President reviews agriculture and livestock projects, sets priorities for 2026 Budget

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 03:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Disanayake

Orders fast-tracking of State land issue resolution and creation of sector-wide data system
Stresses priority on sectors driving economic growth, rural poverty reduction and rural integration
Announces 2026 Budget focus on transforming dairy and livestock into full industries
Warns funding alone won’t ensure success; calls for stronger delivery mechanisms

President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday chaired a review meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to assess projects carried out under the 2025 Budget for the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Ministry and to discuss pre-Budget proposals for 2026.

Separate discussions were held with officials from each sector, during which the President directed them to fast-track the resolution of State-owned land issues and to develop a comprehensive sector-wide data system.

President reviews...

Outlining his vision for the upcoming Budget, President Disanayake stressed the importance of prioritising sectors critical to revitalising the national economy.

He called for initiatives that would enable agriculture, livestock, land, and irrigation to make a stronger contribution to economic growth, while playing a central role in eradicating rural poverty and integrating rural communities into the wider economy.

Placing special emphasis on the livestock sector, the President announced that the 2026 Budget would focus on transforming local dairy production and livestock farming into fully-fledged industries.

However, he cautioned that increased Budget allocations alone would not guarantee success, urging officials to strengthen mechanisms to ensure that the benefits of projects are effectively delivered to the public.

The meeting was attended by Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalakantha, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne, Land and Irrigation Deputy Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and senior Ministry officials.