INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In a significant and forward-looking speech at the 25th Presidential Awards of the Export Development Board (EDB), held today at the
Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize Sri
of modernizing agricultural practices and enhancing research capabilities
He revealed 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
Singapore had recognized.Acknowledging the past neglect of agriculture due to various constraints, he emphasized the need to reposition the
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
He attributed these issues to a historical imbalance in the trade and emphasized the critical need to address the budget deficit and balance
of trade and highlighted the urgency of increasing exports
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
brain drain.The President highlighted the importance of attracting investments, both foreign and domestic, to drive innovation and expand
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
By combining support for smallholders, large-scale agricultural initiatives and strategic planning for export diversification, the President
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
Kingsley Barnard, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, Foreign Ambassadors and other officials.
