The National Innovation Agency (NIA) successfully concluded a two‑day capacity‑building workshop under its flagship “Research into Rupees” series, bringing together over 150 researchers, scientists, technology transfer professionals, and innovation practitioners from 27 research institutions under the Department of Agriculture.

Held on 22 and 23 July 2026 in Kandy, the programme focused on technology transfer, intellectual property management, and research commercialization, equipping participants with practical tools to transform research outcomes into market‑ready products and services that contribute to national economic growth.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, stressed the importance of protecting and commercializing publicly funded research. 

He announced the establishment of a dedicated Institute Business Linkage (IBL) Unit under the NIA’s initiative, alongside the development of an Institutional IP and Commercialization Policy to strengthen industry engagement.

At the inauguration, Professor W.M.T. Madhujith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between research institutions and industry, noting that discoveries achieve their greatest impact when translated into innovations that benefit society and the economy.

Dr. Muditha Senarath Yapa, Chief Innovation Officer of NIA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a robust national innovation ecosystem. He emphasized that Sri Lanka holds a wealth of valuable research and that programmes such as Research into Rupees provide researchers with the knowledge, networks, and pathways to transform ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The workshop featured expert sessions on patent strategies, technology valuation, licensing, commercialization pathways, and industry collaboration, alongside interactive discussions on practical approaches to converting research outputs into innovations with commercial and societal value.

This initiative forms part of NIA’s broader efforts to strengthen innovation capacity across Sri Lanka’s research and higher education sectors, fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry. By empowering researchers with commercialization skills and institutional support, the programme aims to accelerate the journey from research to marketplace, driving economic growth, agricultural productivity, and a more innovation‑driven nation. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized that food security, rooted in agriculture, is a crucial factor affecting a country’s stability, sovereignty, and national security.

Addressing the National Youth Agripreneur Showcase and B2B Connect Conference organized under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP) today (28), PM Amarasuriya highlighted the challenges facing agriculture in the current turbulent global environment. 

The programme is jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka, and aims to empower rural youth to engage in agribusiness ventures.

“You are playing an important role in both the agricultural sector and the national economy. Food security, founded on agriculture, directly impacts a nation’s national security. Concepts such as ‘Grow and Sell’ contribute significantly to strengthening the production economy,” she said, commending the organizers for successfully conducting the event despite national challenges.

PM Amarasuriya further noted that the COVID‑19 crisis and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have shown how vulnerable economies become when food security is lacking, with even minor decisions by leaders capable of disrupting supply chains.

The Prime Minister also warned that climate change poses serious threats to agriculture, making conditions unpredictable and jeopardizing production.

She stressed that the contributions of young agri‑entrepreneurs go beyond income generation, serving as a direct contribution to national food security and, by extension, national security.

PM Amarasuriya also expressed gratitude for the support extended by IFAD and SAPP, and conveyed best wishes to Sri Lanka’s creative entrepreneurial youth, whose talents and innovations she said are vital for the country’s future. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the continuation of a concessional loan scheme aimed at developing young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka’s agricultural and industrial sectors.

According to the government’s policy statement, the initiative seeks to create 50,000 entrepreneurs within five years by providing financial facilities and guidance. As part of this effort, Rs. 500 million was allocated in the 2025 Budget to launch the loan scheme, with Cabinet approval granted on August 18, 2025.

For 2026, the government has set aside Rs. 750 million to further expand the program. 

Loans will be provided at an annual interest rate of 4% through the People’s Bank, Bank of Ceylon, and the Regional Development Bank.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation will issue the necessary guidelines and oversee the implementation of the loan scheme, a proposal that was presented to the Cabinet by the Minister and received unanimous approval. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka today officially launched the Agriculture Enterprise Architecture Framework, Agriculture Interoperability Framework, Data Sharing Policies, and CROPIX, a national digital platform for crop data and decision-making.

The high-level launch event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding from the Gates Foundation, marked the formal introduction of a unified digital foundation designed to modernize agricultural governance, improve service delivery, and enable evidence-based decision-making across the sector.

Together, these initiatives form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s emerging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, addressing long-standing challenges related to fragmented data systems, institutional silos, and limited data sharing across government entities.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K. D. Lalkantha, emphasized the strategic importance of the launch for the sector’s future.

“Today marks a decisive shift in how Sri Lanka governs and supports its agriculture sector. By introducing a unified Enterprise Architecture, Interoperability Framework, and clear Data Sharing Policies, we are laying the foundation for a truly data-driven agriculture system that serves farmers, institutions, and decision-makers alike. CROPIX will enable us to move from fragmented information to informed, timely decisions that strengthen food security and farmer livelihoods,” the Minister said.

