News
Country expected to produce highest ever paddy output this year
Minister Aluthgamage addressing the Committee
The total paddy output for 2021 would be five million metric tons and it would be the highest volume of paddy produced in recorded Sri Lankan history, Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage told the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture recently.
The Maha paddy cultivation of 742,000 acres was expected to bring in a total harvest of over 3.2 million metric tons and the Yala a harvest of 1.8 million metric tons.
“We will change the way we purchase paddy from farmers. We will establish a system where the farmer is paid on the spot. We want to minimise the involvement of middlemen with this,” the Minister said.
Minister Aluthgamage said that farmers produced enough paddy to feed all Sri Lankans but middlemen caused artificial shortages, the Minister said.
“What will happen if the middlemen start doing the same with other crops. We will also provide funds to modernize all agrarian service centres countrywide. We have asked officials to inform of outstanding issues at these centres. Already we have distributed Rs. 4.2 million to centres in the Gampaha district.”
The government is also gearing up to introduce an agricultural insurance scheme. Six crops will be insured free of charge and those who farm other crops can join the scheme by paying Rs. 600 a month, the Minister said.
Minister Aluthgamage added that those who joined the Ministry of Agriculture should receive comprehensive training and that aspect had been ignored in recent years. Proper training of officials was needed to take new technologies to farmers, he said.
The state-owned Colombo Commercial Fertilizers Ltd now produced organic fertilizer and the government would start a comprehensive scheme to encourage farmers to use organic fertilizer, Minister Aluthgamage said.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
PM pays condolence to pope Francis at the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo
President conducts an inspection tour of Kandy city
Sri Lankan delegation meets with US Trade Representative
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