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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on Wednesday (11), and held a bilateral discussion with the IRRI’s Director General, Yvonne Pinto, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development. 

During the meeting, discussions centred on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Premier highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations. Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. 

In this regard, the IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices. The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and the IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. 

Earlier, Education Minister Dr. Amarasuriya held a series of meetings with key Philippine institutions during her ongoing official visit to the Philippines from Monday (9) till Wednesday (11), focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, higher education, technical skills development, and agricultural research. 

The Premier met with the Secretary of Education of the Philippines, Sonny Angara. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education sector, including sharing best practices in education policy, teacher training, curriculum reforms, and digital learning initiatives. 

She also briefed the Philippine side on Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms aimed at modernising the curricula and integrating technology into learning. She also met with a delegation of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, led by Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. Discussions centred on the development of higher education in both countries, with particular attention to research collaboration, academic partnerships between universities, student and faculty exchanges, and strengthening quality assurance frameworks. 

In a separate meeting, she held talks with the Secretary and Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Jose Francisco B. Benitez. The discussions focused on cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, including knowledge sharing, institutional partnerships, and the possible alignment of qualifications frameworks to enhance skills recognition and workforce mobility.

Source - The Morning