Sachini Niwarthana of Sabaragamuwa University Wins IPS’ Inaugural Policy Pitch Contest

27 October 2021

Sachini Niwarthana of Sabaragamuwa University has won IPS’ Policy Pitch Contest 2021 for her essay on organic farming. In her essay entitled, ‘From Conventional to Organic Farming: Towards a Slow and Steady Transition’, Niwarthana highlights the difficulties faced by the farming community due to the sudden shift from conventional to organic farming and calls for a clear national policy to facilitate a smoother transition. Sachini will be awarded a cash prize of LKR 25,000 for her essay. Essays written by Jayana Vimalasinghe of the University of Peradeniya, Samali Jinadasa of the University of Peradeniya, and Sandali Seneviratne of the University of Kelaniya were commended. The contest, aimed at encouraging youth to present practical solutions to contemporary problems in Sri Lanka, was open to all undergraduates enrolled at a local or foreign university. Participants were asked to critically analyse an existing policy, explain why the status quo is not working and present a solution to address the issue.

Read winning and commended essays HERE.

Watch video HERE