SAARC Centre opens book corner in Sri Lanka

New hub aims to boost regional research ties in agriculture

SAARC Agriculture Centre has opened a Book Corner at the University of Peradeniya to strengthen regional research collaboration, expand access to agricultural knowledge and support sustainable development across South Asia.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Friday opened a new Book Corner at the University of Peradeniya, expanding regional academic collaboration and access to research on agriculture and development across South Asia.

The facility was inaugurated on Friday (12 December 2025) by Prof. D K N G Pushpakumara, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) at the University of Peradeniya. He welcomed the initiative, saying it would enrich academic engagement and create wider opportunities for students and researchers in the region.

The launch was attended by Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, underscoring the organisation’s growing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in agriculture and development.

Dr. Md Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, also took part in the ceremony and highlighted SAC’s ongoing efforts to deepen academic collaboration among member states. He said shared knowledge platforms such as the Book Corner play an important role in supporting evidence-based policymaking and reaffirmed SAC’s commitment to building stronger links among researchers, universities and national institutions to advance sustainable agricultural development.

Also present was Dr. W A R T Wickramaarachchi, Director General of Agriculture of Sri Lanka and a member of the SAC Governing Board. He said initiatives of this nature help reinforce cooperation between national research bodies and leading universities across South Asia.

Senior officials from SAC and academics from the University of Peradeniya attended the event, including Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock) at SAC. Participants stressed the importance of shared scientific resources and accessible knowledge platforms for researchers and policymakers working on sustainable agricultural development.

The SAC Book Corner will serve as a dedicated hub for SAC publications and research outputs. It is intended to support students, faculty members and visiting scholars by providing authoritative resources on agricultural innovation, climate resilience, food security and agricultural development in South Asia.