Highlighting the importance of interoperability and alignment with the national digital agenda, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, underscored the role of agriculture in Sri Lanka’s wider digital transformation.

“For years, Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector lacked a complete, reliable registry of farmers, lands, and crops—fragmented across systems with duplication and gaps. The solutions launched today change that, introducing a unified, API-driven platform for trusted data-sharing. This will enable smarter policies, targeted services, and innovations like agritech, precision farming, and digital marketplaces—delivering real digital value to those who feed the nation and driving our digital economy forward,” he said.

Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, highlighted the significance of the initiative within the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

“What we are witnessing today is the extension of Sri Lanka’s Digital Public Infrastructure into one of our most critical sectors. By applying enterprise architecture, interoperability, and trusted data-sharing principles to agriculture, we are ensuring that digital transformation delivers real value on the ground. This approach enables scalable, secure systems that connect farmers to institutions, data to decisions, and policy to impact,” he said.

The Agriculture Enterprise Architecture Framework provides a strategic blueprint to align people, processes, data, and technology across agricultural institutions, ensuring that digital investments are interoperable, scalable, and future-ready. Complementing this, the Agriculture Interoperability Framework and newly introduced Data Sharing Policies enable secure, standardised, and trusted exchange of agricultural data across ministries, departments, and digital platforms.

At the centre of this digital ecosystem is CROPIX – Crop Resources, Optimizing operations, through Precise Information eXchange System. CROPIX operationalises the architecture and interoperability frameworks by integrating national crop registry, cultivation and production data, forecasting tools, extension services, near real-time field reporting, APIs and Open Data. Through its web platform and mobile applications, CROPIX connects farmers, extension officers, planners, and policymakers around a single, trusted source of agricultural data.

FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative and FAO’s continued partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka.

“This launch represents more than the introduction of digital systems; it marks a transformation in how data are governed, shared, and used across the agriculture sector. By establishing a strong digital public infrastructure for agriculture, Sri Lanka is positioning itself to respond more effectively to climate risks, improve service delivery, cater to dynamic market demands and make evidence-based decisions that leave no farmer behind. FAO is proud to support this journey towards a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agriculture sector,” he said.

The launch is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of digital tools within the Department of Agriculture, promote responsible data sharing across government, and foster a culture where near real-time data informs planning, policy formulation, and investment decisions – ultimately ensuring that farmers are the primary beneficiaries through improved services, timely information, and more responsive, evidence-based support.

This milestone marks not just the introduction of new systems, but the beginning of a collaborative national journey towards a resilient, inclusive, and data-driven future for Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. (Newswire)

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The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, has planned to implement an expedited compensation process as instructed by the subject Minister, for crop damages caused by Cyclone Ditwah and floods that affected all 25 districts of the island.

Issuing a statement, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board said that through this process, damages to compulsory insured crops such as paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, chilies, and soya beans will be assessed and compensation payments provided.

As it is currently not possible to obtain a clear understanding of the extent of damage, farmers are requested to record the damage in the reporting books available at Agrarian Service Centres immediately after floodwaters recede. If floodwaters do not recede, farmers should inform the respective Agrarian Service Centre Officer or Agricultural Research and Production Assistant.

Farmers have one month to report damages, and are urged to act promptly to secure compensation. Awareness campaigns are being conducted through Agrarian Service Centres across the island, district offices of the Insurance Board, and audiovisual media.

In addition, damages to other crops should also be recorded in the reporting books maintained at the relevant Agrarian Service Centres.

For guidance and inquiries regarding damage reporting, farmers can contact the Agricultural Insurance Board’s emergency hotline: 1918.

The Department of Agrarian Development and the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board will jointly carry out this compensation process. (Newswire)

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The proposal for the introduction of a concessionary loan scheme to encourage young entrepreneurs in the agriculture and industry sectors has received a Cabinet nod.

An amount of Rs. 500 million has been allocated by the 2025 budget proposal to implement the concessionary loan scheme. 

This project will be implemented for five years, and it has been proposed to provide Rs. 05 million for each beneficiary. Under this concessionary loan scheme, the interest charged from the beneficiary has been 4% annual interest on the outstanding loan amount. 

According to the government, the lack of concessionary financial facilities has been identified as an obstacle to creating entrepreneurs in the agriculture and industry sectors to encourage investments. 

It has been observed that these conditions have been the reasons for reducing the attraction of young entrepreneurs to the agriculture sector, increasing uncultivated lands, and lowering food production. 

As such, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation to implement the concessionary loan scheme with the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, and Regional Development.

The concessionary loan scheme will enable the achievement of the government’s target of creating 50,000 agricultural entrepreneurs within five years. (Newswire)

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A meeting to review projects implemented under the 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and to discuss pre-budget proposals for 2026, was chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today.

