Dear Supporters and Partners,

My name is Shanaka Maliyadda, and I have served Sri Lanka as a journalist for 31 years. Throughout my career, I have stood beside communities, reported their struggles, highlighted their resilience, and advocated for sustainable national development. Today, I am stepping beyond reporting change — to creating it.

I am launching Sri Lanka’s first-ever Hydroponic Rice Farming Project, an innovative and sustainable agricultural initiative designed to empower rural communities while addressing future food security challenges.

Rice is the heart of Sri Lankan life. Yet traditional paddy cultivation faces increasing difficulties — water scarcity, climate change, rising input costs, soil degradation, and unpredictable weather patterns. Hydroponic rice farming offers a revolutionary alternative:

• Uses up to 80–90% less water
• Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers
• Produces higher yields in controlled environments
• Minimizes climate-related risks
• Enables year-round cultivation
• Provides sustainable income opportunities for farmers

This pilot project will establish a modern hydroponic rice cultivation system that can later be replicated across the country. My vision is not simply to build a farm — but to create a model for community-based sustainable agriculture.

The project will:

1. Establish demonstration hydroponic rice cultivation units
2. Train local farmers and youth in hydroponic techniques
3. Create employment opportunities within the community
4. Develop a replicable model for national expansion
5. Promote environmentally responsible farming practices

Your contribution will directly support:

• Construction of hydroponic growing systems
• Water circulation and nutrient management systems
• Greenhouse or protective structures
• Seedling development and research
• Farmer training workshops
• Initial operational costs

As a journalist, I have witnessed firsthand how rural communities struggle due to unpredictable harvests and limited opportunities. This project is my commitment to building a resilient agricultural future — one that empowers farmers, strengthens food security, and inspires innovation in Sri Lanka.

Transparency and accountability will be core principles of this initiative. Regular progress updates, financial reporting, and community impact documentation will be shared with all supporters.

This is more than a farming project. It is a national milestone. It is a step toward sustainable agriculture. It is a movement to empower communities.

I warmly invite you to become a founding supporter of Sri Lanka’s first hydroponic rice farming initiative. Together, we can cultivate innovation, sustainability, and hope.

Thank you for believing in a greener and stronger future.

With gratitude,

Shanaka Maliyadda
Journalist | Social Advocate | Sustainable Agriculture Initiator
Sri Lanka