Sri Lanka
MDF Sri Lanka has benefitted
27,648
women and men
generating
USD 16,888,768
in additional income
and created
455
jobs
Our work in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, MDF focuses on export-oriented and high-value segments of the agriculture and tourism sectors, which offer opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Sri Lanka’s economy is on a growth trajectory, but socioeconomic challenges persist as poverty remains elevated following the 2022 economic crisis.
In Sri Lanka, MDF works in:
- The agricultural inputs sector, to expand access to improved fertiliser, seeds and technology, leading to greater agricultural productivity and food security.
- The emerging specialty coffee market, to help producers meet international quality standards and connect with premium export markets, positioning Sri Lanka as a niche supplier.
- Sustainable tourism, with hospitality businesses to build workforce skills in sustainability, elevate the quality and reach of sustainability solutions, and diversify Sri Lanka’s tourism offering.
MDF’s portfolio aligns with government’s priorities relating to economic recovery, foreign exchange generation and economic diversification.
Climate Change
MDF's climate-related investments align with the government's priorities, as outlined in Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plan. MDF is co-invested with agribusinesses to develop climate-resilient farmer clusters and explore technology integration for climate resilience in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. MDF also promotes the use of improved fertiliser to reduce emissions from synthetic fertiliser and maintain soil health.
In tourism, MDF co-invests with tourism businesses to train staff on green skills and practices, adopt green solutions such as emissions measurement and energy management, and position Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism destination.
Inclusive growth
In 2024, the number of people benefitting from MDF’s work increased by over 24,800, bringing the cumulative total to 55,741, with women accounting for 44 per cent. MDF’s work newly benefitted approximately 11,000 women in 2024, over 70 per cent of whom were farmers using the MDF-supported ‘Govi Mithuru’ digital advisory service, through a partnership with Dialog Axiata PLC. MDF also works with key tourism stakeholders to increase the hiring and retention of women in the tourism industry. Read more about our work in digital inclusion through the Govi Mithuru initiative.
MDF works with businesses and organisations for people with disability (OPDs), including the Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC), to enhance the participation of people with disability in the economy as leaders, innovators and contributors. MDF’s work in agricultural inputs includes the use of agritech solutions such as drones that contribute to easing the workloads of Sri Lanka’s ageing farming community.
Our activities
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