The agricultural export sector in Sri Lanka has seen a notable resurgence in the first half of 2024, surpassing the performance of the previous two years. Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi, attributed this growth to proactive measures taken to address the decline in export earnings observed in 2023.

Speaking at the "Two Years of Progress and Advancement" press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre, Secretary Dharmakeerthi highlighted the sector's remarkable achievements despite recent challenging climatic conditions. He pointed out that initiatives implemented in 2023 have led to substantial growth in the initial six months of 2024.

Key examples of this recovery include a surge in tea exports from USD 407.6 million in April 2023 to USD 450.5 million in April 2024, and coconut exports rising from USD 212 million to USD 263 million over the same period. Rubber exports increased from USD 299 million to USD 335 million, while cinnamon and pepper exports also showed significant growth.

The sector's recovery efforts included a special program to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizers, with subsidies provided to reduce costs. Additionally, initiatives to support tea replanting and new cultivation have been ongoing, with significant financial allocations to boost production.

Coconut-related exports, despite a decline in production in 2023, saw a 24% increase in earnings by April 2024 compared to the previous year. Similarly, rubber cultivation has expanded, with new planting and replanting projects underway, supported by substantial financial provisions.