Cultivating the Future: How Commercial Bank is Transforming Sri Lanka’s Farming Landscape

Mr. S. Ganeshan, Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking at  Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC

As Sri Lanka looks to strengthen food security, uplift rural livelihoods, and build a more resilient economy, agriculture is once again taking centre stage. Yet, long-standing structural challenges—from low productivity to fragmented practices—continue to limit the sector’s full potential. Recognising that sustainable progress requires more than just financial support, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has taken a more integrated and forward-looking approach to agricultural development.

In this interview, Mr. S. Ganeshan, Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, discusses the Bank’s Agri Modernization Village initiative and its broader vision for transforming the agricultural landscape. He explains how the Bank is going beyond traditional lending to drive innovation at the farm level, foster collaboration across stakeholders, and create a more productive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Q Commercial Bank is traditionally seen as a financial institution. Why step into agricultural transformation at this level?

At Commercial Bank, we see agriculture as deeply interconnected with financial inclusion, rural development, and national economic stability. A significant portion of Sri Lanka’s population depends on agriculture, yet productivity levels have remained relatively low due to structural inefficiencies.

As a Bank, simply providing credit is not enough. If farmers are not productive or profitable, financial support alone will not create sustainable outcomes. That is why we chose to intervene at a more foundational level—by improving how farming itself is done.

By enabling farmers to adopt modern techniques, we are strengthening their income streams, improving their resilience, and ultimately building a more viable agricultural economy. This, in turn, creates a stronger and more sustainable customer base for the Bank as well. 

Q What makes the Agri Modernization Village initiative different from conventional agricultural support programs?

What sets this initiative apart is its ecosystem-driven and hands-on approach. Many programs focus either on training or financing in isolation. In contrast, our model integrates technology, knowledge, partnerships, and continuous field-level engagement.

We don’t just introduce a new method and step away. We demonstrate it in real farming environments, monitor progress, and provide ongoing technical guidance through agricultural experts. Farmers are able to see tangible results within their own communities, which builds confidence and accelerates adoption.

Additionally, we work closely with universities, the Department of Agriculture, and other stakeholders to ensure that farmers receive scientifically validated solutions rather than fragmented advice. 

Q Can you elaborate on the types of innovations being introduced and their practical impact?

The initiative introduces a range of modern agricultural practices that directly address key inefficiencies in traditional farming. These include mechanized paddy transplanting, laser land leveling for efficient water use, and drone technology for precision application of inputs such as pesticides and weedicides.

We also focus on improved seed varieties, soil health management, and post-harvest handling. These interventions are not just about increasing yield—they are about optimizing the entire cultivation cycle.

The impact has been significant. In certain areas, we have seen yields increase from around 10 bags per acre to nearly 30 bags per acre. At the same time, farmers are reducing labour dependency and managing resources more efficiently, which improves overall profitability. 

Q How important is collaboration in making such initiatives successful?

Collaboration is absolutely critical. Agricultural transformation cannot be achieved by a single institution. It requires a coordinated effort across multiple stakeholders.

We have built a strong network that includes academic institutions such as the University of Jaffna, Eastern University, and Rajarata University, as well as the Department of Agriculture, agrarian service centers, farmer organizations, and private sector partners.

This ecosystem ensures that farmers receive continuous support—from technical knowledge and training to access to machinery and inputs. It also enables knowledge transfer and innovation to flow more effectively across regions. 

Q What kind of socio-economic impact are you seeing at the community level?

The impact goes beyond increased yields. We are seeing meaningful improvements in farmer incomes, which directly translates into better living standards for rural families.

For example, some farmers have been able to produce high-quality seed paddy and sell it at premium prices, significantly increasing their earnings. There is also a noticeable shift in mindset—farmers are becoming more open to innovation and more confident in adopting new practices. Importantly, the initiative is also making agriculture more attractive to younger generations, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector. 

Q How does this initiative tie into the Bank’s long-term strategic vision?

This initiative aligns closely with our broader vision of sustainable and inclusive growth. By strengthening the agricultural sector, we are contributing to national food security, rural economic development, and financial inclusion.

From a business perspective, it also opens up new opportunities. As farmers become more productive and financially stable, we are able to support them with tailored financial solutions—whether it is financing for machinery, working capital, or agribusiness ventures.

In essence, we are building a more resilient agricultural value chain, which benefits both the country and the Bank. 

Q The program has already expanded geographically. What is the roadmap going forward?

We began in Kilinochchi and have since expanded to Batticaloa and Hingurakgoda, where we are testing and comparing different cultivation methods across larger extents of land. Going forward, we plan to scale this model further while also extending it beyond paddy to other key crops such as tea, coconut, maize, and short-term cultivations.

Our long-term goal is to create a replicable model of agricultural modernization that can be adopted across the country, enabling a more productive, sustainable, and future-ready agricultural sector. 

Q What is the broader message Commercial Bank hopes to convey through this initiative?

The message is simple: sustainable progress requires collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment.

As a Bank, we are committed to going beyond traditional roles and actively contributing to national development. By empowering farmers, we are not only improving livelihoods but also strengthening the foundation of the country’s economy.

Agriculture has always been at the heart of Sri Lanka—and with the right support, it can also be at the forefront of its future.