A review of the projects implemented under the 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, along with a pre-budget discussion for the year 2026, was held this 22nd of August at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The progress of projects implemented by the 29 institutions coming under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, based on the 2025 budget allocations, as well as the challenges encountered and future plans, were thoroughly examined during the discussion.

A special attention was drawn to the development of coconut cultivation, and the President directed the officials to identify the lands with commercial plantations and to take necessary measures to promote them.

The President, who directed the officials to focus on improving the productivity of existing plantations rather than undertaking new coconut planting, also pointed out the importance of raising public awareness about the existing laws and regulations to optimize the utilization of underutilized coconut estates under private ownership.

The President also informed the officials to develop a plan for the effective utilization of underutilized land owned by the Public Trustee’s Department.

Discussions were also held on the progress of estate housing projects, estate infrastructure, establishment of smart classrooms in estate schools, and community empowerment programs within the estate sector. The President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed the officials to conduct a comprehensive study on the smart classroom project and submit a detailed report.

Attention was also drawn to research activities in the tea and rubber sectors, while discussions focused on improving the quality and global competitiveness of Ceylon cinnamon products. The President pointed out the potential to promote cinnamon cultivation in the Western Province, and thereby, improve the productivity and optimize land use.

The President underscored the need for a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape, in which many industries are operating below capacity as a result of an artificially constructed market in the country, and called for the formulation of a strategic plan to advance the development of domestic industries.

Attention was also directed toward identifying overlapping functions among the institutions under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, merging the identified institutions, and liquidating the institutions to be liquidated.

The discussion also focused on boosting export revenue in the plantation sector and achieving the set targets.

Attendees

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure: Mr. Samantha Vidyarathna

Secretary to the President: Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake

Secretary to the Ministry of Finance: Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma

Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure: Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi

Senior Additional Secretary to the President: Mr. Russell Aponso

Officials from the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and its affiliated institutions

Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance