About NIFS
About NIFS
The National Institute of Fundamental Studies is Sri Lanka's dedicated institute for fundamental research in natural sciences, social sciences, and philosophy.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be a world-renowned centre of excellence for research in fundamental studies.
Mission
To initiate, promote, and engage in advanced research that strengthens scientific knowledge and develops human resources for national development.
Institute of Fundamental Studies Act No. 55 of 1981 & Amendment Act No. 25 of 2014
Parliament Act No. 55 of 1981 (Amended by Act No. 25 of 2014)
The National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) was established by Parliament Act No. 55 of 1981 as the premier multidisciplinary national research institute in Sri Lanka for advancing fundamental sciences, and was subsequently renamed and codified under Act No. 25 of 2014.
Statutory Aims & Objects
- 01Initiate, promote, and conduct research and original investigations into fundamental studies in general, with particular emphasis on mathematics, physical and chemical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and philosophy, each taken in the broadest sense.
- 02Arrange lectures, meetings, seminars, and symposia in pursuance of its research work and for the diffusion of scientific knowledge.
- 03Invite scientists in Sri Lanka and from abroad actively engaged in creative work to deliver lectures and participate in its research activities.
- 04Establish and maintain liaison with scientific workers and scientific institutions in other countries and promote international co-operation in matters relating to the aims and objects of the Institute, while taking care to protect and promote the national interest.
- 05Collaborate with public and private sector organizations to develop applications arising from fundamental research and facilitate research activities leading to postgraduate degrees.
Our History & Milestones
History of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, marking over four decades of scientific research, leadership, and institutional development.
Establishment of the Institute
The Parliament of Sri Lanka passes the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS) Act No. 55 of 1981, creating a dedicated national center for advanced research in natural sciences, social sciences, and philosophy.
First Director Appointed
The world-famous astrophysicist Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe is appointed as the first Director (1982–1984), initiating operations from Colombo.
Prof. Cyril Ponnamperuma Appointed
Renowned NASA chemist and exobiologist Professor Cyril Ponnamperuma becomes Director (1984–1991). He introduces a major expansion, recruiting high-caliber scientists and laying the foundation for modern research facilities.
Specialized Scientific Library
The specialized NIFS Scientific Library is established, creating a crucial repository of scientific literature, print journals, and e-databases for researchers.
Relocation to Hanthana, Kandy
To foster a scenic, quiet, and intellectually stimulating environment, the institute relocates its headquarters from Colombo to the hills of Hanthana, Kandy.
Official Opening of Hanthana Facility
In April 1988, the state-of-the-art research laboratories and headquarters at Hanthana, Kandy, are officially opened, consolidating the institute’s operations.
Gift of Sam Popham's Arboretum
Notable British planter and conservationist Sam Popham gifts his unique dry-zone arboretum in Dambulla to the IFS. It becomes a permanent site for dry zone forest restoration, nature trails, and environmental education.
Prof. Chandra Dissanayake's 1st Term
Distinguished geologist Professor Chandra Dissanayake is appointed Director (1991–1996), expanding research in geology and environmental geochemistry.
Prof. Kirthi Tennakone Appointed
Renowned physicist Professor Kirthi Tennakone is appointed Director (1996–2008). Under his long leadership, the institute achieves international recognition in solid-state chemistry, dye-sensitized solar cells, and nanotechnology.
Prof. Chandra Dissanayake's 2nd Term
Professor Chandra Dissanayake is re-appointed as Director (2009–2015), strengthening research governance and national collaborations.
Renaming to NIFS (Act No. 25 of 2014)
Parliament amends the original act (Act No. 25 of 2014), renaming the institution to the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) to codify and strengthen its national mandate.
Prof. Parakrama Karunaratne Appointed
Professor Parakrama Karunaratne serves as Director (2015–2017), driving bioenergy, microbiology, and agricultural biotechnology research.
Prof. Saman Seneweera Appointed
Professor Saman Seneweera serves as Director (2018–2021), focusing on laboratory modernization, advanced analytical instrumentation, and global collaborations.
Prof. Saluka Kodituwakku Appointed
Professor Saluka Kodituwakku serves as Director (2021–2024), expanding the institute’s focus to computer science, mathematics, and statistical modeling.
Senior Prof. Ashoka Kumara
Senior Professor Ashoka Kumara serves as Director of NIFS, guiding research, postgraduate mentoring, and public science outreach.
Provincial Impact Map
NIFS reaches schools, teachers, and communities across all 9 provinces of Sri Lanka through the School Science Programme (SSP) and local research collaborations.
Contact
- HeadquartersNational Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Emailinfo@nifs.ac.lk
- Phone(+94) 81 22 32 106 / (+94) 81 22 32 107