A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Agri Deshiya (Pvt) Ltd. and the University of Kelaniya to strengthen collaborative research and development in plant-based food innovation, on 21 May 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The partnership will focus on developing high-quality, shelf-stable, ready-to-use spice pastes using widely cultivated spices with strong commercialization potential.

As an initial research initiative under this collaboration, the project will focus on the development of a spice paste using the hot pepper chilli variety Nai Miris (Capsicum chinense).

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Mr Prabath De Alwis, Chairman of Agri Deshiya (Pvt) Ltd;  Mr K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya; Professor W. A. P. J. Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Renuka N. Attanayake, Head of the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology; along with Professor Priyanganie Senanayake, Professor Rasika Wanigatunga, Dr Wasana de Silva, Ms Thilakshika Jayasooriya, and Ms Laksha Ariyasena, who will serve as investigators of the proposed research activities.