Business

‘Farmers for a phased out transition from chemical to organic fertilizer; supplemented with advice’

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/31

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

The farming community of Sri Lankan doesn’t want a haphazard rush towards full-scale organic fertilizer use. Instead, they prefer a properly phased out process supplemented with adequate advice, a new survey has revealed, Executive Director of Verité Research (Pvt.) Ltd. Dr. Nishan De Mel said.

“This was one of the key findings of the first survey of its kind carried out among farmers on the chemical fertilizer ban. It was carried out by Verité Research. The survey was conducted among farmers who cultivate paddy, fruits, vegetables, coconut, tea, minor export crops (spices) and cereal, De Mel said during an online media briefing last Wednesday, where Verité Research released results of an island wide farmer survey on the chemical fertilizer ban.

De Mel added: ‘President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa announced a ban on the import of chemical fertilizers to Sri Lanka. Verité Research conducted a “Farmers’ Pulse” telephone survey to elicit the views of farmers on this policy and its expected impact. This is the first time that the perception of Sri Lankan farmers on this policy is being presented, based on statistically representative island wide survey results.

‘Verité Research implemented this telephone survey in July 2021 among 1,042 farmers through Vanguard Survey, a specialized survey agency in Sri Lanka. The survey sample consisted of farmers who cultivated crops for commercial purposes and was distributed evenly among all nine provinces. Additionally, only farmers who cultivate more than half an acre and have engaged in farming for more than three years were selected for the survey.

‘The Verité Research survey said almost two-thirds of the farmers were supportive of the government’s vision to move Sri Lanka towards organic agriculture, but almost 80 percent of those who were supportive felt that it would require more than one year to do so.

‘Over 90 percent of farmers surveyed said they currently use chemical fertilizer and almost all of them or 85 percent expected huge reductions in their harvest (average expected reduction of 47 percent ) if they were not able to use chemical fertilizer.

‘The highest dependency on chemical fertilizer is among paddy farmers (94 percent), followed by tea and rubber (89 percent).

“There is a low level of confidence on the knowledge required for the transition. Only 20 percent of the farmers said they had adequate knowledge on suitable organic fertilizers and the proper application of it to their crops.

“The survey also revealed 44 per cent of the farmers experienced a decline this harvest and 85 per cent foresee a decline in the future.

“As per the survey, the three major requests that farmers make of the government are: (1) advice and instructions on organic fertilizer; (2) more time, so that it can be a gradual transition and (3) standardized supply of organic alternatives.

“This is the first time that the perception of Sri Lankan farmers on this policy is being presented based on statistically representative island wide survey results.”

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.