Economy

Sri Lanka Secures $100 Million for Eco-Friendly Export Farming with Solar Pumps

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2024

Sri Lanka is set to receive a significant investment of $100 million aimed at modernizing agricultural practices over the next two decades, focusing on sustainable farming and exports, officials have announced.

Under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office, the Climate Change Office of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and Nativa Capital of Portugal, finalized the $100 million deal on Tuesday. The project will be centered in Sri Lanka’s North Central district of Anuradhapura, focusing on farming and forest protection initiatives.

As part of the project, each of the 15,000 farming families involved will receive a concessional loan totaling $6,000 throughout the project duration. This funding will support the cultivation of watermelon, red chilies, and tomatoes in the initial phase, alongside the implementation of solar pumps and other energy projects to promote sustainable agriculture.

Nativa Capital, the investment company involved, will also play a role in facilitating market procurement for these crops, with an eye toward future export opportunities and the establishment of factories within Sri Lanka.

Ruwan Wijewardene, the President’s Senior Advisor on Climate Change, emphasized the comprehensive benefits for farming families, stating, “Each family stands to benefit from an investment totaling approximately $6,000, covering not only modern technical equipment but also addressing longstanding market access challenges faced by farmers.”

Efforts have been made to tackle market access issues, with Nativa committing to purchasing produce from the project. The initiative is not limited to Anuradhapura; it will expand to encompass other crops and areas, including the Polonnaruwa district and the Eastern province in the future.

Wijewardene highlighted the broader objectives of the project, stating, “Upon the successful implementation of this pilot project, the government plans to extend modern agricultural technologies to other districts, foreseeing a transformation in the export economy and an enhancement in the quality of life for farmers.”

The project aims to foster economic prosperity while empowering farming communities with innovative technology and sustainable practices, creating employment opportunities, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

Execution of the project will be overseen by Our Movement Lanka, a community-based organization, in collaboration with Nativa Capital and the Sri Lankan government. A pilot project involving fifteen families cultivating chili has already commenced, with plans underway for further expansion.”

However, officials have yet to provide projections regarding potential foreign exchange inflows despite repeated requests.

Related Topics:Agriculture Economy Farming Featured

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Economy

Galle ranks fifth among top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026

Published

6 days ago

January 20, 2026

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Galle has been placed fifth among the world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026 in the latest rankings released by Tripadvisor.

The ranking forms part of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 and is based solely on the volume and quality of traveller reviews submitted over a 12-month period.

Tripadvisor said the list reflects destinations that consistently received strong feedback from honeymoon travellers worldwide.

Beach and island destinations dominate the upper end of the 2026 rankings. Bali secured the top position, followed by Mauritius and the Maldives, with St. Lucia ranked fourth. Galle placed fifth, ahead of several established long-haul honeymoon favourites.

Tripadvisor noted that Galle’s appeal lies in its blend of heritage and coastal experiences. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle Fort remains a key attraction, with preserved ramparts, historic buildings, and walkable streets.

Economy

Sri Lanka Postal Service achieves record revenue

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s postal service has recorded a remarkable turnaround in 2025, surpassing revenue targets set by the Treasury and signalling a major revival after years of stagnation.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said the Department of Posts generated Rs. 13.1 billion last year, exceeding the revenue target assigned for 2025.

He highlighted that the past year also saw wide-ranging reforms, including large-scale recruitments, confirmations of long-serving staff, infrastructure upgrades, and investments in technology and transport to improve efficiency and service delivery.

According to Sathkumara, 378 Sub-Postmasters received permanent appointments in June 2025—the first confirmations for the category since 2020. In September, the appointments of 1,000 Postal Assistants were regularised, marking the first such confirmations since 2022.

The Postmaster General added that recruitment is underway to hire 600 Postal Service Officers through open competition, with appointments expected in February 2026.

Economy

Sri Lanka ranked most affordable place to live or retire in 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

January 11, 2026

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International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index.

It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.

Sri Lanka ranked top of the list due to affordable local transportation and easy-to-obtain retirement visas. A couple can live extravagantly on $2,200 (£1,637) a month, or on $1,000 (£744) with some budgeting.

In second place is Vietnam, with the average cost of living in Hanoi sitting at under $1,800 (£1,339) per month. Rent is low and healthcare is affordable.

Thailand was ranked third, because a couple can live comfortably for around $2,000 (£1,488) a month in cities such as Chiang Mai or coastal towns such as Hua Hin. These both have affordable housing, and accessible services and transportation.

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