During the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, the President held separate discussions with officials on agriculture, livestock, land and irrigation, issuing directives to expedite the resolution of state-owned land issues and to establish a comprehensive sector-wide data system.

When planning the upcoming budget,  President Dissanayake emphasised the need to prioritise sectors vital to reviving the national economy, instructing officials to focus on initiatives that would enable agriculture, livestock, land and irrigation to make a stronger contribution to economic growth. 

He underscored that these areas form a core part of the government’s strategy to eradicate rural poverty and integrate rural communities into the broader economy.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the livestock sector, the President announced that the upcoming budget would place special emphasis on transforming local dairy production and livestock farming into fully-fledged industries.

President Dissanayake also noted that financial allocations alone are insufficient. He stressed the need to ensure that the benefits of projects are effectively delivered to the public and called for the strengthening of mechanisms necessary to achieve this goal. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved conducting an Economic Census in two stages, covering the years 2025 and 2026.

According to the government, the Department of Census and Statistics conducted its last Economic Census in 2013 and 2014. 

As such, the department plans to conduct an economic census in 2025 and 2026 to update the data collected in the previous census, ensuring that agricultural and non-agricultural activities are addressed separately in two stages.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to conduct the economic census in 2025 and 2026.

It has been proposed that the economic census for agricultural activities be conducted in 2025 and for non-agricultural activities in 2026. (Newswire)

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The Korean Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Association has expressed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in advancing the agriculture sector and enhancing related employment opportunities.

Additionally, the association has agreed to provide technical assistance and training resources essential for the development of the fishing industry.

These topics were highlighted during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat today (Nov 13) between a delegation from the Korean SME Association and officials from the President’s Office.

The discussions also focused on training Sri Lankan workers locally for Korea’s fishing industry and creating employment opportunities for them.

The delegation was led by Kim Chung Ryong, President of the Korean SME Association. (Newswire)

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A significant resurgence has been reported in the agricultural export sector during the first half of 2024, surpassing performance in the preceding two years, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi said.

Addressing a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday, he attributed this growth to decisive actions taken to counter the decline in agricultural export earnings observed in 2023 compared to 2022.

Underscoring the remarkable achievement of this progress despite challenging climatic conditions in the agricultural sector in recent times, he elaborated that proactive measures implemented during 2023 facilitated substantial sector growth in the initial six months of 2024.

Providing specific examples of the sector’s recovery, Secretary Dharmakeerthi said for instance, tea exports surged from USD 407.6 million in April 2023 to USD 450.5 million in April 2024. Similarly, coconut exports rose from USD 212 million to USD 263 million over the same period. Rubber exports also showed robust growth, climbing from USD 299 million to USD 335 million by April 2024. Additionally, cinnamon export income increased from USD 53.3 million to USD 56.1 million, while pepper export income rose from USD 13.3 million to USD 14.0 million during the corresponding period.

He said the agricultural sector, known for its volatile nature, faced challenges last season due to decreased tea production, leading to heightened demand for fertilizers. Responding swiftly, a special program was launched to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizers. As part of this initiative, arrangements were made to subsidize fertilizer costs by Rs.2000 per 50 kg bag. Currently, 10,000 metric tons of tea fertilizer has been distributed to growers, with plans underway to allocate the remaining 20,000 metric tons through collaboration with tea factory owners and other stakeholders.

In efforts to bolster tea production, Secretary Dharmakeerthi said a subsidy project supporting replanting and new cultivation across 745 hectares has been ongoing since 2022, with Rs.140 million disbursed to 324 growers thus far. Additionally, a new initiative has commenced in 2024 to plant 800,000 tea saplings, backed by an allocation of Rs.60 million.

Under the financial oversight of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the Small Tea Estate Development Authority is set to implement a direct tea cultivation project, with Rs.750 million earmarked for this purpose.

Currently, coconut shell and coconut-related products have contributed equally to foreign income as coconut milk products. In 2022, coconut-related exports generated a record income of USD 817 million. Despite a decline in coconut production in 2023 due to whitefly disease, effective regulatory and control measures ensured a country income of USD 700 million. As of April 2024, earnings reached USD 263.06 million, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year.

In terms of rubber cultivation, he said new plantings covered 921 hectares in 2022 and 2023, while replanted areas spanned 2,743 hectares. Plans for 2024 include cultivating 1,135 hectares of rubber, with 605 hectares newly planted and 415 hectares replanted. A provision of Rs.149 million has been allocated for supplying necessary plants for this expansion. Starting in 2023, the department discontinued the previous rubber cultivation subsidy system, opting instead to provide free plants as subsidies to growers.

Following are updates from five key agricultural export sectors in Sri Lanka;

• Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Niraj De Mel;

Under the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka commenced the repayment of its USD 250.9 million fuel debt to Iran through tea exports starting on August 05 last year.

