Indigenous Rights Initiative Launches in Ratugala with Agricultural Support Program

A new empowerment process has begun to secure the rights of the indigenous people of Ratugala, accompanied by several initiatives to boost their economic independence. As part of this effort, a significant agricultural support program was recently launched with the distribution of mung bean seeds to the indigenous community.

The Ratugala Indigenous Development Association has selected 72 indigenous farmers to receive mung bean seeds for cultivation during the 2025 Maha season. Each farmer received 6 kilograms of seeds, sufficient to cultivate one acre of land in their traditional chena cultivation system.

The project, facilitated by the Monvement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), involved comprehensive planning and oversight. The Association’s committee managed all aspects of the program, including seed procurement, beneficiary selection, and land inspection. The committee will continue to monitor the cultivation process throughout the growing season.

In a notable display of community solidarity, all participating farmers have agreed to contribute 1.5 kilograms of their harvest back to the Association, beyond replacing the initially provided seeds. These contributions will support both the Association’s fund and their seed conservation program.

This initiative represents a significant step toward empowering the indigenous community of Ratugala, combining traditional farming practices with organized community development efforts. The program aims to strengthen both food security and economic independence within the indigenous community while preserving their agricultural heritage.

Monvement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) provided both financial support and technical guidance for this initiative, demonstrating a collaborative approach to indigenous community development and agricultural sustainability.