The Uva Agriculture Development Forum (UADF) convened its general meeting on September 11, 2024, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University, from 9:30 AM. The forum brought together academic staff from the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture and prominent external stakeholders, emphasizing continued collaboration to advance agricultural development in the Uva Province.

The event commenced with an overview and welcome speech by Prof. Saman K. Herath, President of UADF and Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, who highlighted the forum’s achievements and progress since its inception. This was followed by a presentation on past activities by Dr. Nuwan Weerawansha, Secretary to the UADF, which provided a comprehensive review of the forum’s initiatives over the past few years.

Mr. J M U K Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Production and Inland Fisheries of Uva Province, delivered the guest speech, discussing the ministry’s role in enhancing the region’s agricultural productivity and its plans to support future activities of the UADF.

A strategic discussion, moderated by Dr. Prasad Mahindarathne, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, formed the central part of the meeting. It addressed key challenges, opportunities, and future directions for UADF’s initiatives. During this session, several key stakeholders, including the following, expressed their commitment to contributing fully to the development of agriculture in the Uva Province:

• Mr. J M U K Jayasekara – Secretary, Ministry of Uva Provincial Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Production and Inland Fisheries
• Ms. A D Chandani – Deputy Director (Planning), Ministry of Uva Provincial Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Production and Inland Fisheries
• Mr. A H R Amaradasa – Provincial Education Director, Uva Provincial Department of Education
• Eng. Janaka Wijekoon – Provincial Director of Irrigation, Uva Provincial Department of Irrigation
• Dr. (Mrs.) Ramya Samarakoon – Additional Provincial Director, Department of Animal Production and Health, Provincial Director’s Office, Badulla
• Mr. G A A Gurusinghe – Deputy Director, In-service Training Centre, Uva Provincial Department of Agriculture, Badulla
• Ms. Sewwandi Gunawardene – Assistant Director, Department of Export Agriculture, Badulla
• Mr. Suren Madawa – General Manager, Madulsima Plantations PLC
• Mr. H M Pushpakumara – Chief Coordinator, Future in Our Hands Development Fund, Badulla

These stakeholders, representing various facets of the agricultural sector, strengthened their dedication to addressing sector-specific challenges and improving agricultural outputs.

The meeting concluded with concluding remarks by Prof. Sandun Abeyrathne, Professor, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, and the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Nuwan Weerawansha, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all participants and reaffirming the forum’s ongoing mission to contribute significantly to the agricultural development of Uva Province.

Participants from External Institutions and Industries:

• Mr. J M U K Jayasekara – Secretary, Ministry of Uva Provincial Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Production and Inland Fisheries
• Ms. A D Chandani – Deputy Director (Planning), Ministry of Uva Provincial Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Production and Inland Fisheries
• Mr. A H R Amaradasa – Provincial Education Director, Uva Provincial Department of Education
• Eng. Janaka Wijekoon – Provincial Director of Irrigation, Uva Provincial Department of Irrigation
• Dr. (Mrs.) Ramya Samarakoon – Additional Provincial Director, Department of Animal Production and Health, Provincial Director’s Office, Badulla
• Mr. G A A Gurusinghe – Deputy Director, In-service Training Centre, Uva Provincial Department of Agriculture, Badulla
• Mr. T K A I Hadji – Additional Director of Agriculture (Research), Regional Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Bandarawela
• Mr. A M S C Attanayake – Assistant Director, Uva Provincial Department of Agriculture, Badulla
• Mr. G G R Vimukthi – Assistant Director of Agriculture, Bee Development Unit, Department of Agriculture, Bindunuwewa, Bandarawela
• Ms. Sewwandi Gunawardene – Assistant Director, Department of Export Agriculture, Badulla
• Mr. W T R P Wimalarathne – Regional Manager (Badulla Region), Tea Small Holders’ Development Authority, Bandarawela
• Mr. Suren Madawa – General Manager, Madulsima Plantations PLC, Hingurugamuwa Complex, Badulla
• Mr. Prasad Nawarathna – Superintendent, Wewassa Estate, Balangoda Plantations PLC, 7th Mile Post, Passara Road, Badulla
• Mr. Nadeesha Katugaha – Tea Inspector, Regional Government Office, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Bandarawela
• Mr. K H N Sachindra – Aquaculture Extension Officer, District Aquaculture Extension Office, National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Monaragala
• Mr. A S Jayasinghe – Aquaculture Extension Officer, District Aquaculture Extension Office, National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Badulla
• Mr. R M S Sujeewa – Agriculture Instructor, Horticultural Crops Training and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture, Bibile
• Mr. K Jayantha – Assistant Director, District Office, Industrial Development Board, Badulla
• Mr. W M H Nayanajith – Enterprise Promotion Officer, District Office, Industrial Development Board, Badulla
• Mr. N G R D Kumarawansa – President, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Uva Province
• Mr. H M N Wijethunga – Secretary, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Uva Province
• Mrs. Duleeka Sumangala – Managing Director, Sehani Deshiya Oushada PLC, Buttala
• Mr. N. Ravikumar – Project Manager, Chrysalis Org., Badulla
• Mr. H M Pushpakumara – Chief Coordinator, Future in Our Hands Development Fund, Badulla