President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a high-level meeting this afternoon with a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, led by Dr. Chris Elias, President of the Global Development Division. The meeting took place at the Presidential Secretariat.
A wide range of development priorities for Sri Lanka were discussed, with particular emphasis on agricultural modernization, food and nutrition, digital infrastructure, and the integration of rural communities with emerging technologies.
Dr. Elias presented the Gates Foundation’s flagship initiative—Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation—to President Dissanayake. He highlighted the program’s potential to enhance data-driven decision-making within the agriculture sector and to deliver critical services to smallholder farmers.
In response, President Dissanayake underscored the program’s alignment with Sri Lanka’s goals for agricultural innovation, rural upliftment, and sustainable development. He emphasized that the initiative embodies the shared commitment of both parties to elevate the quality of life in rural communities through modern technology.
The President expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s expertise and experience in implementing development programs across low- and middle-income countries, acknowledging the valuable insights they bring to the table.
President Dissanayake further requested the Foundation’s support in integrating Sri Lanka’s rural population into the global technological ecosystem. He also extended his gratitude for the Foundation’s ongoing cooperation with the country.
The Gates Foundation delegation reiterated their support for Sri Lanka’s strategic vision for a digital economy. They noted the critical importance of digitally transforming the agriculture sector as a catalyst for economic recovery and sustainable growth.
Additionally, the delegation assured their full support for a broader socio-economic development agenda that includes animal husbandry and dairy sector improvements.
Dr. Elias expressed his appreciation for the Sri Lankan government’s ongoing efforts to improve citizens’ living standards. He acknowledged the country’s transformative progress and welcomed the opportunity to build a comprehensive and long-term partnership with Sri Lanka.
He added that the collaboration reflects the mutual commitment to driving inclusive development and fostering sustainable solutions across key sectors, including agriculture, food security, nutrition, and digital infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.
Representing the Gates Foundation were Dr. Jamal Khan, Regional Representative for South and Southeast Asia; Archana Vyas, Director of Program Advisory, Communications, Growth, and Opportunities; Thushan Wijesinghe, Director of Enterprise Data Solutions; and Chanditha Samaranayake, Chairman of Connect To Care.
