ComBank champions agri modernisation with farmer programs in Batticaloa and Welimada

The farmer awareness programs on agri-modernisation in progress

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has further strengthened its commitment to agricultural transformation in Sri Lanka by conducting two impactful programs in Batticaloa and Welimada, aimed at equipping farmers — particularly youth — with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to embrace modern, sustainable cultivation practices. 

Both events were carried out under the Bank’s Agri Modernisation Project, underscoring the Bank’s role as a leading enabler of innovation and progress in the country’s vital farming sector.

A recent induction and awareness session conducted at the District Agriculture Training Centre in Batticaloa brought together more than 75 participants and covered three crucial areas — financial literacy, the use of modern agricultural machinery, and the application of advanced technologies in paddy cultivation. Representatives from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka led discussions on responsible financial management and access to formal credit, while Brown and Company introduced attendees to cutting-edge machinery designed to improve productivity and reduce labour dependency. 

Inthira Group Founder M. Rajethan – an expert in smart agriculture, along with academics from the Faculty of Agriculture of the Eastern University, offered practical insights into modern techniques such as drone-assisted farming, mechanised transplanting and data-driven input optimisation. The program was conducted with the support of the Department of Agriculture, the Central Bank, and local agricultural officers.

Speaking at the event, the Commercial Bank Eastern Regional Manager R. Kajaruban stated that the Bank’s vision extends beyond traditional banking. By working closely with young farmers and introducing them to both financial and technical tools, the Bank is helping cultivate a new generation of confident and skilled agri-entrepreneurs, he said.

Another program conducted at the Divurumwela Temple in Welimada, targeting 50 farmers from the Welimada and Bandarawela areas, focused on semi-protected agriculture practices for highland crops. The initiative aimed to equip farmers with advanced cultivation techniques that shield crops from climatic stress while boosting yield and sustainability. Farmers received in-depth training and tailored advice from agronomists, technical service providers, and agricultural scientists such as E.M.K. Ekanayake. The program covered practical methods for pest management, irrigation, and climate-resilient farming, while also familiarising participants with tools such as soil sensors and drip irrigation systems.

Commercial Bank’s Uva Sabaragamuwa Regional Manager Rukmal Chamenda Perera Kalugamage said this marked the first time a bank in the region had actively facilitated the transfer of technical agricultural knowledge, going beyond financial services. He emphasised that such initiatives were not only timely but necessary, given the increasing challenges faced by farmers in adapting to modern cultivation methods.

Commercial Bank’s approach stands out for its holistic integration of technical expertise, financial access, and hands-on farmer engagement. The Bank is currently the only private financial institution in Sri Lanka leading this kind of inclusive initiative, working in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, university faculties, and technology providers. This model of public-private-academic partnership is paving the way for a future-ready farming community that is both financially empowered and technologically capable, the Bank said.