October 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan community leader Manel Jayasinghe has received international recognition for her contribution to agriculture and rural development after being named among the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations’ (FAO) 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.
Her selection places her among a distinguished group of women whose work is helping to reshape agricultural communities, strengthen food security and create better economic opportunities for rural populations around the world.
Jayasinghe was chosen from a pool of 609 nominations submitted by 131 FAO Member States, reflecting the global reach of the initiative and the breadth of contributions considered during the selection process.
The programme was introduced to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, highlighting the essential role women play throughout agricultural production, food distribution and rural development. It celebrates individuals who have helped farmers access markets, encouraged responsible management of natural resources, preserved indigenous agricultural knowledge and expanded employment and skills development opportunities.
The selection involved several stages of assessment, including eligibility checks, consideration of country representation, evaluation by senior FAO officials and a final review by the organisation’s senior leadership.
In Sri Lanka, Jayasinghe is recognised for her community-based work supporting women engaged in farming and rural livelihoods. Through her leadership of the Arunodaya Women Farmers’ Society, she has helped women strengthen their agricultural activities, improve their economic prospects and become more actively involved in community affairs.
Her efforts have also encouraged collective action among women farmers, creating opportunities for them to share knowledge, adopt sustainable agricultural methods and participate more meaningfully in local decision-making. Such initiatives can be particularly valuable in rural areas, where access to resources, training and markets often determines the sustainability of farming households.
Jayasinghe’s international recognition also draws attention to the wider contribution of Sri Lankan women to the agricultural sector. Beyond their work in producing food, women in rural communities frequently play important roles in preserving traditional farming practices, supporting household incomes and maintaining local food networks.
Her inclusion on the FAO list represents a significant milestone for her work and shines a spotlight on the contribution of grassroots leadership to more inclusive and resilient food systems.
The recognition further reinforces the importance of investing in rural women, whose knowledge, enterprise and community involvement remain central to the future of agriculture and sustainable rural development.
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