Sri Lanka, EU sign EUR 8 mn grant to drive green growth in rubber sector

The Government of Sri Lanka 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 project.

The EUR 8 million grant, provided by the EU, will support a project jointly developed by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure as the lead ministry, together with the Rubber Development Department and the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, in partnership with the European Union.

The initiative is aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to green economic growth by promoting sustainable consumption and production practices while strengthening food security. The project also seeks to catalyse a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices within selected value chains of the rubber sector, with special emphasis on youth and women participation.

The Grant Agreement was exchanged by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Johann H. Hesse, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, on behalf of the EU.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development expressed sincere appreciation to the European Union for its continued support, noting that the project aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s sustainable development priorities, including market-oriented value addition and improved integration with export markets.

The agreement underscores the strong and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the European Union and marks an important milestone in their shared commitment to green economic growth, sustainable agriculture, responsible production practices and long-term food security.