President Calls for Unified National Plan to Revamp Agriculture Sector

He expressed these views during a progress review meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources on October 16 at the Presidential Secretariat.

The meeting featured in-depth discussions about ongoing projects under the Ministry.

While reviewing the completed rural development initiatives, the President acknowledged their successes but raised concerns regarding their effectiveness in alleviating rural poverty.

Dissanayake asserted that the primary aim of rural development efforts should be to eliminate poverty in these areas.

He also pointed out the necessity for a comprehensive new approach to tackle poverty across the nation.

Moreover, he emphasized that poverty encompasses more than just financial difficulties, it also includes the marginalization of specific societal groups, representing a significant social crisis. He highlighted the need for a targeted initiative to effectively eradicate rural poverty.

The discussion included participation from Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources M. P. N. M. Wickramasinghe, as well as senior officials, project directors, and other ministry representatives.