SAPP Exit Strategy Workshops

SAPP Exsit Strategy Workshop 2026

Ensuring sustainability, protecting public investment, and empowering communities for a lasting impact.

7

Provinces Engaged

7

Regional Workshops

100+

Government
Officials

9

Years of
SAPP Impact

Tahe SAPP Exit Strategy

The SAPP should complete all the development activities by 30 June 2026, and thereafter, the closing of the financial activities should take place from 1 July – 31 December 2026. To protect the relatively large amount of public investment and interest, and sustainability of the SAPP programs and projects, their continuation, further development, spilling over the SAPP good practices and knowhow to the society around and monitoring and evaluation activities of the same should be formally handed over to relevant public institutions before the programme exit.

To protect the relatively large amount of public investment and interest, and sustainability of the SAPP programs and projects, their continuation, further development, spilling over the SAPP good practices and knowhow to the society around and monitoring and evaluation activities of the same should be formally handed over to relevant public institutions before the programme exit.

The Provincial Government level of the country is identified as the best administrative level to direct the SAPP initiated projects and programs toward ensuaring a greater sustainability as all of the SAPP programs are based on agricultural and livestock farming  productions and producers, highly depend on the public administrative, technical and physical services, they need, governed by the provincial ministries of agriculture, and the SAPP has already signed MOUs with the Provincial Chief Secretaries to get the support of the provincial bodies while implementing the SAPP projects in their designated areas.

Collaborative Handover for Lasting Impact

On this backdrop, the SAPP proposed to conduct discussions with the Chief Provincial Secretaries of the SAPP implemented areas to explore as to how the handing over process of the SAPP projects is done in a seamless, trustworthy and sustainable manner.

Accordingly , the SAPP conducted separate discussions with the top-level public officials of the Central, Southern, North-central, North-western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Eastern provinces separately, and the relevant district secretariat offices, representing the central government, were also participated in.

Kurunegala Workshop

UVA Workshop

Galle Workshop

Kandy Workshop

Anuradapura Workshop

National Youth Agripreneur Showcase & B2B Connect

Together, we are building a stronger future for

rural entrepreneurship and

agricultural innovation.

🌾 Empowering the Next Generation of Agripreneurs! 🌱 

The Youth Forum and Exhibition, named the ‘National Agripreneur Showcase and B2B Connect’ was highly successfully conducted by the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SAPP) in Waters Edge and the Diyatha Uyana, Battaramulla, from 28 to 29 April 2026 with the objectives of enhancing market access, promoting business visibility, facilitating commercial partnerships, and strengthening entrepreneurial capacity among rural and youth-led enterprises which are helped by the SAPP program during the last 9 years since June 2017.

YOUTH FORUM

28th April 2026

400 Youth Participants

The Youth forum was held on 28th April 2026 with the participation of 400 youth; delegates of foreign donor agencies and government officials form agricultural and budgetary line agencies around the country.

The Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the chief guest for the youth forum that had several technical and entrepreneurial sessions to build social and youth confidence towards the agripreneurship, acknowledge the youth participation to agribusiness and increase the spillover of the SAPP proven practices to a higher scale that enhances the food security of the country.

EXHIBITION

28th – 29th April 2026

Waters Edge & Diyatha Uyana, Battaramulla

The Exhibition of agri products and services of the SAPP youth in the agribusiness was really a memorable gathering that showcased the achievements of youth Agripreneurs, strengthened the partnerships, and created new opportunities for sustainable agribusiness growth in Sri Lanka.

KEY OBJECTIVES

Enhancing market access

Promoting business visibility

Facilitating commercial partnerships

Strengthenung entreprenurial capacity among rural and youth-led enterprises

இளைஞர் விவசாய தொழில்முயற்சியாளர் மேம்பாட்டுத் திட்டம்
# Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships

இளைஞர் விவசாய தொழில்முயற்சியாளர் மேம்பாட்டுத் திட்டம்

இளைஞர் விவசாய தொழில்முயற்சியாளர் மேம்பாட்டுத் திட்டம்

பயனாளிகளின் விபரத்தாள்
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Empowering Young Farmers: Dinesh Roshan Peiris’ Success Story
# Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships

Empowering Young Farmers: Dinesh Roshan Peiris' Success Story

In the heart of Wellawaya, in the village of Handapanagala, a young agripreneur named Dinesh Roshan Peiris is making waves in sustainable farming. Through the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program (SAPP) Youth Entrepreneurs Development Program, Dinesh obtained a loan of LKR 2 million, which became the foundation of his agricultural success.

