The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office V, and the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, successfully conducted the Three Country Knowledge Exchange Visit on May 12, 2026, at San Jose, Pili.
The visit aimed to strengthen the capacity of Sri Lanka’s National Designated Authority (NDA) and key stakeholders in climate finance coordination and knowledge management. By engaging with countries that have demonstrated effective institutional coordination, private sector engagement, and innovative climate investment mechanisms, particularly in agriculture and environment, the program sought to facilitate the transfer of best practices and lessons learned.
The Bicol Region served as one of the primary destinations for the Sri Lankan delegation during their country visit to the Philippines. The delegation was comprised of 14 senior officials representing Sri Lanka’s Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Plantation Industries, along with representatives from major banking institutions and FAO specialists.
The delegation opened their visit in CamSur with a courtesy call to DA Region V, followed by a comprehensive briefing on Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) initiatives currently implemented in the field. They also toured the CIS/DRR Operations Center and the Agricultural Marketing Building, gaining firsthand insights into the region’s data-driven approach to disaster risk reduction and agricultural marketing systems.
A highlight of the visit was an immersive tour of the Fruits and Vegetables Processing Plant and the Coconut Processing Plant in San Jose, Pili, both housed within the province’s agri-processing food complex. The delegation was treated to a tasting of locally developed value-added beverages, including Coco-Cola, Calamansi Cola, and Mangosteen Cola, innovative, sugar-free products that exemplify the province’s commitment to food enterprise development.
Dr. R.D. Sunimal Jayathunga, Additional Secretary (Environment Development), Ministry of Environment in Sri Lanka, led the delegation and expressed deep admiration for the programs and infrastructure observed throughout the visit.
“We were able to meet a lot of officials and experts, and we were able to learn how the climate change situation in the Philippines is managed, especially related to agriculture. And we were very impressed by their work and their programs, their projects, and what they implemented. Really, we would like to take this knowledge to Sri Lanka as well. So, it is a very good opportunity for Sri Lankan delegations to visit this province and to know more about agriculture.”
Dr. Jayatunga also pointed out the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. “Thank you very much, [we] really appreciate the Philippine government, the Philippine people, their warm welcome, hospitality, and also their very kind reception. Thank you.”
He also noted that Sri Lanka faces similar vulnerabilities to climate change. He highlighted that the Philippine government's adaptation actions and digitalized data systems observed at a research station are highly valuable for helping Sri Lanka improve its own decision-making, digital infrastructure, and resilience-building efforts.
Regarding the agri-processing facilities, Dr. Jayathunga said the delegation found the initiative highly inspiring and expressed intent to apply similar concepts in Sri Lanka.
“Actually, it is a very good initiative, it’s great. So we visited, and we will do all the best to make it a very successful event in the future [in our country].”
He also expressed approval for the Coco Cola, Calamansi Cola, and Mangosteen Cola, sugar-free drinks, noting their health benefits. “I’ve tried [it], and also I am taking one more because it is very good, because it has no sugar, so this is good for your health.”
In his message, Dr. Jayathunga emphasized the need to mobilize more resources to combat climate change, specifically mentioning the utilization of finances, such as the Green Climate Fund. He encouraged exploring further opportunities to build resilience. Looking ahead, the delegate expressed a strong desire for future collaboration between the two nations.
He also expressed strong optimism for sustained bilateral collaboration between the Philippines and Sri Lanka. “Of course, we expect future collaboration with the government of the Philippines.”
