A meeting was held between the Australian High Commissioner, Paul Stephens and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lalkantha on the 15th at the Ministry.

A special discussion was held between the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lalkantha and the Australian High Commissioner, Mr. Paul Stephens on the 15^th at the Ministry of Agriculture with the aim of strengthening the existing relations between Sri Lanka and Australia and further advancing agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Representing the Australian High Commission, Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Lalita Kapoor, Mr. Paul Stephens and Mr. Sivasuthan Ramanathan participated in the meeting and a group of representatives including Ajith Pushpakumara, H.M. Amarasinghe and Hemajeeva Gotabaya, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, took part in the discussion

The Australian High Commissioner first extended his congratulations on the significant victory achieved by the National People's Power. He also expressed his readiness to work closely and confidently with the new government. He inquired about the Minister’s views on new agricultural and cultivation plans of Sri Lanka and stated that Australia has long supported the development of agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner further mentioned that Australia intends to provide necessary financial and advisory support continuously to uplift the local agricultural industry. Additionally, he emphasized that special attention would be given to improve coffee cultivation in Sri Lanka.

In response, the Minister stated that in order to uplift agriculture sector in Sri Lanka, measures should be taken to minimize the fragmentation of land. He added that the necessary actions in this regard are already being implemented. Furthermore, he emphasized that existing farmlands should be developed into larger cultivated areas by confirming land ownership of farmers and for that purpose, farmers’ companies should be established with the participation of farmers. The Minister also pointed out that beyond agriculture, the same company model could be applied to various other sectors such as dairy farming, poultry meat and egg industry. Through this approach, production costs could be reduced and farmers’ income could be increased.

The Minister also stated that many countries are attempting to utilize agricultural lands in Sri Lanka to meet their own domestic consumption needs and they do not want to assist Sri Lanka, but rather to use its land for their own objectives. He emphasized that the current government's aim is to ensure food security in Sri Lanka while promoting agricultural development. He further expressed hope for the cooperation and support of the Australian government in achieving this goal.

In response, the High Commissioner stated that he hopes to provide the necessary cooperation in the future, prioritizing Sri Lanka's needs.