing and certification support to meet quality standards.
Packaging Technology Barriers
High barrier to entry for modern packaging technology and sustainable materials.
Our Solution
The VALID Centre provides the critical infrastructure to overcome these hurdles, empowering SMEs to adopt sustainable practices and achieve global competitiveness.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To be the premier hub of sustainable food innovation in Northern Sri Lanka, transforming the region into a globally competitive center for high-quality, eco-friendly food entrepreneurship.
Our Mission
Empowering local food entrepreneurs by providing state-of-the-art research facilities, essential testing services, and access to advanced technology to drive regional growth and food security.
Objectives of the Incubation Centre
Food Research Laboratory
Establishing a Food Research Laboratory for advancing innovation in the food sector.
Essential Testing Services
Providing testing for wet food, dry food, and liquid food, with value-added products.
Training Entrepreneurs
Training entrepreneurs for food products, enabling them to innovate and improve production processes.
Shared High-Tech Machinery
Shared use of high-tech machinery so entrepreneurs can scale without purchasing expensive equipment.
Knowledge Platform (Data Bank)
Establishing a knowledge platform for sharing information on food production, market trends, and sustainable practices within the food industry.
Implementation Plan
Timeframe: 2 years and beyond
Phase 1: Planning and Development
0–12 months
Feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement; design of laboratories, machinery spaces, and offices; secure funding and partnerships with government, private investors, and international organisations.
Phase 2: Setup and Resource Mobilization
12–18 months
Procure equipment and technology; establish relationships with certification bodies and R&D institutions; recruit experts, mentors, and trainers; develop operating, health and safety guidelines.
Phase 3: Launch and Operation
23 January 2026
Open the Incubation Centre; establish a Basic Food Testing and Research Laboratory; host training, workshops, and networking events; monitor and support incubated startups.
Phase 4: Expansion and Scale
20+ months
Expand facilities and services; introduce broader testing and certification processes; partner with international food companies and networks (including Control Union & IIT); foster export-driven food businesses.
Management Structure
University of Vavuniya
Overall management, R&D support, and provision of facilities. Management Committee with monthly meetings involving relevant bodies.
Vidatha Resource Centres
Technical assistance, coordination of training programs, and SME outreach (including ITI training for Vidatha officers).
Advisory / Management Committee
Experts from business, academia, and government guiding strategic direction, with a governing body under co-chairmanship of the Ministry and the Advisory Board of UBL.
Staff — VALID Centre
Senior Professor A. Atputharajah
Vice Chancellor
Tel: 024 222 2264 · Mobile: +94 77 737 9164
Fax: 024 222 2265
vc@vau.ac.lk
Dr. (Ms.) J. Nimalan
Director, VALID Centre
BScHons (Agri) (Jaffna), MSc (AIT, Thailand), PhD (Peradeniya)
Senior Lecturer Gr.I
Ms. S. Jalini
Management Assistant Trainee
BSc Hons in Food Production and Technology Management — WUSL
Ms. K. Kishanthiny
Visiting Food Analyst
BSc Hons in Food Science and Nutrition — WUSL
Mr. Sivakumar Kohulan
Technical Officer
Expected Outcomes
Enhanced Entrepreneurial Capacity
Skill development and business growth for food MSMEs.
Increased Innovation
New products and solutions — target of 2,112 tests per year (176 × 12).
R&D Laboratory Support
50 projects per year supporting product and process innovation.
Economic Growth & Jobs
Increased export potential, community empowerment, and long-term food security.
Regulatory Compliance & Knowledge Sharing
Improved certification readiness, market standards, and a knowledge-sharing platform for sustainable food practices.
Ready to Partner with Us?
Contact VALID Centre for testing, training, incubation, or collaboration opportunities.
Contact Us