Economic Census Data Collection in Ratnapura Commences from the District Secretary’s Official Residence

Data collection for the agricultural sector of the National Economic Census, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, commenced today (05) in the Ratnapura District from the official residence of the Ratnapura District Secretary/Government Agent.

Accordingly, Mr. M.G. Lalith Ananda, Ratnapura District Secretary/Government Agent and Census Commissioner, provided the district census officers with information relating to the agricultural activities at his official residence.

The census, which is expected to provide important information for the future development of the country’s agricultural sector, is of significant importance to both the Ratnapura District and the country as a whole.

For the first time, data for this census is being collected accurately and efficiently using tablet computers, which will also facilitate the prompt identification and addressing of issues faced by the farming community.

Speaking on the occasion, District Secretary Lalith Ananda stated that the livelihoods of a majority of the people in Ratnapura District, as well as in the country as a whole, depend on agriculture. Therefore, obtaining accurate data on the agricultural sector is essential for making informed decisions for both the present and the future.

He further highlighted that the census data is vital for identifying the current status of tea, rubber, spices, paddy, and other small-scale crops in Ratnapura District, one of Sri Lanka’s major agricultural regions, while also supporting the formulation of comprehensive plans to improve the livelihoods of those engaged in the livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors and the development of public policies aimed at providing greater benefits to farmers.

Therefore, in his capacity as the District Census Commissioner, District Secretary/Government Agent Mr. M.G. Lalith Ananda appealed to the public to extend their fullest cooperation by providing accurate information to census officers visiting their homes or farmlands, thereby contributing to the future development of the country’s agricultural sector.The event was attended by several officials, including Mr. Amila Wijerathne, Additional District Secretary, Ratnapura; Ms. H.P.W. Nilanthi, Director of Agriculture, Ratnapura District; Mr. J.P. Gunawardhana, Deputy Director (Provincial Agriculture); Mr. W.M.P.M. Weerakoon, Assistant Commissioner of Agrarian Development, Ratnapura; and Mr. A. Jayathilaka, Senior Statistician, Ratnapura.

District Media Unit,
District Secretariat / Department of Government Information,
Ratnapura.