Sri Lanka-China Talks Target Agriculture Challenges

COLOMBO (News 1st); A high-level discussion aimed at addressing key challenges in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector and related environmental concerns was held at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The meeting was conducted under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing China–Sri Lanka Agricultural Productivity, with a strong focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation to improve agricultural outcomes in Sri Lanka.

During the discussion, extensive deliberations took place on the joint implementation of programmes between China and Sri Lanka, specifically designed to tackle persistent issues faced by the local agriculture sector and to enhance overall productivity.

Special attention was paid to the potential application of Chinese technology and tools to address structural challenges in agriculture, alongside environmental concerns linked to farming activities. 

The discussions also explored measures to minimise crop damage caused by wild animals, an issue that continues to affect farming communities across the country.

Environmental rehabilitation featured prominently on the agenda, with particular focus on the cleaning and restoration of the Beira Lake. The potential assistance that could be extended by China in this area was examined as part of the broader environmental cooperation under the MoU.