The Regional Demo Day of the GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator concluded successfully on the 2nd of March 2025, at the Farm Mechanization Training Centre in Anuradhapura. The event brought together over 3,000 participants, including farmers, government officials, private sector representatives, and members of the public, to witness the demonstrations of ten innovative Agri-Tech solutions developed by Sri Lankan Startups.
The event was graced by Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation – Dr. Susil Ranasinghe as well as Deputy Minister of Digital Economy – Eng. Eranga Weeraratne. Dr. Ranasinghe emphasized the importance of such initiatives in modernizing Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
The GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator is a groundbreaking initiative implemented by Hatch Innovation – the country’s premier innovation and entrepreneurship hub in partnership with Sarvodaya – the leading development NGO with deep-ties to the grassroots agri-communities. It is part of the IDAT (Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation) project supported by The Gates Foundation.
Chief Executive Officer of Hatch – Mevan Peiris commented “Sri Lanka has the talent and potential to develop world-class Agri-Tech solutions. Together with all the relevant stakeholders, we are attempting to revolutionize the agricultural sector. We hope that these solutions can scale nationally and empower smallholder farmers with tools to improve productivity and sustainability.”
The range of AgriTech innovations included Drones – for automating and optimizing paddy and coconut cultivations, Sensors – for agricultural input & greenhouse management, localized seeding machines, small-scale cashew processing machines, Mobile and web-based platforms for Farm management support, extension services, and market access.
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne – President of Sarvodaya speaking at the event said “agriculture is not just an industry; it is a lifeline— that feeds nations, sustains economies, and nurtures generations. And in this fast-evolving world, we must ensure that our farmers are not left behind. By fostering innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, we are not only strengthening our agricultural sector but also securing a sustainable and resilient future for all”
The event featured live demonstrations, interactive knowledge sharing sessions, and onboarding of farmers to integrate these technologies into their daily operations. Farmers attending the event expressed enthusiasm about the potential of these technologies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and mitigate post-harvest losses.
GoviLab worked closely with government agencies to align these solutions with national agricultural policies and extension services which was evidenced by many representatives from the Public Sector involved in Agriculture being present on the day.
The Demo Day not only highlighted innovative technologies but also underscored the importance of partnerships between startups, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and farming communities. As attendees left the event inspired by what they had seen, it became clear that this was more than just an exhibition — it was a glimmer of hope into a brighter future for Sri Lankan agriculture.
