The Floriculture Research Center, Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya, successfully conducted a comprehensive five-day training program on Plant Tissue Culture Techniques from 10th May to 28th June 2025 at the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Gampaha.

The program was organized in collaboration with the Technical and Environmental Services Division of the Industrial Services Bureau (ISB), Kurunegala, a statutory body under the North Western Provincial Council, renowned for its contributions to regional industrial development through enterprise support, training, project management, and technical and environmental services.

The training was initiated at the request of Ms. Ireksha Rajapaksha, Trainee Consultant at ISB’s Technical and Environmental Services Division, and was coordinated by Dr. Wasana de Silva, Director of the Floriculture Research Center. The program was thoughtfully designed to combine theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on experience in advanced laboratory techniques, with the overarching goal of promoting plant tissue culture as a sustainable and income-generating enterprise.

Participants represented a diverse range of sectors, including professionals in plant tissue culture, entrepreneurs in horticulture and floriculture, prospective laboratory owners, plant nursery staff, researchers, and instructors from technical colleges. The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. R. M. C. S. Rathnayake, followed by an introduction to the Floriculture Research Center by its former Director, Prof. Priyanganie Senanayake.

The training sessions were conducted by a panel of esteemed resource persons, including Dr. Kasundi Gunasena, Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka; Ms. Priyangi Edirisinghe, Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya; Mr. Kaviranga Herath, Proprietor, TC Plant; Ms. Navodini Jayarathna, Research Officer, Coconut Research Institute; and Ms. Nipuni Alvis, Ms. Dharika Rajapaksha, and Ms. Lakshani Sagarika, Temporary Teaching Staff, Floriculture Research Center.

Participants lauded the program for its high quality, well-structured format, engaging content, and the invaluable practical exposure it provided.