As per the agreement, Sri Lanka aims to settle this debt through tea exports. To date, Sri Lanka has repaid USD 55 million of this debt. In the first four months of 2024, Sri Lanka exported 4.1 million kilograms of processed tea to Iran, marking a threefold increase compared to the amount exported during the same period in 2023.

• Coconut Development Authority Chairman Prof. Roshan Perera;

The Regional Development Bank has launched the “Kapruka Jaya Isura” loan scheme aimed at supporting coconut-related producers to enhance product quality, efficiency, and quantity. The scheme offers subsidized interest rates of 6%, with loans ranging up to Rs.3.5 million initially and plans to increase this limit to Rs.10 million. In 2022 and 2023, approximately Rs.53.4 million and Rs.35.7 million, respectively, were disbursed under this scheme.

In 2024, 752 coconut-related producers and 636 exporters have registered for 1,012 products. Additionally, a whitefly control program was initiated in October 2022 to combat the impact of whitefly disease on coconut and king coconut production. This program treated 1,051,323 trees, conducted 3,046 awareness programs, and distributed 700 liquid sprayers to growers, amounting to an expenditure of Rs.85.50 million.

Additionally, efforts have been made to establish a coconut triangle in the Northern Province, alongside traditional areas. This initiative aims to meet coconut consumption and export demands while enhancing living standards in the region. To date, 489,077 coconut trees have been utilized for this project.

Moreover, job opportunities are being created by promoting Kithul and palm products for both domestic consumption and foreign markets.

• Rubber Development Department Director General, C.C.Muahandiramge;

In 2024, the Rubber Development Department plans to establish 115 hectares of new rubber cultivation in Monaragala, Ampara, and Badulla, areas not traditionally used for rubber cultivation. The project is allocated Rs.18 million and aims to increase local rubber production by 86,825 kg.

Additionally, the Rubber Research Institute has launched a project to identify suitable clones for these areas, with an estimated budget of Rs.19.25 million. As of now, Rs.17.74 million has been spent, testing 14 existing clones and planning to test 22 more in the future. Ultimately, about 10 clones are expected to be recommended for interim use.

Starting January 01, 2025, rubber and rubber-related products exported to European Union countries must be verified as non-contributing to deforestation. Products that do not meet this verification will not be approved for export. The Rubber Development Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and provides the necessary facilities to support this. Given that the European market accounts for over one-third of Sri Lanka’s rubber export revenue, adhering to this regulation is crucial.

• Cinnamon Development Department Director General, Janaka Lindara;

The Department of Cinnamon Development was recently established as part of the 2023 budget proposal to advance cinnamon cultivation. Its primary goal is to promote the Pure Sri Lankan Cinnamon brand internationally. The headquarters is located near the Galle Pinnaduwa Expressway entrance and aims to benefit cinnamon exporters, growers, and industry stakeholders.

The first phase of the Cinnamon Gate project has an estimated cost of Rs. 224,909,704.31, with Rs. 21,857,211.80 spent by May 31, 2024. To enhance productivity, the department launched the Pure Sri Lankan Cinnamon project in May 2024, focusing on modern cultivation methods, post-harvest technology, and value-added industries. The project costs Rs.35 million rupees and aims to benefit around 1050 direct and 101,000 indirect beneficiaries in key cinnamon-growing districts.

During President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to China in October 2023, a MoU was signed to export Sri Lankan cinnamon to China, opening a new market and increasing foreign exchange earnings. This new export project, involving selected exporters and farmers, has an estimated cost of Rs.1 million rupees.

• Export Agriculture Department Director (Development), R. K. W. Ranketh Kumbura;

The Department of Export Agriculture has implemented numerous development programs across the Ampara district and the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern, Uva, Wayamba, North Central, and Eastern Provinces. These programs aim to boost production and export capacity, increase foreign exchange earnings, and maintain the quality of export agricultural products.

The initiative covers the cultivation of 15 crops, including cinnamon, pepper, coffee, cocoa, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, ginger, areca nut, betel leaf, saffron, citrus, and lemongrass. Development programs for these crops are ongoing.

Additionally, the department provides technical knowledge for export agricultural crop cultivation through various programs. These include new cultivation programs, small-scale gardening, productivity promotion, areca nut cultivation, crop value chain development, and turmeric and ginger cultivation. Online training programs have also been offered. So far in 2024, nearly 1500 farmer training programs have been conducted. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe, stressing the need to modernize Sri Lanka’s agricultural exports, said that he expects the country’s population to drop by at least one million over the next decades.

“Sri Lanka’s population will decline by 1 million by the year 2048. Relatively, the population around us will increase by at least 1 billion, especially, from Africa to Indonesia. This will be our market and we must prepare for it,” the President said.