With a vision for efficient and profitable farming, he strategically divided his cultivation into two acres. One acre is dedicated to pest-resistant net-covered farming, ensuring high-yield, quality crops with minimal pesticide use. The second acre is open-field cultivation, allowing him to diversify his crops and optimize his harvests. His efforts have yielded impressive results, generating a monthly income exceeding LKR 100,000.

Beyond cultivation, Dinesh has taken proactive steps to safeguard his investment. Utilizing the matching grant provided through the program, he constructed an electric fence covering two acres. This innovative approach has significantly reduced crop losses caused by wild animals, enhancing both productivity and profitability.

Beyond cultivation, Dinesh has taken proactive steps to safeguard his investment. Utilizing the matching grant provided through the program, he constructed an electric fence covering two acres. This innovative approach has significantly reduced crop losses caused by wild animals, enhancing both productivity and profitability.

Beyond cultivation, Dinesh has taken proactive steps to safeguard his investment. Utilizing the matching grant provided through the program, he constructed an electric fence covering two acres. This innovative approach has significantly reduced crop losses caused by wild animals, enhancing both productivity and profitability.

Awareness Creation Programme on Social Mobilization
# Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships

Awareness Creation Programme on Social Mobilization

Awareness Creation Programme on Social Mobilization

To work out the vision of the newly appointed Program Director, Mr. P. B. Dayarathne, the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SAPP) successfully conducted a two-day workshop on Social mobilization for Value Chain Mobilizers of the programme. This workshop, held at Rathnasiri Wickramanayake National Training Center – Hanthana, Kandy on the 5th and 6th of September 2024,  was a key initiative aimed at fostering deeper engagement and understanding of social mobilization practices among the participants, who play a pivotal role in the value chain development projects implemented by SAPP.
The workshop’s primary focus was to enhance the participants’ knowledge of various social mobilization techniques and explore their practical application within the framework of value chain development. By doing so, the workshop sought to empower the mobilizers with the necessary tools and strategies to foster stronger community involvement and sustainable growth in the agricultural value chains they work with.
The attendees participated in dynamic and interactive sessions, including group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises throughout the two days. These activities were designed to promote collaboration and enable the participants to apply social mobilization concepts to real-life scenarios, ensuring a hands-on learning experience. The workshop also provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and best practices, fostering a sense of community and shared purposes among the mobilizers.
Sustainable Water Management in Agriculture: SAPP’s Commitment to a Brighter Future.
# Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships

Sustainable Water Management in Agriculture: SAPP's Commitment to a Brighter Future.

Water is life; water is food – two undeniable truths that underscore the fundamental importance of water in agriculture. The Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program (SAPP) recognizes the vital role water plays in agriculture and is dedicated to harnessing this resource efficiently for the benefit of everyone involved. In the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, SAPP has initiated various off-farm projects in selected districts where water is the lifeblood of agricultural activities. These initiatives not only optimize water usage but also promote responsible water management, safeguarding this precious resource for future generations.

Off-Farm Water Management Initiatives:  

SAPP – the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program, is committed to supporting off-farm development projects that contribute to sustainable agriculture and the well-being of rural communities. To achieve this goal, SAPP offers financial assistance of up to 10 million Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for selected off-farm development initiatives.

This significant financial support serves as a crucial resource for local farmers and community members who are looking to undertake projects aimed at improving water management, infrastructure development, and various other endeavors that enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods

SAPP’s funding for off-farm development projects not only facilitates the efficient use of water resources but also contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of agriculture in the selected districts. It underscores SAPP’s commitment to fostering innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity within the agricultural sector while leaving no one behind.

SAPP has undertaken substantial off-farm water development activities to support farmers in rural areas. These efforts include the renovation and construction of canals, water lines, tanks, and anicuts. These infrastructure improvements not only facilitate proper irrigation but also protect against water wastage and contamination, benefiting local communities.   – For instance, the Dimbulagala seed paddy cultivation project witnessed the development of two water canals, improving water access.

   – Gonagala turmeric project beneficiaries received sub-distribution water lines, enhancing water availability for their crops.

   – The SAPP-Meliban plenty food project led to the development of the Huruluwewa FC6 canal and the introduction of cannels like Thambuththegama D1-FC8,9, and SD2 sub-distribution water canals.

