The Herbal Technology Section of the ITI spearheads research related to medicinal and aromatic plants and other natural products. The section continues to be the premier research group in these areas in Sri Lanka, providing support and promoting the development of this important industrial sector. The section consists of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, and experienced technical staff who engage in activities ranging from demand driven research programmes to the transfer of technology, sourcing of machinery and equipment for clients, the development of new products and technologies, as well as trouble shooting and problem solving for industry partners. Training programmes are organized to meet various industry needs. Sectional research programmes provide opportunities for training and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students from national and international universities. Laboratories are well equipped to conduct research and pilot plant activities for commercialization of research outputs.
| Head | Dr. G A S Premakumara Email: gasp@iti.lk |
| Qualifications | PhD Natural Products Chemistry and Chemical Biology (University of Colombo ) BSc Bio-science (University of Colombo) MIBiol, MIChemC, CBiol, FIBiol |
| Areas of Expertise | Bioactive Natural Products & Nutraceuticals and Chemical Biology of Natural Products |
THE EXPERTISE COVERED BY HERBAL TECHNOLOGY SECTION
- Applications and agronomic development of medicinal and aromatic plants
- Quality control and standardization of medicinal plant based products
- Nutraceuticals and Cosmaceuticals
- Essential oil
- Microbial and plant based bio-pesticides
- Plant based insect pheromones
- Tissue culture of medicinal, aquatic and ornamental plants.
