Australia powers Sri Lanka’s bio-fertiliser breakthrough with new technology
Australia is supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop sustainable agriculture through its partnership with local innovators under the Australian Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF).
A recent visit by Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth and a delegation to Sassrika Lanka’s Bio Super Phosphate (BSP) manufacturing facility in Embilipitiya highlighted the growing partnership.
Sassrika Lanka Founder and Managing Director Dr. Thulitha Ranwala explained how the company developed BSP using Eppawala Rock Phosphate combined with biological and microbial processes. The technology aims to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on imported chemical fertilisers while improving soil health and crop productivity.
Support from Australia’s MDF has helped strengthen distribution, retail engagement and product packaging. As a result, BSP distribution reached 20,000 bags during the 2026 Yala season.
Field data from analysed crop comparisons also showed a 23.56% increase in yields when BSP was used instead of chemically produced superphosphate.
The delegation toured the full production process, from raw-material preparation and microbial treatment to granulation and packaging.
Sassrika Lanka currently produces around 20 metric tonnes of BSP per day at its Embilipitiya facility. The company plans to establish a second plant near Eppawala with a capacity of 40 metric tonnes per day.
Together, the two facilities are expected to support around 360,000 farmers and meet approximately 15% of Sri Lanka’s national paddy phosphate requirement.
Dr. Ranwala said the wider use of BSP could help retain foreign exchange, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen soil health.
The visit was also attended by Australian officials and MDF representatives, including First Secretary Zoe Kid, DFAT Program Manager Sivasuthan, MDF Country Director Maryam Piracha and MDF Business Advisor Vasundara Kalansuriya, along with Sassrika Lanka’s management, technical and factory teams.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
Source : Daily News
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