Rajarata University of Sri Lanka proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Mr. J.M. Dinuka Madhushan Jayaweera from the Faculty of Agriculture, who emerged as the Winner of the Youth Climate Challenge Competition 2026 held in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 on 9 June 2026 at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.
The prestigious summit, organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, brought together leading climate experts, policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Jayaweera secured first place with his innovative project titled,
“Solar-Powered Fully Automated Drip Irrigation System for Water-Efficient and Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone”
The innovation addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Sri Lankan agriculture water scarcity by integrating renewable energy, smart sensing technologies, and automated irrigation management to enhance water-use efficiency while improving agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
The award was presented by distinguished industry leaders Mr. Krishan Balendra and Mr. Vimlendra Sharan in recognition of the project’s innovative approach and potential contribution to sustainable agriculture.
The Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 provided a unique platform for engagement with representatives from globally recognized organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and several leading public and private sector institutions.
This achievement reflects not only the dedication and creativity of the student innovator but also the strong academic and research environment fostered by the Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
The project was completed under the supervision of Dr. Pubudu Darshana Kahandage, Mr. Eranda Januka Kosgollegara, and Prof. Janaka Gunarathna of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Soil Science, whose mentorship and expertise were instrumental in the successful development of the innovation.
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka congratulates Mr. Jayaweera on this exceptional national achievement and commends his commitment to developing practical solutions for climate-smart agriculture. His success serves as an inspiration to young researchers and innovators across the country, demonstrating the vital role of youth leadership in addressing climate challenges and building a sustainable future.
