Prime Minister inspects International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines

2026-03-11 - 15:37

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who is on an official visit to the Philippines at the invitation of the Asian Development Bank, today (11) inspected the headquarters of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) located in Los Baños, Philippines. During the visit, the Prime Minister met the Institute’s Director General, Yvonne Pinto, and held extensive discussions on further strengthening the existing cooperation between the two parties to support paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka and promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Special attention was drawn to the challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. In particular, the Prime Minister highlighted the obstacles affecting rice production, the impacts of climate change, and the need to guide the farming community towards modern technological practices. Discussions were also held on the possibility of obtaining modern technologies and research support required to increase Sri Lanka’s paddy harvest and ensure food security. Accordingly, agreement was reached to share with Sri Lanka the global research experience of IRRI, particularly in introducing new rice varieties resilient to climate change and promoting sustainable farming practices. Both parties also focused on further expanding programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of Sri Lanka’s agricultural institutions, establishing research partnerships, and enhancing knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Prime Minister further emphasised that such international cooperation would greatly contribute to improving the livelihoods of Sri Lanka’s farming community through scientifically driven agricultural innovations, while also ensuring national food security.