Srilanka, Feb. 13 -- The agricultural sector in Sri Lanka has long been a pillar of the nation's economy, yet its decline reflects a complex interplay of economic shifts, policy decisions, and underutilised potential.

Agriculture's contribution to the overall economy in Sri Lanka has gradually diminished over time, while the agricultural labour force has shrunk at a slower rate. This disparity between a declining sector and a stagnant workforce, coupled with the failure to address structural changes by improving land and labour productivity, has led to poor sector performance, particularly in terms of food security and farm income.

Additionally, unproductive public spending in the form of inefficient allocation, short-term concentrati...