President Wickremesinghe made these comments addressing the inauguration of the Athurugiriya National Institute of Plantation Management’s new academic and administrative complex.

The President highlighted the institute’s pivotal role in equipping graduates with contemporary skills essential for the plantation industry’s modernization.

“The eradication of poverty from our villages hinges on agricultural development, which is why plans have been devised to leverage existing crops and land while cultivating 500,000 acres of new land,” the President said highlighting the need to adopt modern agricultural practices and the promotion of agribusiness. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is set to explore the cultivation of one of the world’s most popular pineapple varieties, MD 2 or Super Sweet pineapple (Ananas Comosus).

According to Daily News, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Department of Agriculture to give immediate recommendations for the cultivation of the said pineapple variety in Sri Lanka.

Stating that Sri Lanka is known for its own pineapple variety and has a great demand in the world market, the minister said the MD 2 pineapple variety, which also has a great demand in the world market, has never been cultivated in Sri Lanka. 

Minister Amaraweera further revealed that under the Agriculture Sector Modernization Program, research conducted on the cultivation of this pineapple variety, which has a sweet taste and minimum acidity, in Sri Lanka has been successful.

On the recommendations of the Crop Release Committee, the minister has advised the Department of Agriculture to provide the necessary recommendations regarding the cultivation process of the new type of pineapple in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Agriculture in a (US) $9.2-million activity to continue revitalizing agriculture in Sri Lanka by enhancing paddy productivity, diversifying crops on marginal land, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Issuing a statement, the FAO said USAID is funding the four-year extension of support to Sri Lankan paddy farmers, which will benefit 10,000 farmers across four districts – Hambanthota, Vauniya, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. FAO and the ministry will help farmers diversify use of 1,250 hectares of paddy lands during the Yala cultivation season to grow suitable cash crops. In addition, the activity will help farmers use resources such as water and fertilizer more efficiently across 5,000 acres of paddy. The funds also will help establish streamlined supply chains to ensure the timely availability of supplies and machinery to farmers at affordable prices.

The project builds on the United States’ 2022 donation of 36,000 metric tons of Triple Super Phosphate and 9,800 metric tons of urea in the midst of the country’s economic and food security crisis, which FAO and the ministry distributed to more than 1 million farmers.

“Our paddy farmers underwent significant challenges over the past few years,” said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera in expressing his appreciation for the commitment to revitalize the sector. “USAID and FAO provided essential fertilizer free of charge for more than 1 million paddy farmers in the country at a crucial time. This initiative builds on that support to continue ensuring increased incomes for the most vulnerable paddy farmers in Sri Lanka.”

“USAID is proud to continue our partnership with FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture,” said USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau. “Our mutual goals for crop diversification and agricultural efficiency are a natural extension of our work to increase productivity of Sri Lankan agriculture and improve the livelihoods of smallholder paddy farmers.”

In remarks at the launch of the initiative, FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan called the partnership with USAID and the Ministry of Agriculture a “significant milestone in our commitment to continue to support Sri Lankan agriculture. By combining resources and expertise, we aim to bring about positive and sustainable changes for the farming community.” 

FAO and USAID emphasized their commitment to closely collaborating with the government of Sri Lanka and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative. By fostering resilience and sustainability, the program seeks to contribute to the overall recovery of the agriculture sector, promoting increased yield and profitability for smallholder farmers. (NewsWire)

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The government has decided to suspend the collection of the acre levy imposed on agricultural land, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera announced on Tuesday (Dec 12).

According to The Morning, Minister Amaraweera clarified that the acre levy is a tax charged at the rate of Rs. 100 per acre on agricultural land.

He further said that the levy is collected by the Agrarian Development Department through Development Officers.

The minister went on to note that the collected levy is then credited to the government’s revenue.

“President Ranil Wickremesinghe had suggested the suspension of the acre levy at a recent Cabinet meeting.

“The President had pointed out that the government was incurring a higher expenditure in collecting the levy than the income received from it,” he said.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera added that the Ministry intends to completely suspend the acre levy in the future. (NewsWire)

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Proactive measures are being implemented to modernize the agricultural sector, fostering a more appealing environment for the youth, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera said.

He further highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at attracting the youth community to agriculture, during a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre on Monday (Dec 11).

Minister Amaraweera expressed appreciation for the swift compensation provided within two months after crop damage, a historic achievement facilitated by the President and the Ministry of Finance.

Expanding on the recent budget debate concerning the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantations, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera reflected on the commendable state of affairs within the ministry. 

Addressing concerns about the number of allegations presented compared to other ministries, Minister Amaraweera clarified that the issues raised were primarily historical in nature and that the ministry is making significant strides in various cooperative projects across all sectors.