Through SAPP’s support, young entrepreneurs like Mrs. Sanjeewani are able to access the resources and knowledge they need to succeed in agriculture. As a result, they are not only empowering themselves but also encouraging their communities to adopt sustainable farming practices and embrace innovative technologies.

Today, Hiruni is a successful farmer and entrepreneur. Thanks to the support of SAPP and the Green Veg Exports Greenhouse Cultivation Youth Project, Hiruni was able to turn her passion for agriculture into a successful business. Her story is a testament to the power of education, training, and entrepreneurship in transforming the lives of rural smallholders.

Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems : 

One of SAPP’s flagship initiatives is the introduction of modern irrigation methods like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems. These technologies enable farmers to water their crops more efficiently, minimizing wastage and maximizing the benefits of every drop. By using these systems, water is delivered directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and ensuring that plants receive the precise amount of moisture they need for optimal growth.

Poly Mulch for Soil Moisture Retention and conservation of water

SAPP encourages the use of poly mulch, a technique that involves covering the soil with plastic sheets. This simple yet effective method reduces water waste, soil moisture evaporation, enhances temperature regulation, and ultimately conserves water. It is especially beneficial for crops that require consistent soil moisture levels for healthy growth.

Rainwater Harvesting: Recognizing the significance of rainwater, SAPP has introduced rainwater harvesting systems, particularly for greenhouse projects. Farmers are now using water ponds to capture and store rainwater, ensuring a readily available and sustainable source of irrigation for their crops.

 

Wastewater Management : SAPP understands the importance of responsible wastewater management to prevent land pollution and protect water quality. Through cross-cutting training programs, farmers are educated on best practices for controlling drains and terraces. This proactive approach not only safeguards water resources but also contributes to a cleaner environment.

Promotion of Water-Efficient Crops:

‘’Our community has a long history of paddy cultivation, but it became increasingly apparent that this practice demanded an extensive amount of water, a resource that was not readily available in our region. However, everything changed for the better when we embraced the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program’s (SAPP) groundnut project. This transformational shift opened our eyes to the fact that groundnut cultivation required significantly less water than paddy farming.

SAPP recognizes that traditional paddy cultivation can be water-intensive. To address this, SAPP introduced groundnut cultivation for dry areas, a crop that requires significantly less water. This diversification allows farmers to reduce their reliance on water during the Yala season, thereby mitigating water scarcity issues.

In conclusion, the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program (SAPP) is committed to ensuring that water resources are used efficiently and responsibly in agriculture. By implementing innovative technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting off-farm water infrastructure development, SAPP is not only securing the future of agriculture but also benefiting rural communities and the environment. SAPP’s holistic approach to water management demonstrates that water is indeed life, and through responsible stewardship, it can continue to nourish both the land and the people who depend on it. Leave no one behind – a motto that reflects SAPP’s dedication to a brighter and more sustainable agricultural future for all.

From Rural Roots to Technological Triumph: Empowering Young Greenhouse Farmers in Sri Lanka
# Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships

From Rural Roots to Technological Triumph: Empowering Young Greenhouse Farmers in Sri Lanka

Agriculture has always been an essential part of Sri Lanka’s economy, especially in rural areas. However, for young people in these areas, becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture can be a challenge due to a lack of access to financial resources and technological knowledge. This is where SAPP (Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme) comes in to support and encourage youth to become entrepreneurs. Through SAPP, over 2,500 young entrepreneurs have been registered in youth projects, and the programme has provided startup financing for business plans, averaging USD 1000 in the form of start-up funds and credit facility up to Rs. 2 Million. For those with higher-value projects, SAPP considers funding requirements through 4P partners to ensure the success and sustainability of the project. One inspiring example of a young entrepreneur who has benefited from SAPP’s support is Mrs. Pradeepa Sanjeewani. With the help of SAPP, she challenged traditional gender stereotypes by empowering herself through strengthening financial capacity and decision-making skills. Today, she runs her own greenhouse farm and encourages other young people to adopt innovative farming methods. Mrs. Sanjeewani shared her experience, saying, “Earlier, I didn’t know about greenhouse farming methods & technology, and I used to stay at home and depend on my parents. In our patriarchal society, women are not seen as breadwinners for the family. Even if we start a business, we don’t know how to run it due to a lack of technological knowledge. But after SAPP’s intervention, I gained technological know-how and more knowledge to build my own financial capacity through greenhouse crops.” SAPP has identified major challenges for women in rural areas and has taken steps to empower them. In order to create sustainable agriculture and business, SAPP has identified labor-saving technology for women and girls in rural areas. As a result, most of the young female entrepreneurs in the Welimada area are practicing innovative technology for their crops.
Mrs. Sanjeewani also shared how technology has helped her save time and energy, saying, “I was able to save my time and energy because of the innovative technology and know-how. My friends are also impressed by my knowledge and dedication for greenhouse farming. As a young entrepreneur, I would like to encourage other girls to start their own farm because it’s easy to manage if we are aware of the farming and technology. Regardless of our gender, anybody can achieve sustainable income through innovative methods of farming. It gives more income than traditional farming methods. As an entrepreneur, I would like to encourage other youth entrepreneurs to start their own farm with new technology and know-how.” Through SAPP’s support, young entrepreneurs like Mrs. Sanjeewani are able to access the resources and knowledge they need to succeed in agriculture. As a result, they are not only empowering themselves but also encouraging their communities to adopt sustainable farming practices and embrace innovative technologies. Today, Hiruni is a successful farmer and entrepreneur. Thanks to the support of SAPP and the Green Veg Exports Greenhouse Cultivation Youth Project, Hiruni was able to turn her passion for agriculture into a successful business. Her story is a testament to the power of education, training, and entrepreneurship in transforming the lives of rural smallholders.
SAPP GreenVeg Collaboration colored my life in Green
# Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships

