The Financing Agreement for the project was officially signed on September 8, 2025, by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury, and David N. Sislen, Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka of the World Bank Group, representing the Government of Sri Lanka and the IDA, respectively.
The IRDCRP is designed to enhance the productivity, market access, and climate resilience of agri-food producers in selected rural and peri-urban areas. The initiative aligns with the government’s renewed focus on revitalizing the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of national development.
Agriculture currently engages over 25 percent of Sri Lanka’s labor force, contributes nearly 7 percent to GDP, and provides around 22 percent of the country’s annual foreign exchange earnings. The government has identified the sector as a top priority for boosting economic opportunities, improving food security, and enhancing long-term sustainability.
The total project cost is USD 120 million, of which USD 100 million will be funded by the World Bank, USD 3 million will come from domestic government sources, and USD 17 million is expected as beneficiary contribution through public-private partnerships.
The project will focus on establishing productive linkages between smallholder producers, buyers, and the public sector, aiming to create inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural value chains.
Implementation responsibilities will fall under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, working in coordination with key institutions including the Department of Agrarian Development, Department of Irrigation, Department of Agriculture, and relevant Provincial Councils.