Assuming duties at the ministry during a challenging period, Minister Amaraweera recounted his proactive approach to instil confidence in farmers. He cited an example where, following his encouragement, farmers cultivated 212,000 hectares of rice, demonstrating a positive response. Subsequently, with continued dedication, the rice cultivation area expanded to an impressive 512,000 hectares, marking a substantial increase and achieving the highest yield in recent times.

Addressing allegations regarding the quality of fertilizers and concerns about their weight, Minister Amaraweera emphasized the unwavering faith that farmers placed in the President and the government. Despite challenges, the farmers actively engaged in cultivation and the ministry took prompt measures to ensure timely provision of various types of fertilizers. Additionally, financial assistance and fuel subsidies were arranged, contributing to the overall success of cultivation efforts and resulting in a high yield.

Minister Amaraweera’s remarks shed light on the ministry’s commitment to overcoming challenges, ensuring the timely support of farmers and achieving notable progress in the agricultural sector. The focus on increasing yields and addressing concerns reflects a proactive and responsive approach to agricultural development under Minister Amaraweera’s leadership.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera shared crucial insights into Sri Lanka’s rice production and outlined measures to address potential challenges in the agricultural sector. Notably, the annual rice requirement stands at 25,40,000 metric tons and this year’s harvest has exceeded expectations, reaching 27,50,000 metric tons. The Minister attributed this success to strategic measures, resulting in an additional yield of over 200,000 metric tons. However, despite the surplus, the need for rice imports persists due to market dynamics. Minister Amaraweera explained that although the paddy yield is high, mill owners’ reluctance to release the entire stock to the market necessitates imports. Similarly, despite a decrease in the harvest of ‘Keeri Samba’, there has not been a reduction in the variety of rice consumed by the general populace. Therefore, if rice is not imported during this festive season, the price of rice will rise rapidly. Consequently, the importation of rice from abroad becomes a necessity, whether willingly or not.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Minister outlined the government’s agricultural priorities, with a focus on four key crops. While paddy cultivation has achieved success, efforts are underway to encourage the cultivation of maize, chillies, and yams. An ongoing program aims to foster domestic cultivation of these crops, with dedicated areas allocated for each type. The government envisions self-sufficiency in growing these crops, reducing reliance on imports.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s status as a bird flu-free country, Minister Amaraweera emphasized the opportunity for expanding chicken exports. Current exports to the Maldives are poised for expansion to other countries, capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s bird flu-free status.

Compensation is now provided for crop damage and we are actively working to expedite the program by resolving any arising issues. Remarkably, this marks the first time in history that compensation has been disbursed within a month or two of crop damage. I extend my commendation to the President and the Ministry of Finance for their prompt actions.

The cultivation of rubber in our country has faced challenges and plans are underway to revitalize it. Steps are being taken to enhance the quality and increase the yield of tea. Additionally, a dedicated department has been established for the development of cinnamon cultivation.

Special attention is also being directed towards coffee cultivation, with comprehensive improvement plans in progress. Recognizing the decline in youth participation in agriculture, largely attributed to factors such as insufficient income, we are implementing necessary measures to attract the younger generation to agriculture. In this regard, efforts are being made to further strengthen agricultural modernization activities. (NewsWire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector for export, acknowledging past challenges and missed opportunities.

The initiative was unveiled at the 25th Presidential Awards of the Export Development Board (EDB), held in Colombo on Thursday (Nov 23). 

The President also underscored the importance of modernizing agricultural practices and enhancing research capabilities, revealing plans to restructure and modernize existing agricultural research institutes, culminating in the establishment of the Agro-Technology University of Sri Lanka. This institution aims to support extension services and further innovation in the sector.

Reflecting on historical setbacks in the agricultural sector due to land reforms in 1972, President Wickremesinghe emphasized their adverse impact on agricultural exports. The President cited missed opportunities to focus on exports during key periods, such as the 60s, early 70s and post-war periods, attributing these lapses to internal conflicts and policy choices. The President expressed regret for not capitalizing on the country’s inherent strengths in agriculture, which other successful nations like Singapore had recognized.

Acknowledging the past neglect of agriculture due to various constraints, he emphasized the need to reposition the sector as a key player in the nation’s export strategy.

The President outlined a multi-pronged approach to agricultural development, targeting both small and large-scale farmers. He stressed the importance of providing financial support for smallholders to embrace agro-technology, aiming to enhance productivity. Additionally, plans were revealed to grant freehold status to individuals holding land development permits, fostering a sense of ownership and incentivizing further development.

