Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Monday morning the Bio Tech Park of Maryland University at Rockville and the Bio-Tech Industry at the Institute for Genomic Research. Thanking the officials of the Institute, the PM said that he gave priority to research and economic development for the future. In this context the assistance given by the Maryland University, was appreciated very much by his government.

The University of Maryland's Biotechnology Institute is an independent research institute of the University system of Maryland. It integrates research, education, training in the life sciences and provides a core of facilities to advance the state's scientific and economic development.

The UMBI's five research centres collaborate with industry and federal laboratories on research, educational and service development training courses, symposia and swimmers throughout the year.

Economic Reforms, Science and Technology Minister Milinda Moragoda, Sri Lanka Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe and Foreign Secretary Bernard Gunatilleke were present with the Prime Minister.

Earlier Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington and complimented the staff for the hard work they had put in during the past few months. He told them that heavy responsibilities have to be shouldered by them in the coming months considering the programme of work the government is undertaking in association with the United States government. Minister of Foreign Affairs Tyronne Fernando emphasised the good work done by the embassy regarding the PM's visit.