President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has instructed all relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the agricultural modernization program. In a significant meeting held at the President’s Office, Ekanayake stressed the importance of achieving tangible results and avoiding any disruptions that were encountered in previous agricultural initiatives. He called for comprehensive guidelines to ensure effective execution.
Ekanayake addressed provincial and district heads, as well as the leaders of 26 selected Divisional Secretariat Divisions involved in the program. He emphasized the need for a proactive approach to swiftly address any challenges that may arise during the implementation of the program. He assured that any issues would be promptly communicated to the relevant line agencies for resolution.
In addition, Ekanayake revealed strategic decisions at the national level, including plans to establish an agricultural innovation secretariat office. This office, along with a committee led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and involving the Prime Minister and ministry secretaries, will serve as a central hub for agricultural modernization knowledge and services. Local agriculture committees will play a crucial role in this setup.
The President’s directive on legal drafts for private sector involvement in the program was also emphasized, demonstrating a commitment to broad-based collaboration. The initiative will leverage the capabilities of eight main ministries and will be implemented in 26 regional secretariats with support from eight departments.
During the discussion, Senior Professor Gamini Senanayake provided valuable insights into the current agricultural challenges faced by Sri Lanka, enriching the discourse. Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs, highlighted that the necessary funding has been secured through the Presidential Secretariat to enhance agricultural productivity in 2024 and beyond, extending beyond research and development.
Dr. Suren Batagoda, Senior Advisor to the President on Food Safety, along with Provincial C.
