- the Rubber Research Institute was set up in 1909 to cater to the research and development aspects of the Rubber Industry and was the first ever such Institute in the world and its valuable contribution to the advancement of global rubber industry is recognized world over. With the view to enhancing the capabilities of the Institute it is proposed to set up a modern laboratory complex. The proposed laboratory complex is expected to provide facilities to all the stakeholders in the rubber sector including smallholder community, large scale rubber product manufacturers, rubber based trading companies, university students and academia. The proposal made by Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries, to proceed with the related activities, was approved by the Cabinet.