Agrilife24.com: SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) has opened its new SAC Book Corner at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, marking a fresh step in regional academic collaboration. The inauguration took place on Friday (12 December 2025) and was led by Prof. D K N G Pushpakumara, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) at the University of Peradeniya. He commended the initiative, noting that it would enrich academic engagement and broaden opportunities for students and researchers across South Asia.
The ceremony was attended by Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF), SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, whose presence highlighted the growing commitment of the SAARC network to foster stronger regional ties in agriculture and development.
Dr. Md Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre, attended the inauguration and highlighted SAC’s continued efforts to deepen regional academic collaboration. He noted that shared knowledge platforms such as this corner play a vital role in supporting evidence-based policymaking across the region. He added that SAC remains committed to fostering stronger links between researchers, universities and national institutions to advance sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. W A R T Wickramaarachchi, Director General of Agriculture, Sri Lanka and SAC Governing Board member, joined the ceremony. He noted that such initiatives help strengthen cooperation between national research bodies and leading universities across South Asia.
Senior officials from SAC and academics from the University of Peradeniya were also present, including Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC. They emphasized the importance of shared scientific resources and accessible knowledge platforms to support researchers and policymakers engaged in advancing sustainable agricultural development.
The SAC Book Corner will act as a dedicated hub for SAC publications and research outputs. It aims 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.