SAPP GreenVeg Collaboration colored my life in Green

Hiruni, a 20-year-old girl from Abagasdowa,a small village in Sri Lanka, had always been interested in agriculture, but her parents wanted her to study commerce in school. After completing her Advanced Levels in commerce, Hiruni decided to pursue her passion for agriculture and started looking for opportunities in the field. That’s when she heard about the Small holder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP) and the Green Veg Exports Greenhouse Cultivation Youth Project. Hiruni was intrigued and decided to apply for the program. “As a girl and youth entrepreneur, I will be able to increase my income as well as my household income with the support of the SAPP program. Additionally, I aim to inspire young people in my village to persue a career in agriculture and start their own business.” – Hiruni Madhubhashini After going through a farmer-friendly selection process, Hiruni was selected to be a part of the program. She was provided with training in greenhouse cultivation, maintenance, and marketing. Hiruni was also given access to modern farming equipment, seeds, and fertilizers. With the support of SAPP and the Green Veg Exports Greenhouse Cultivation Youth Project, Hiruni started her own greenhouse cultivation business. She started growing bell peppers as the first crop.
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Hiruni’s hard work and dedication paid off as her crops started to achieve vegetative growth. She will be able to sell her vegetables at a premium price to local markets and also to the Green Veg Exports company, which exported the vegetables to international markets.

Today, Hiruni is a successful farmer and entrepreneur. Thanks to the support of SAPP and the Green Veg Exports Greenhouse Cultivation Youth Project, Hiruni was able to turn her passion for agriculture into a successful business. Her story is a testament to the power of education, training, and entrepreneurship in transforming the lives of rural smallholders.

Contact Us

Address

Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships
Programme (SAPP),
No. 341/21,
Sarana Road, Rajagiriya,
Sri Lanka

Tel

+94 112 431 426

Fax

+94 112 431 345

Email

[email protected]

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SAPP Regional Offices

UVA Province

Mr. Chitrasena Vidanagamage
Regional Project Coordinator
Tel: 071 811 6152
Email: [email protected]
Address: SAPP Regional Office, Agrarian Service Center district office, Keppitipola Road, Badulla

Southern & Western Province

Mr. Sajith Samarasinghe
Regional Project Coordinator
Tel: 077 375 0881
Email: [email protected]
Address: Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme, No. 212/A, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya

North Western Province

Mr. R. M. Gunarathna
Regional Project Coordinator
Tel: 077 329 5013
Email: [email protected]
Address: SAPP Regional Office, Provincial Department of Agriculture, Dambulla Road, Kurunegala

North Central Province

Mr. Thissa Pallekumbura
Regional Project Coordinator
Tel: 077 376 0028
Email: [email protected]
Address: SAPP Regional Office,Provincial Department of Agriculture,2nd Floor, Kada 12, Anuradhapura

Central & Sabaragamuwa Province

Mr. R. M. Gunarathna
Regional Project Coordinator
Tel: 077 329 5013
Email: [email protected]
Address: SAPP Regional Office, Department of Animal Production & Health, No.13, Peradeniya