Sri Lanka's Agricultural Sector Faces Transformation Amidst Labour Shortages and Digitalisation Efforts

Sri Lanka's plantation sector is undergoing a transformation driven by technology and innovation. Machines are increasingly being used to complement skilled workers, and software and data are enhancing decision-making processes. This shift is occurring as the sector grapples with labour shortages.

Simultaneously, efforts are underway to modernise the broader agricultural sector through digitalisation. The 'AgriConnect Sri Lanka' programme is scheduled to be launched on October 30th, following discussions at the Presidential Secretariat between the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and a World Bank Group delegation.

These initiatives are set against a backdrop of discussions around food security, climate resilience, and the need to innovate for Sri Lanka's agrifood future. Experts are considering how to combine local resources, traditional knowledge, and science to build a food-secure nation, especially in the face of extreme weather events that impact crops, infrastructure, and supply chains.

There is also a broader conversation about whether Sri Lankans are consuming enough locally grown food, particularly fruits, and the rising cost of living. This highlights a focus on agricultural productivity and the potential for a fruit consumers movement.