22nd February 2024, Badulla, Sri Lanka 

UN-Habitat, in collaboration with KOICA, has successfully completed the renovation of a fertilizer store in Hali Ela DS Division in Badulla District, Uva Province. The renovated Hali Ela Fertilizer Store was handed over to the relevant authorities during a ceremony held on the 22^nd of February 2024. The Government Agent/District Secretary of Badulla – Mr.  Prabhath Abeywardena graced the occasion. The Divisional Secretary of Hali-Ela, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Agrarian Development of Uva Province, UN-Habitat staff, well-wishers and leaders from Farmer Societies representing beneficiary farmers of the initiative participated in the ceremony.

The renovation of fertilizer store was undertaken by Samagipura Parakum Govi Sanvidanaya, a local farmer’s organization, with the technical guidance of UN-Habitat technical team. It is noteworthy that the renovation was successfully completed within five months, owing to the in-kind contribution from the farmer community. The renovation of the store included replacement of the damaged gutters, an additional storeroom, refurbished toilets with a newly constructed bath area and soakage pit, a handwashing station, a retaining wall at the rear of building, and the construction of drainage around the building.

During the ceremony, the fertilizer store was officially handed over to the Divisional Agrarian Officer, who is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the maintenance of the centre, aiming to enhance its functionality for the benefit of farmers and communities at large. The renovated fertilizer store will serve a total of 1,800 farmers to store the required amount of fertilizer to cultivate Yala and Maha seasons.

The Government Agent, the Divisional Secretary, the Deputy Commissioner of Department of Agrarian Development, and the Monitoring and Reporting Manager of UN-Habitat emphasized the importance of renovating the fertilizer stores and ensuring their sustainability at the ceremony. This initiative addresses the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka, particularly its heavy reliance on imported agricultural produce. By empowering farmers to increase their yields, this initiative not only aligns with the government’s expectations for increased agricultural output but also supports mitigating the prevailing economic crisis, thereby contributing to improved food security and reduced poverty.

This initiative is part of the project “Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka”, funded by KOICA with USD 5.5 million. Alongside other activities, this endeavor underscores the commitment to improving agricultural infrastructure, thereby empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development.