TechnoMate Ltd, in partnership with EMCO CAL (USA) and Cal Pacific Agri Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (India), recently hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Berry Industry Development Forum 2026 at Araliya Green City, Nuwara Eliya. The forum brought together government officials, researchers, growers, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for developing Sri Lanka’s emerging berry sector.
The event was graced by Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, serving as Chief Guest. Key speakers included Dr. Bharat Bhojane, Vice President – Asia Pacific Region of EMCO CAL and Managing Director of Cal Pacific Agri Solutions, and Dr. P.D. Abeytilakarathna, Deputy Director (Research) at the Agricultural Research Station, Seetha Eliya.
Dr. Wickramaarachchi highlighted the sector’s potential to enhance farmer incomes and create opportunities in Sri Lanka’s highland regions. He also announced upcoming funding and grant programmes for berry cultivation, along with a revised plant protection framework within six months, aimed at strengthening intellectual property protection for plant varieties and encouraging international suppliers to introduce advanced cultivars.
During a technical masterclass, Dr. Bhojane shared global insights on strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, noting Sri Lanka’s opportunity to tap into regional markets—particularly the Indian off-season market between April and September. He added, “Sri Lanka’s highland climate offers favourable conditions to develop a competitive berry industry, especially if farmers adopt improved varieties and modern cultivation practices.”
Dr. P.D. Abeytilakarathna discussed the current research landscape and challenges in local strawberry cultivation, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between research institutions and commercial growers.
TechnoMate Ltd Managing Director, Kosala Liyanagedara, underlined the market potential: “Local strawberries retail at over USD 18 per kilogram, indicating both strong demand and limited supply. By bringing global expertise, local research, and industry stakeholders together, this forum aims to initiate dialogue toward building a more competitive and scalable berry industry in Sri Lanka.”
The forum marked a significant step toward positioning Sri Lanka’s berry sector as a high-value, export-ready industry while supporting sustainable growth for local farmers.
Capacity-Building Programme Launched for Sri Lankan Start-ups
A 25-member delegation from the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) visited India from February 2 to March 13, 2026, to participate in a specialised Training and Capacity-Building Programme. The delegation comprised founders, owners, and co-owners of Sri Lankan start-ups.
The programme was part of a commitment announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, under which India pledged 700 customised training slots annually for Sri Lankan professionals. The 45-day programme was conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Parvartak (IITM Parvartak) in Chennai and offered a comprehensive curriculum. Sessions covered entrepreneurial frameworks, financial tools, strategic approaches to scaling start-ups, and hands-on learning of Artificial Intelligence applications tailored to Sri Lanka’s key industry sectors.
Participants also received training in creating investor-ready pitch decks, company valuations, and leadership skills, including manifestation techniques, subconscious rewiring, and CEO-level decision-making. The programme included exposure to India’s innovation ecosystem through research park visits and sector-specific interactions, enabling participants to gain practical insights and global perspectives.
This initiative strengthened professional competencies, promoted knowledge exchange, and deepened institutional, government-to-government, and business-to-business linkages between India and Sri Lanka. Fully funded, the programme reflects the growing tech and innovation partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to capacity-building and people-centric economic cooperation.
TechnoMate, EMCO CAL, and Cal Pacific Host Sri Lanka’s First Berry Industry Development Forum
