Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward environmentally sustainable agriculture with the signing of a new grant agreement with the European Union (EU) under the AgriGreen Initiative – Green Economic Growth through Sustainable Agriculture Practices. The €8 million EU-funded programme is designed to promote eco-friendly farming methods, strengthen food security, and support the country’s transition to a greener and more resilient economy.
The initiative is a jointly developed project led by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, working in close collaboration with the Rubber Development Department and the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Implementation will be carried out in partnership with the European Union, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and responsible economic growth.
The official exchange of the grant agreement took place between Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, representing the Government of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Johann H. Hesse, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka, on behalf of the European Union. The agreement formalizes EU financial support for a programme that aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s long-term development and environmental priorities.
At the core of the AgriGreen Initiative is the objective of encouraging sustainable consumption and production practices, particularly within selected value chains of the rubber sector. By introducing greener technologies and climate-smart agricultural methods, the project aims to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact. The initiative also seeks to enhance the resilience and global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s rubber industry, an important contributor to rural livelihoods and export earnings.
A key feature of the programme is its strong focus on social inclusion. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering youth and women by increasing their participation in sustainable agricultural activities and value-added production. Through skills development, access to improved practices, and greater market integration, the initiative is expected to create new economic opportunities while promoting equitable growth.
Addressing the occasion, Treasury Secretary Dr. Suriyapperuma expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support to Sri Lanka, noting that the project complements national efforts to promote environmentally sustainable production systems. He highlighted that the initiative supports market-oriented value addition, deeper integration with export markets, and the broader goal of green economic transformation.
The agreement further reinforces the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the European Union. It marks an important milestone in their shared commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, climate resilience, and enhanced food security, while laying the groundwork for inclusive and environmentally responsible economic growth.
