Govt. steps up efforts to boost agricultural sector

• Officials from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation assures support on agriculture data digitalisation

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised yesterday the urgency of continuing the Government’s efforts to modernise the agriculture sector, enhance financial stability, initiatives to tackle climate change, and foster better nutrition.

During a meeting which took place at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation yesterday, he outlined on areas the Government requires assistance on digitalising data in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

The officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed their willingness to support these initiatives as long as they align with the rules and regulations governing financial assistance and the use of modern technology. They also provided pertinent data to back up their stance as well. 

In addition, the proposed setting up a university dedicated to combating climate change was also discussed at the meeting. 

Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, Advisor to the President on National Food Security Dr. Suren Batagoda, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Additional Secretaries of the President’s Office Vernon Perera, Chandani Wijewardena, Dr. Sulaksha Jayawardena and other officials, members of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Sarvodaya Foundation attended the meeting.