In a bid to create opportunities for large-scale agriculture, President Wickremesinghe announced the allocation of previously undeveloped areas, including portions of the Mahaweli scheme and lands owned by government plantation corporations, for agricultural purposes. This strategic move is expected to bring approximately 300,000 acres of land under cultivation within the next few years, requiring significant capital investment.

To ensure the success of these initiatives, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for extension services, collaboration with the private sector and the establishment of an agro-technology university. He outlined plans to review the performance of regional plantation companies and shift towards contract farming in the tea and rubber sectors.

Turning to broader economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the country’s lack of growth and opportunities over the past two years. He attributed these issues to a historical imbalance in trade, emphasizing the critical need to address the budget deficit and balance of trade and highlighting the urgency of increasing exports. The President elaborated on measures to improve the country’s fiscal situation and the availability of funds for small and medium industries affected by the economic crisis.

In a global context, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the challenges posed by international competitors such as China, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia in the export-oriented industries. Despite this, he stressed the urgency of the current export drive, emphasizing the need to secure the country’s future and prevent further brain drain.

The President highlighted the importance of attracting investments, both foreign and domestic, to drive innovation and expand export markets. He announced financial support for small and medium industries, underlining the government’s commitment to preserving and strengthening the supply chain.

President Wickremesinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s historical strength as an exporter of agricultural goods. He urged a return to these roots, emphasizing the potential for value-added exports in tea, rubber and coconut. The President encouraged stakeholders to explore new areas of exports, inviting investments and partnerships to ensure the sustained growth of the country’s export-driven economy.

Concluding his address, President Ranil Wickremesinghe positioned the revival of Sri Lanka’s agricultural exports as a requirement for the nation’s economic turnaround. By combining support for smallholders, large-scale agricultural initiatives and strategic planning for export diversification, the President set forth a comprehensive vision aimed at harnessing Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural legacy for a prosperous future.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the ambitious plans outlined by President Ranil Wickremesinghe signal a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, offering a roadmap for economic revitalization and a renewed focus on export-driven growth.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conferred the Presidential Awards to recognize the exceptional contributions of Sri Lankan exporters to the export sector and overall economic advancement. In addition to the awards ceremony, President Ranil Wickremesinghe presided over the launch of the Sri Lanka Export Brand, the online application https:pea.edb.gov.lk dedicated to Presidential Export Awards.

The event was attended by Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Bandula Gunawardena, Mahinda Amaraweera, Douglas Devananda, Jeevan Thondaman, State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Taraka Balasuriya, Kanaka Herath, Aravinda Kumar, Secretary of the Investment Promotion Ministry, M. M. Naimuddin, Dr. Kingsley Barnard, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, Foreign Ambassadors and other officials. (NewsWire)

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The notification on the plan for the implementation of an employment agreement between Sri Lanka and Israel for the agricultural activities of Israel was taken up for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers.

According to the government, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted in 2020 to enter into an agreement with the Government of Israel for temporarily engaging Sri Lankan labour in precise labour market sectors in the State of Israel and to sign a basic document between the two parties in this regard. 

In terms of the said agreement, the Population, Immigration and Territory Authority of Israel expects to recruit labour for agricultural activities of Israel. 

Accordingly, the notification submitted by the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment informing that the two parties signed the implementation plan on November 06, 2023, was taken up for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers. (NewsWire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined plans for modernizing the Agriculture Ministry. 

Addressing the 117th Anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, he expressed his intention to seek external assistance to design a new Agricultural Ministry by studying how similar ministries function in countries like Thailand and Malaysia. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), he also emphasized the need for a well-defined ministerial structure for progress.

The President also discussed the next stage of modernizing agriculture, including the utilization of previously unused land, particularly in the Mahaweli area and plantations, covering approximately 700,000 to a million acres. 

Additionally, he pointed out the importance of incorporating various Agriculture Research Institutes into a single institution called the University for Agricultural Technology and engaging the private sector. This holistic approach aims to modernize agriculture, with a focus not only on education in agriculture but also on engineering.

Additionally, the President made a significant announcement about the amalgamation of the plantation industries and agriculture sectors, which were separated since 1970. He discussed the historical context of this separation and the need to modernize the agricultural sector.

President Wickremesinghe encouraged collaboration and input from the Institution of Engineers and left the door open for ongoing consultation as these plans develop and progress.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of engineering in Sri Lanka’s future development and emphasized the significant contributions of engineers to the nation, both historically and in the present, mentioning milestones such as the construction of the Kandy road and the Mahaweli program, which was completed in a remarkably short time frame.

President Wickremesinghe underscored the need for a forward-looking approach, especially in the context of debt restructuring and the pursuit of a new, sustainable economy. He identified three key areas where engineers would play a crucial role: competitiveness, digital transformation and the green economy.

