President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the government plans to transform Sri Lankan agriculture using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government is committed to support the private sector entrepreneurs interested in this initiative.

The President further mentioned that 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been selected this year for the Agricultural Modernization Program. In the first phase, 25 Divisional Secretariat Divisions will receive the necessary facilities, while the second phase will extend modern agriculture practices to an additional 75 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during an observation tour of the AiGrow Company’s greenhouse in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle this morning (17). The inventor of Vega Car and the Group CEO of Vega innovations Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe accompanied the President on this visit. The AiGrow greenhouse is the first in Sri Lanka to utilize artificial intelligence technology.

With over seven years of experience in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, the AiGrow Company applies AI in both greenhouse and open cultivation, utilizing automated methods to enhance efficiency and productivity

The company designs and constructs customized greenhouses to meet specific customer requirements, offering continuous service and maintenance support for these facilities.

The company’s inaugural greenhouse, located in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, comprises three sections where tomatoes, bell peppers and lettuce are cultivated. Additionally, AiGrow operates a separate greenhouse for mushroom cultivation.

AiGrow exports a significant portion of its harvest and supplies its branded products to local supermarkets.

Furthermore, the green agricultural automation devices produced by this company are being promoted to both local and international markets.

Additionally, AiGrow collaborates with local universities to provide educational opportunities in the field of applying AI to modern agricultural practices.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conducted a visit to the AiGrow Company’s Nelumdeniya, Kegalle Greenhouse this morning, where he observed first-hand agricultural operations and production activities carried out using the modern technology.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe also observed the electric three- wheelers and motorcycles developed by Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe.

Subsequently, the President participated in a discussion held at the premises, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing modern agriculture to the country. He emphasized the government’s willingness to provide necessary financial support and training for this endeavour.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to propose a bank loan system to facilitate this initiative.

Coinciding with the 15th Victory Day anniversary 3146 sailors have been advanced to their next higher rates by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, with the approval of Hon. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Sri Lanka’s security forces, including the armed forces, police, and Civil Security Department, played a critical role in defeating a nearly 30-year-long terrorism. Their selfless commitment, including those who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, were instrumental in a successful humanitarian operation that established sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

In a ceremonious display of honour, the Navy celebrated the 15th anniversary of Victory Day with the advanced of 3146 senior and junior sailors across naval rates belonging to regular and volunteer forces with the recommendation of Commander of the Navy.

(dailynews.lk)

Two businessmen trying to smuggle in more than 1,000 mobile phones and 200 pen drives without declaring them to the Customs have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport today,  Customs officials said.

The two businessmen from Colombo had arrived from Dubai and tried to walk through the ‘Green Channel’ of the customs claiming they had nothing to declare.

However, they were checked on suspicion and they were found to be carrying 1,083 mobile phones and the pen drives.

The two persons have been detained for further questioning.