The NRC is a public body which plan and co-ordinates research in Sri Lanka. It will facilitate research in the public sector Scientific Research and Development Organizations and its researchers through the many programmes it conducts, so as to build, strengthen and derive the maximum benefit for the country’s economic development, and the social welfare of its people. To achieve these objectives NRC has started many programmes; the NRC Research Grant Programme, the Presidential Awards for Research, the PhD Training Programme, Development of Research Laboratories and the National Development Programme. The new directive will encourage the private sector-public sector partnership in many scientific fields in the country.