The University of Peradeniya has signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Aara Herbs and Spices for the production of herbal porridge and the process of production of the herbal porridge which was invented by Mr. PC. Arampath and Ms. HDS. Lakmali, Department of Food Science & Technology of the Faculty of Agriculture. The financial assistance was provided by the Innovation Commercialization Enhancement (ICE) Grant under the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development Operation (AHEAD) project of the Agribusiness Centre, Faculty of Agriculture. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. MD. Lamawansa, the Deputy Vice-chancellor, Prof. WMT. Madhujith, Acting Registrar, Mr. Mahinda Ekanayake, Prof. Sarath S. Kodithuwakku (Dean/ Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. YPRD. Yapa (Director/BLII-TTO),Mr. PC. Arampath (Senior Lecturer), Miss. Sankapali Mallawarachchi (Project Assistant/BLII-TTO) from the University of Peradeniya and Mrs. SPDT. Somathilaka (Director), Mr. SPSSP. Rajakaruna (Marketing Manager), Mr. LU. Athukorala and Mr. HPGTN. Kulasinghe from Aara Herbs and Spices participated in the event held on 4th April 2023 at Vice-Chancellor’s Office, University of Peradeniya. The agreement was signed on behalf of the University of Peradeniya by Prof. MD. Lamawansa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, and Mr. Mahinda Ekanayae, Acting Registrar of the University of Peradeniya while Mrs. SPDT. Somathilaka, Director, and Mr. SPSSP. Rajakaruna, Marketing Manager signed the agreement on behalf of Aara Herbs and Spices. Aara Herbs is a startup company initiated by a group of graduates from the University of Peradeniya and they are specialized in producing herbal base products targeting export and local markets. The signing of the NDA marks the beginning of a collaboration between the University of Peradeniya and Aara Herbs and Spices, who will work together to finalize the license agreement for the production of the herbal porridge powder mixture. This collaboration is a testament to the commitment of the University of Peradeniya to research and innovation, and its dedication to working with industry partners to bring new products to market.
