Sri Lankan President Advocates for Economic Revitalization through Agriculture and Livestock

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a strategic shift in the upcoming budget to prioritize the transformation of local dairy production and livestock farming into fully-fledged industries. This move is aimed at revitalizing critical sectors to aid in the revival of the national economy, with a focus on enabling agriculture, livestock, land, and irrigation to significantly contribute to economic growth, as stated by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

In a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, President Dissanayake reviewed projects under the 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and discussed pre-budget proposals for 2026. He stressed the urgency of resolving state-owned land issues and establishing a comprehensive data system for these sectors. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to eradicate rural poverty and integrate rural communities into the economy.

The President highlighted that financial allocations alone will not suffice; mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure projects' benefits reach the public effectively, emphasizing the need for development initiatives that genuinely improve livelihoods.