Sri Lanka is set to take a landmark step toward transforming its agricultural sector with the official launch of the AgriConnect Sri Lanka programme on 30 October. The initiative, aimed at modernising farming through cutting-edge digitalisation, signals a new era for one of the country's most vital economic pillars. The announcement follows a high-level discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday, 13 October, bringing together key government and international stakeholders committed to reshaping how Sri Lanka approaches agriculture in the 21st century.
High-Level Discussions at the Presidential Secretariat
The preparatory meeting for the AgriConnect Sri Lanka launch was convened at the Presidential Secretariat, where Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, met with a delegation led by Gevorg Sargsyan, the World Bank Group Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The discussion centred on the formal launch of the programme and the collaborative framework that will drive its implementation across the island.
The involvement of the World Bank Group underscores the international significance of this initiative. With the World Bank's technical expertise and financial backing, AgriConnect Sri Lanka is positioned not merely as a local policy effort but as a globally informed, strategically designed programme intended to deliver measurable outcomes for Sri Lankan farmers and the broader agricultural economy.
What Is AgriConnect Sri Lanka?
AgriConnect Sri Lanka is a comprehensive digital agriculture programme designed to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern technological solutions. At its core, the initiative seeks to empower farmers with access to digital tools, real-time data, market information, and smart agricultural resources that can dramatically improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase income levels across rural communities.
The programme is expected to introduce a range of digital platforms and services tailored specifically to the needs of Sri Lankan farmers. These may include mobile-based advisory systems, weather and climate data integration, digital marketplaces connecting farmers directly to buyers, and streamlined access to government agricultural support schemes. By leveraging technology, AgriConnect aims to reduce the dependency on outdated supply chains and eliminate inefficiencies that have long hindered the sector's growth.
Why Digitalisation Matters for Sri Lanka's Agriculture
Agriculture remains one of the foundational sectors of Sri Lanka's economy, employing a significant portion of the country's workforce and contributing meaningfully to national GDP. However, the sector has faced persistent challenges, including limited access to market information, climate vulnerabilities, post-harvest losses, and inadequate financial services for smallholder farmers.
Digitalisation presents a powerful solution to many of these longstanding problems. When farmers have access to accurate, timely information — whether about weather patterns, pest outbreaks, or commodity prices — they can make better decisions that protect their livelihoods and boost output. Digital financial tools can also help farmers access credit and insurance products that were previously out of reach, providing a safety net during difficult seasons.
Countries across Asia and beyond have demonstrated that digital agriculture programmes can deliver transformative results. Sri Lanka, with its relatively high mobile penetration and growing internet connectivity even in rural areas, is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities. AgriConnect Sri Lanka represents the government's recognition that the future of farming is inseparably linked to the future of technology.
World Bank Group's Role in the Initiative
The participation of the World Bank Group in shaping and supporting AgriConnect Sri Lanka adds considerable weight to the programme's credibility and long-term sustainability. Gevorg Sargsyan, as the World Bank Group Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, brings extensive regional expertise to the table, ensuring that the programme draws on international best practices while remaining sensitive to local agricultural realities.
World Bank-supported agricultural digitalisation programmes in other developing nations have shown that structured, well-funded digital interventions can reduce poverty, improve food security, and stimulate rural economic growth. Sri Lanka's collaboration with the World Bank suggests that AgriConnect will be implemented with rigorous planning, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks to ensure accountability and measurable impact.
Looking Ahead to the October 30 Launch
With the official launch scheduled for 30 October, anticipation is building among agricultural communities, policymakers, and development partners across Sri Lanka. The launch event is expected to outline the programme's roadmap, key milestones, and the specific digital tools and platforms that will be made available to farmers in the initial phase of rollout.
Stakeholders from the farming community, private sector technology providers, and civil society organisations are likely to play important roles in the programme's success. Ensuring that digital literacy training accompanies the rollout of new tools will be critical to achieving genuine grassroots adoption and impact.
AgriConnect Sri Lanka represents more than a government initiative — it is a national commitment to securing the future of Sri Lankan agriculture in an increasingly digital and competitive global landscape. As the October 30 launch approaches, all eyes will be on how this ambitious programme takes shape and begins delivering tangible benefits to the farmers who form the backbone of the nation's food system.