National Institute of Fundamental Studies Sri Lanka

The National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) is a multidisciplinary government research institute in Sri Lanka that was founded in 1981. The NIFS is Sri Lanka's only institute dedicated only to undertaking research in natural and social sciences, as well as philosophy, for national growth and scientific improvement.

Under the auspices of six research departments, the NIFS conducts basic, high-quality research in 16 different theme areas. The NIFS research is also being carried out in response to pressing national issues in Sri Lanka.

Apart from conducting basic research, the NIFS promotes science, particularly among schoolchildren, trains postgraduate researchers in the country to minimize brain drain, and disseminates scientific knowledge to the general public.

NIFS was founded in September 1981 by Parliament Act No. 55, and on December 4, 1985, it relocated from Colombo to Kandy. President J. R. Jayewardena named Vidya Jyothi Professor Cyril Ponnamperuma as the director of the Institute of Fundamental Studies. He was essential in establishing the institute's permanent home in the Hanthana Hills, complete with a modern laboratory facility.

Act No. 25 of 2014 altered the institute's name to National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) Sri Lanka.

Website: www.nifs.ac.lk