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Puvanya
Puvanya
Oct 13 2026
16- Conducts pioneering awareness programmes for farmers in collaboration with two state universities, govt. officials and technology providers
In response to the emerging climate risks, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has launched a proactive initiative through its Development Credit Department, to equip Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector against the potential impacts of the 2026 El Niño climate pattern.
Seeking to move the industry from reactive loss management to early climate preparedness, the bank partnered with leading state universities to execute a two-part educational and technological intervention in September 2026.
The initiative comes at a critical juncture. Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department reported an 80 percent probability of El Niño conditions emerging between June and August 2026, with effects expected to persist through November and beyond. As highlighted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, El Niño acts as a risk multiplier for rural livelihoods, food production and water supply.
To mitigate these threats, the bank’s initiative creates a collaborative network uniting academic institutions, agricultural extension services, technology providers, farming communities and the financial sector. The awareness programme on El-Niño and its impact on agriculture was supported by 12 Commercial Bank branches and engaged with more than 1,100 farmers at 15 diverse locations, including Vattapalai, Muththajankaddu, Palampas, Oddusuddan, Siyambalanduwa, Lindula, Neluwa, Kalawana, Pannala, Madampe, Mannar, Vavuniya and Kumalamunai.
The series commenced in Kilinochchi at the District Secretariat’s Skill Development Hall. Organised in collaboration with the bank’s Kilinochchi branch and the University of Jaffna, the programme brought together approximately 100 participants to focus on climate risk management.
The key sessions led by University of Jaffna Arts Faculty Dean Prof. Nagamuthu Piratheeparajah, alongside Agricultural Biology Department Head Dr. Suvanthini Terensan and Inthira Group Managing Director Maheswaran Rajeethan, educated the local farmers on practical measures to safeguard the agricultural yields against climate variability.
The second phase took place at the Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University. Led by Faculty Dean Prof. M.H.J.P. Gunaratne, Prof. N.S. Abeysingha and senior lecturers E.J. Kosgollegedara and H.G.S.C. Wickramasinsooriya, the session broadened the scope of climate resilience by introducing internet of things (IoT)-based smart weather monitoring.
Designed to reach the next generation of agriculturalists, the 100 targeted attendees included 50 youth farmers from local farmer societies, 30 students and school leavers pursuing agriculture and bio-system technology and 20 agriculture instructors from the Agriculture Department.
These programmes were designed as complementary interventions: the Kilinochchi programme focused strongly on awareness and agricultural risk management, while the Rajarata programme added a practical technology dimension through IoT-based weather monitoring.
Through these workshops, the participants were guided on translating localised climate data into actionable farming decisions, including strategic crop and water management – adjusting planting schedules, selecting drought-tolerant crop varieties and adopting efficient irrigation techniques, soil and moisture conservation – implementing soil protection practices to preserve farm investments and maintain yield capacity during periods of heat and water scarcity and smart technology integration – utilising real-time, IoT-driven weather updates to make data-informed agricultural decisions.
As a key agriculture-supporting financial institution, Commercial Bank said it recognises that climate risks directly threaten farm yields, drive up production costs and impair the ability of the borrowers to meet the financial commitments. By bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and financial resources, the bank enables the farming enterprises to integrate risk management into their broader investment planning, offering tailored lending, leasing and green financial solutions where needed.
This pioneering programme stands out for its multi-regional, cross-sectoral approach. By addressing climate vulnerabilities across different agricultural zones, Commercial Bank demonstrates how traditional farming practices, academic research, modern digital tools and financial backing can be harmonised to build a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem.
The bank said the initiative also strengthens the connection between research institutions, extension services, technology providers and financial institutions, with the ultimate objective of helping the customers move towards more informed, productive, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
