Category: Agriculture
Opinion: The impact of RPCs on Sri Lanka’s economy and environment
Senaka Alawattegama, Chairman, Planters’ Association of Ceylon Despite challenges like COVID-19 and economic crises, Sri Lanka’s plantation industry remains a key economic pillar. Privatization in 1992 increased operational efficiency and reduced the government’s financial burden. RPCs have diversified crops, invested in environmental conservation, and improved worker welfare. The plantation industry has long […]
‘s Plantation sector
By Dr. Dan Seevaratnam Sri Lanka continues to grapple with severe economic challenges that affect all its citizens, including those in the plantation sector. At a time when nearly one in four Sri Lankans has fallen below the poverty line as a result of the Sri Lankan economy’s historic downturn over the past 4 years, […]
GEF-funded project launched to enhance sustainable land management practices in the plantation sector
Sri Lanka, recognised globally as a biodiversity hotspot, hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna. Approximately 60% of the nation’s endemic flora thrive in the lowland wet ecosystems, while 34% are found in the highland montane regions, both of which also support the majority of Sri Lanka’s animal species. Additionally, tea and rubber plantations […]
Sri Lanka Uses Tea Exports to Payoff USD 55mn of USD 251mn Iran Fuel Debt – Tea Board
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. “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,” Sri Lanka […]
Ceylon Chamber hosts ADB consultation mission to strengthen agri-food value chains in Sri Lanka
As part of efforts to address the urgent need for reforms in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, the Ceylon Chamber hosted a consultation mission from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The mission aims to prepare an investment project to bolster Sri Lanka’s agribusiness sector through targeted investments, technical support, and policy reforms. The Ceylon Chamber brought […]
Global Environment Facility grants USD 5mn to Environment Ministry & UNDP to implement project on chemical disposal
Sri Lanka does not manufacture products which contain POPs or Mercury. However, many products containing these substances are imported to the country for various uses every year. Though stringent regulations have been introduced, a lack of capacity in the application of these regulations results in the continued mismanagement of chemical imports to the country. The […]
”s proposed wage hike for plantation sector workers
The plantation industry raised its strongest possible objections to the Government’s arbitrary, reckless, unilateral decision to drastically hike minimum wages for tea and rubber sector workers by an unprecedented 70%. All producer stakeholders issued a unified warning against the devastating impact the latest increase will have on the plantation sector, leading crippling operational challenges, ultimately […]
‘s remarks on wage hike may be misunderstood
The Planters Association of Sri Lanka and its members are concerned that the President’s remarks may be misunderstood and lead workers and the public to assume that a final decision has been taken in this matter when it has not, the Assosiaction said in a statement. The Association’s statement was issued following widespread media coverage […]
U.S. Under Secretary Alexis Taylor Visits Sri Lanka to Strengthen Agricultural Ties and Food Security
On Friday in Colombo, Alexis Taylor, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), together with U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other senior government officials to discuss USDA support for Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. Under Secretary Taylor’s visit underscored the American […]
Japan Provides USD 3 Mn Through FAO to Strengthen Inland Fisheries in Sri Lanka
The Japanese Government has provided a grant of US$3 million through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to strengthen inland fisheries and improve rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries. The US$ 3 million initiative will bolster food and nutritional security and fortify resilience by establishing four community operated […]
‘ Forum partners with USAID to conduct the Agcelerator Bootcamp
In an effort to support young entrepreneurs in agriculture, the Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum (SLAF), a prominent agricultural business association in Sri Lanka, is collaborating with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to organize the Agcelerator Bootcamp. The Agcelerator Bootcamp, hosted by SLAF and supported by USAID Catalyze Sri Lanka Private Sector Development […]
India lifts export ban on onions for Sri Lanka
The government of India has lifted the export ban on onions for Sri Lanka, with export of up to 10,000 MT of onions permitted vide the enclosed notification of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The exemption for Sri Lanka reiterated India’s Neighbourhood First policy, adding to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities here, […]