Regarding competitiveness, he stressed that engineering skills are essential for Sri Lanka to become highly competitive in various fields. He highlighted the importance of engineers in building the digital economy, predicting a gradual transformation over the next decade. 

Furthermore, the President discussed the potential for green hydrogen exports, which could be a unique opportunity for Sri Lanka, further emphasizing the role of engineers in this endeavour.

The President acknowledged the need for engineering technology in all these areas, noting that without it, progress would be challenging. He encouraged the growth of engineering talent to meet these future demands, suggesting that the country should double its estimates to account for engineers going abroad.

President Wickremesinghe also emphasized the importance of technical education and vocational engineering skills in addressing the shortage of human resources needed for these technological advancements. He indicated that the government would propose innovative solutions in this regard during the budget report.

In conclusion, President Wickremesinghe called on the Institution of Engineers to actively participate in these initiatives to propel Sri Lanka towards a new economy, marked by technological innovation and agricultural modernization. (NewsWire)

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Steps will be taken to establish an Agriculture and Plantation Research University by merging all institutions connected to the plantation industry and agriculture sector, Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Minister stated that the measure is being taken as per President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s concept.

The fundamental draft related to this has already been prepared, the Minister noted, and it is intended to complete the basic work this year.

He expressed these views during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (July 24).

The full statement of Dr. Ramesh Pathirana;

A year ago, plantations and agricultural centers faced a severe crisis due to the shortage of fertilizers. Due to this, the tea industry and other plantations also suffered some collapse. Soon after taking office, President Ranil Wickremesinghe launched a program to provide fertilizers to the farmers.

Therefore, the farmers are getting the fertilizers they need in a systematic way. All the fertilizers required for tea, coconut, rubber and other crops are available in the market at competitive prices. Fertilizer prices, which have increased in the world market due to the war situation, are currently decreasing. As a country, the agricultural and plantation sectors are now showing some effectiveness due to the timely availability of fertilizer to the farmers.

251 million kilos of finished tea was produced in 2022. As a result, it is expected that 280 million kilograms of finished tea would be ready by the end of this year. Last year, the price of tea increased drastically due to the decrease in production. Currently, the rupee is strengthening, which has resulted in a fall in tea prices. Tea exports have been adversely impacted by global conditions, the Russian-Ukrainian war situation, and civil wars in countries like Iran, Libya, and Syria, which are our top buyers.

An agreement was recently signed to supply tea for nearly 500 million dollars worth of crude oil purchases from Iran. Accordingly, arrangements are made to provide tea according to the value of the relevant amount. Arrangements have also been made to re-export Sri Lankan tea to the Iranian market under the concept of ‘Tea for fuel’. Due to this, we will be able to re-export more tea to the Iranian market, which was lost to some extent in the past.

Also, it has been possible to get an income of nearly one billion dollars last year through the export of rubber. Its biggest value was 1.1 billion dollars in 2021. During Covid, rubber-related products received high demand in the world market. Sri Lanka is considered to be the hub among the main tyre-producing countries. It is believed that the export of rubber-related products will be able to reach between 900 million dollars and 1 billion dollars this year as well.

With the world economic deviation, the export of every product has experienced a decrease. Economists predict that normalcy will return after the third quarter. Due to this, it will be possible to reach the export targets of plantation crops again in the future.

In recent times, apart from tea and rubber, coconut-related products have seen the highest growth. Compared to 2020, the market has expanded by approximately 15%-20% in 2021 and 2022. Accordingly, in 2022, it was able to earn an export income of 836 million dollars. It can reach a value close to that this year as well. Within the next five years, there is a high probability of increasing the export income of coconut-related products to 1.5-2.00 billion dollars.

In order to improve the country’s coconut industry, a law will be brought in the near future that states that special permission must be obtained to divide coconut lands of more than one acre. For that, we hope to follow up again on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Additionally, the law requiring the authorization of the Divisional Secretariat and the Grama Niladhari shall be enforced if more than two coconut trees are to be cut down.

In addition, it is believed that nearly 400 million dollars will be earned this year by exporting cinnamon and other spices.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented a new proposal to establish an Agriculture and Plantation Research University in Sri Lanka by integrating all research institutes related to the plantation industry and agriculture. There are seven institutions related to the plantation industry in this country. Agricultural institutions are also to be integrated into this. The basic draft related to this has been prepared by now. This is a very complex project. But the basic work is expected to be completed this year.

However, through the available resources in the country, children are able to get better educational opportunities. Also, efforts are being made to focus on upgrading to university standards.

It is anticipated that the plantation industry’s backwardness will be reduced, allowing it to go forward more vigorously in the future. The government is prepared to offer the assistance required to expand the plantation industry’s value chains. It will step in as a Ministry in situations involving technological know-how and financial resources. (NewsWire)

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