Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha held discussions with the U.S. Ambassador regarding the damage caused to crops by wild animals during agricultural activities and the possible means of obtaining the necessary suppo

A special meeting between the U.S. Ambassador to the United States, Ms. Julie Chung and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lalkantha was held today (18) at the Ministry of Agriculture.

During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on how to secure the necessary U.S. support for revitalizing the agricultural sector and uplifting the economy of local farmers.

During the discussion, the Minister emphasized the importance of securing support to identify foreign markets for local products, obtaining necessary support to take forward the local farming company concept and obtaining necessary technical and advisory assistance to mitigate damage caused by wild animals. Furthermore, attention was drawn to revitalizing the local agricultural sector and seeking the support of Sri Lankan expatriates in the United States for the development of local farming companies. 

Participating in the occasion, the U.S. Ambassador expressed her agreement to provide necessary support for modernizing coconut milk and coconut-based product innovations in Sri Lanka. Additionally, she conveyed her willingness to offer technical and advisory assistance to effectively manage the challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to climate change.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. D.P. Wikramasinghe, Additional Secretary (Agricultural Technology), Ms. Shiromani Edirimanne and a group of other officials.