President reiterates commitment to modern agricultural practices, financial aid, training

President Ranil Wickremesinghe tours the first AI-driven greenhouse in Sri Lanka AiGrow built by innovator and entrepreneur Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe in Kegalle, Nelumdeniya

• Highlights 100 Divisional Secretariat divisions for this year’s program, with 25 divisions receiving facilities in first phase, 75 in second phase
• Visits AiGrow’s greenhouse in Nelumdeniya — the first in Sri Lanka to use AI technology, observed its operations
• Asserts AI’s role in agriculture, need to boost food production efficiency for sustainable green economy
• Instructs officials to propose bank loan system to support agricultural modernisation initiative

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday reiterated the Government’s commitment to introducing modern agricultural practices and providing the necessary financial support and training to boost the agriculture industry.

During an observation tour of the AiGrow Company’s greenhouse in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, Wickremesinghe highlighted the selection of 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions for this year’s Agricultural Modernisation Program. 

As part of the initiative, in the first phase, 25 divisions will receive the necessary facilities, with the remaining 75 divisions to follow in the second phase.

Accompanied by Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe, the inventor of the Vega Car and Group CEO of Vega Innovations, the President observed the operations at AiGrow, which is the first greenhouse in Sri Lanka to utilise AI technology. 

AiGrow, with over seven years of experience in the agricultural sector, leverages AI in both greenhouse and open cultivation to enhance efficiency and productivity. The company designs and constructs customised greenhouses and provides continuous service and maintenance support. The AiGrow greenhouse in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, is divided into three sections cultivating tomatoes, bell peppers and lettuce, along with a separate greenhouse for mushroom cultivation.

A significant portion of AiGrow’s harvest is exported, with the rest supplied to local supermarkets under their brand. The company also promotes its green agricultural automation devices to both local and international markets and collaborates with local universities to provide educational opportunities in AI-driven agriculture.

President witnessed the application of modern technology in agricultural operations and production activities. 

“The integration of modern technology, particularly AI, into agriculture signifies the progression towards a sustainable green economy. The Government is actively engaged in implementing a comprehensive agricultural modernisation program countrywide, leveraging AI technology in collaboration with private entrepreneurs.”

President also viewed electric three-wheelers and motorcycles developed by Dr. Subhasinghe.

Reiterating the Government’s willingness to provide necessary financial support and training for the agriculture modernisation program, the President instructed officials to propose a bank loan system to facilitate this initiative.

President added that with the global need for increased food production, modern agricultural techniques are crucial. “Currently, one acre of land worldwide produces food for 155 people. By 2050, this figure needs to increase to 255 people per acre. To achieve this, countries must leverage modern technology to enhance food production. I firmly believe that by implementing the program initiated, we can pave the way for the development of a sustainable green economy in our country,” he said.

The event was attended by State Ministers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Kanaka Herath, Member of Parliament Udayakantha Gunathilake, District Secretary Kegalle Ranjan Jayasinghe, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the Vega Innovations Group CEO Dr. Harsha Subasinghe and several other dignitaries.