The government should adopt realistic strategies when fixing prices for paddy, Dudley Sirisena, Chairman of the Araliya Group of Companies, has said. He was speaking at the reopening of Lanka Tractors showroom in Colombo this week. Marking the return of one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised agricultural machinery companies, Lanka Tractors reopened its original showroom [...]
While the country has been placed under lockdown, making newspaper distribution impossible, the Sunday Times team produced your favourite Sunday newspaper in digital format to bring you the latest news, feature stories and political commentaries. We are happy to announce that we are giving you free access to our digital paper. Click here to access the free epaper . If you like to be a subscriber to our regular epaper please click here .
The government should adopt realistic strategies when fixing prices for paddy, Dudley Sirisena, Chairman of the Araliya Group of Companies, has said. He was speaking at the reopening of Lanka Tractors showroom in Colombo this week.
Marking the return of one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised agricultural machinery companies, Lanka Tractors reopened its original showroom in Colombo 11 and launched the ACE Tractor brand in the country.
Left to right: Dudley Sirisena, Thilina Abeysuriya, MD and Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman at the Lanka Tractors showroom reopening . Pic by Indika Handuwala
Located at 343, Olcott Mawatha, the showroom was opened by chief guest Mr Sirisena in the presence of Lanka Tractors Limited Chairman Upul Jayasuriya, Managing Director Thilina Abeysuriya, Head of Business Nishantha Yapa, and CEO of Asia Asset Finance Rajiv Gunawardena.
Addressing the paddy pricing issue, Mr Siresena pointed out that farmers tend to concentrate on cultivating Nadu compared to Samba and Keeri Samba, given that their weight and prices are comparatively lower than Nadu. He emphasised the importance of fair prices for each paddy variety taking these issues into consideration.
He added that the country has reached self-sufficiency in rice production in recent times, but only one variety of paddy needed for consumption has taken prevalence in statistics.
He pointed out that 2.4 million metric tons of rice are required annually for public consumption. Recent harvest data indicates 5 million metric tons of paddy from both Yala and Maha seasons; well above the 3.6 million metric tons required annually.
Mr Sirisena said Lanka Tractors has provided an invaluable service to farmers. Since its initial opening in the 1970s, the organisation has contributed largely to the agricultural sector, establishing several branches around the country, including Polonnaruwa.
Lanka Tractors Chairman Upul Jayasuriya said, “Our refurbished facility, spanning nearly 100 perches with more than 16,000 square feet of built-up space, houses a modern showroom, assembly plant, workshop and genuine spare parts warehouse, creating a fully integrated centre for sales and after-sales support.”
He added that Lanka Tractors has served farmers for generations, and ACE will become another trusted brand that can contribute to the future of Sri Lanka’s agriculture.
The company has established dealerships in Sewanapitiya, Kebithigollewa, Dehiaththakandiya and Kirana, with additional appointments planned in the coming months.
Lanka Tractors was established in 1971 as the State Trading (Tractor) Corporation. It was restructured in 1991 and became one of Sri Lanka’s largest importers and distributors of agricultural machinery.
The reopened showroom was initially established in 1982 and has played an important role in the mechanisation of Sri Lanka’s agriculture for more than five decades.
The company’s revival commenced in late 2025 through a partnership with ACE Tractors, the agricultural division of Action Construction Equipment (ACE) limited, an Indian engineering and manufacturing company. Further strengthening its customer service, Lanka Tractors has partnered with Asia Asset Finance to provide flexible, agriculture-focused leasing solutions.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka , no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
Loading comments…