News Today: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake agriculture, livestock & land irrigation budget focus on rural economic revival.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat to review the ongoing projects funded under the 2025 Budget allocations for the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Ministry. The discussion also covered pre-Budget proposals for 2026, with the aim of ensuring greater sectoral impact on national development.

During the session, the President held separate talks with ministry officials from agriculture, livestock, land, and irrigation divisions. He issued clear directives to accelerate the resolution of State-owned land disputes, streamline administrative processes, and create a comprehensive sector-wide data management system. Such a system, he emphasised, would provide accurate, real-time information for better decision-making and planning.

In preparation for the upcoming 2026 Budget, President Dissanayake stressed that agriculture, livestock, land, and irrigation are critical pillars in revitalising Sri Lanka’s economy. He urged officials to prioritise initiatives that can significantly contribute to GDP growth, rural development, and long-term sustainability.

Highlighting the government’s vision, he reiterated that these sectors are essential to achieving the dual goals of eradicating rural poverty and fully integrating rural communities into the national economy. By improving productivity, infrastructure, and market access, the President believes these industries can generate employment, boost exports, and enhance food security.

This strategic focus aligns with the government’s broader agenda to strengthen self-sufficiency, attract investment in agri-based industries, and modernise rural economic frameworks. The President’s message was clear—every rupee allocated to these ministries must yield measurable progress and tangible benefits for the people.