The University of Vavuniya has launched the VALID (Verification of Accuracy and Learning for Innovation and Development) Centre as a commercial initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Sri Lanka's food sector. Officially opened on August 28, the centre seeks to position the region as a competitive hub for sustainable, high-quality food production with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices.
According to Dr. Jayagauri Nimalan, Director of the VALID Centre, the facility will enhance the university’s capacity for research, academic collaboration, and knowledge sharing while providing practical support to local food producers. The centre addresses a critical gap for SMEs in Vavuniya, many of which lack access to technical expertise for food analysis, product testing, and certification needed to meet export standards.
Currently, 125 SMEs engaged in the production of items such as milk, rice flour, chili powder, snacks, cassava chips, manioc, ghee, paneer, and yoghurt are connected to the VALID Centre. By offering official testing and certification services, the centre aims to improve the export readiness of these producers, boosting both product quality and market competitiveness.
The VALID Centre also serves as a training ground for university undergraduates, providing opportunities for industrial training and practical laboratory research. Students are able to investigate and develop solutions to challenges faced by the SMEs, creating a symbiotic relationship between academic learning and industry needs.
Dr. Nimalan outlined five primary objectives guiding the centre’s work: establishing a food research laboratory to promote innovation; delivering crucial testing services for food businesses; training entrepreneurs in food production and development; facilitating shared access to advanced machinery; and creating a platform for disseminating market intelligence and trends.
One notable feature of the laboratory is its capacity to conduct detailed analyses that enable color-coded labeling of foods, categorizing products based on their salt, sugar, and fat content. This service is expected to support producers in meeting regulatory requirements and consumer demand for transparency.
By integrating research, education, and industry support, the VALID Centre represents a strategic effort to elevate Northern Sri Lanka’s food industry to a globally recognized level of quality and sustainability.