Sri Lanka, EU sign € 8 m grant to drive green growth in rubber sector

Thursday, 8 January 2026 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma (right) with EU Delegation to Sri Lanka Head of Cooperation Dr. Johann H. Hesse

Project promotes sustainable agriculture practices under AgriGreen initiative
Move focuses on environmentally responsible rubber sector value chains
Special emphasis placed on youth and women participation
Agreement seen as strengthening of SL-EU partnership on sustainability and food security

The Government has signed a grant agreement with the European Union (EU) to launch a new initiative under the “AgriGreen Initiative – Green Economic Growth through Sustainable Agriculture Practices,” aimed at promoting environmentally responsible agriculture and strengthening food security.

The € 8 million grant provided by the EU will fund a jointly developed project led by the Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry, in collaboration with the Rubber Development Department and the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, and implemented in partnership with the EU.

The grant agreement was exchanged between Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and EU Delegation to Sri Lanka Head of Cooperation Dr. Johann H. Hesse representing the EU.

The initiative seeks to support Sri Lanka’s transition towards green economic growth by encouraging sustainable consumption and production practices, while improving resilience and competitiveness in selected value chains within the rubber sector. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering youth and women and promoting inclusive participation in sustainable agricultural development.

Addressing the occasion, Dr. Suriyapperuma expressed sincere appreciation to the EU for its continued support, noting that the project aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s sustainable development priorities.

He said the initiative complements national efforts to promote market-oriented value addition, improve integration with export markets, and strengthen environmentally sustainable production systems.

The agreement underscores the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU and marks a significant milestone in their shared commitment to green economic growth, sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, and enhanced food security.