The KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) funded project ‘Modernization of National Plant Quarantine Service in Sri Lanka’ worth 6.88 Million USD, aiming to enhance the export competitiveness of Sri Lankan agricultural products by improving plant quarantine capacity in Sri Lanka.
The main output of this project includes construction of Seaport Plant Quarantine Service, provision of latest laboratory and ICT equipment, capacity building of the agricultural sector, development of latest Plant Quarantine Information Management System, and of the Standard of Procedures and the Sri Lanka Good Agricultural Practice (SL-GAP).
As a part of this project, the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Seaport Plant Quarantine Service building was held on 19th July 2022. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Gamini Samarasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ajantha De Silva, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramarachchi, Head of the NPQS and the Officials from UNOPS. Furthermore, Kim Myungjin, County Director of KOICA, also honorably attended the event.
Kim Myungjin, County Director of KOICA, stated “Agriculture is a main sector for development cooperation between two countries. The Korean government has assisted Sri Lanka by sharing knowledge, providing financial and technical support.” she added, “In light of increasing the export competitiveness KOICA is pleased to support in the establishment of the fully equipped new Seaport Plant Quarantine Service building”
Dr. Gamini Samarasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, highly appreciated the support being provided to strengthen and modernize the Plant Quarantine Service and extended his sincere gratitude to the Republic of Korea.
Mr. Charles Callanan, Director of UNOPS Sri Lanka Multi-Country office noted that, in line with UNOPS’ commitment to sustainable infrastructure, procurement and project management, UNOPS is pleased to be contributing to the strengthening of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka through this KOICA project. UNOPS gratefully acknowledges the KOICA Sri Lanka office for their partnership and confidence in UNOPS and assures all partners of our dedication to a successful outcome”
The construction of the Seaport Plant Quarantine Service building is funded by KOICA, implemented by UNOPS and expected to handover the completed construction to the Sri Lankan Government in 2023.
In Sri Lanka, agricultural exports hold a significant portion of total exports and the agricultural exports will play an important role in economic development of Sri Lanka. In order to expand exports of agricultural products, the plant quarantine system must comply with the importing countries’ quarantine conditions. Hence, it is necessary to establish an advanced plant quarantine system required by the export target country. In this regard, KOICA is closely collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen and modernize the Plant Quarantine Service in Sri Lanka from 2019 to present.
About KOICA
KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) contributes to the advancement of international cooperation through various projects that build friendly and collaborative relationships and mutual exchanges between Korea and developing countries and support the economic and social development in developing countries, under the mission of ‘Leave no one behind with People centered Peace and Prosperity.’ For more information about KOICA, visit www.koica.go.kr
