A discussion on securing support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for Sri Lanka during the 2028–2030 period was held on 03 November at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The discussion focused on priority areas for agricultural and rural development, including increasing the incomes of small-scale farmers, improving agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods and developing rural infrastructure.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake emphasised the importance of aligning the proposed programme with the ongoing ‘Praja Shakthi’ programme, which aims to improve the living standards of rural communities.
The importance of identifying the Government’s priorities for obtaining IFAD assistance during the 2028–2030 period in line with Sri Lanka’s development needs was also highlighted.
Accordingly, discussions were held on strengthening coordination between relevant government institutions and IFAD, identifying development projects that could be implemented in the coming years and taking the necessary steps to expedite their implementation.
President’s Senior Assistant Secretary Dr. Dhanushka Perera, IFAD Country Representative Sherina Tabassum, and representatives of the organisation, Bodhi Wanniarachchi and Janaka Amarasinghe, also attended the meeting.
