Our mission
To leverage AI research and innovation to drive sustainable development and societal progress in Sri Lanka, developing cutting-edge AI solutions that address real-world challenges.
About MARC
Multidisciplinary AI Research Centre
MARC of the University of Peradeniya is a research platform dedicated to bridging the gap between Sri Lanka's today's reality and tomorrow's potential — unlocking the potential of AI to address the country's economic and societal challenges.
Who we are
MARC is the Multidisciplinary AI Research Centre of the University of Peradeniya — a research platform dedicated to bridging the gap between Sri Lanka's today's reality and tomorrow's potential through pioneering innovative solutions with cutting-edge technology.
Its core mission is to address the economic and societal challenges of Sri Lanka by developing AI-powered solutions, positioning the country at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) and beyond.
Mission and vision
Our vision
A future where AI-powered technologies play a central role in shaping a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society — leading AI research and education on a global scale.
6
Research areas
20
Research projects
81
Listed publications
8
Current members
Leadership
Director
Prof. Janaka Ekanayake
Director — Multidisciplinary AI Research Centre
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Leads MARC across its six research areas, supported by five Deputy Directors covering planning, development and incubation, research, publicity and outreach, and commercialization.
LinkedIn profile (opens in a new tab)Deputy Directors
- Prof. Roshan Ragel Planning
- Prof. Vijitha Herath Development and Incubation
- Prof. Roshan Godaliyadda Research
- Dr. Asitha Bandaranayake Publicity and Outreach
- Prof. Ruwan Jayasinghe Commercialization
Research ecosystem
From research to societal impact
- Step 1
Research
Fundamental and applied AI research across six disciplinary areas.
- Step 2
AI Innovation
Cutting-edge AI solutions built for real-world national challenges.
- Step 3
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Humanities and Management working as one.
- Step 4
Real-World Applications
Development, incubation and commercialization of research outcomes.
- Step 5
Societal Impact
Sustainable development and societal progress for Sri Lanka and beyond.
-
IR4.0 and beyond
MARC was established to position Sri Lanka at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to prepare for the impending IR5.0.
-
Capacity building
Collaborative research, capacity building and outreach — developing the innovative minds and skilled workforce needed for a future powered by AI.
-
National development
The University of Peradeniya leverages its diverse academic strengths through MARC for national development and societal impact.
Advisors
International advisors and their institutions.
- Prof. Ir. Dr. Tiong Sieh Kiong Institution of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia
- Prof. Muthucumaru Maheswaran School of Computer Science, McGill University, Canada
- Dr. Romesh Ranawana
Collaborate
Let's build the future of AI together
MARC welcomes researchers, academics, students, industry partners and international collaborators.
-
Students
Undergraduate & postgraduate research
-
Academics
Joint and multidisciplinary research
-
Industry
Applied AI & commercialization
-
International
Institutional partnerships