In an effort to further strengthen its longstanding commitment to agricultural development and rural empowerment, Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd. has entered into a strategic partnership with Sampath Bank under the Bank’s flagship Sampath Saviya Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Programme. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by both parties on the 26^th of November 2025, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing village economies through sustainable, profit-driven agriculture.

The initial phase of the initiative is set to focus on establishing Kohombagaswewa and Ambulgaswewa as model agricultural hubs for the cultivation of high-value medicinal crops such as Katuwelbatu, Elabatu and several other varieties. These communities will serve as pilot locations, with planned expansions to additional rural areas as the project progresses, broadening its national impact.

Through this collaboration, farmers will be offered specialised training covering crop management techniques. A key highlight of this initiative is a solution to limited access to reliable markets, which is one of the most pressing challenges faced by rural farmers. To address this, Link Natural will establish a buyback agreement with all participating farmers, ensuring predictable and profitable income streams, reducing financial uncertainty and encouraging long-term crop cultivation.

Ashan Ransilige, Chief Executive Officer of Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd stated, "Our collaboration with Sampath Bank is driven by a shared vision of creating sustainable and profitable farming opportunities. By providing technical guidance and guaranteed market access, we aim to empower farmers to realize the full potential of their crops, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the growth of rural economies. Together, we are planting the seeds for a healthier, more prosperous future for Sri Lanka’s agricultural communities."

Sampath Bank will play a pivotal role in connecting farmers with Link Natural Products by overseeing the implementation of project initiatives and facilitating effective communication with local farmers’ associations and community stakeholders. Overall project progress will be jointly monitored through regular updates from both parties. Field inspections and cultivation supervision will be carried out by the Agriculture Division of Link Natural Products to ensure quality, compliance and successful execution of project activities. Through these efforts, the parties aim to not only uplift rural economies, but to also foster youth engagement, women’s empowerment and improved livelihoods among selected communities.

Dr. Lalith Weragoda, the Chief Human Resource Transformation Officer of Sampath Bank, also commented on the initiative, stating, "At Sampath Bank, we believe that sustainable agriculture is the backbone of rural prosperity. Through our partnership with Link Natural, we are empowering farmers with knowledge, skills, and reliable market access, enabling them to transform their villages into thriving agricultural hubs. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to creating lasting social and economic impact in Sri Lanka’s rural communities."

In alignment with Sampath Bank’s goals, Link Natural will also work closely with farming families to implement a sustainable medicinal perennial planting project, offering an additional avenue for long-term agricultural income alongside environmental stewardship. Together, both organisations are laying the foundation for a new era of rural development, where knowledge, market access and sustainable practices will combine to create thriving farming communities in Sri Lanka.

Photo Caption: Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd. and Sampath Bank formalise a partnership under the Sampath Saviya Programme to empower rural farming communities through sustainable agriculture, technical expertise, and assured market access.