Latex harvesting of the first planted rubber field in Waragoda, Thalawa of Anuradhapura commenced on 12th of March 2025, signifying the success of rubber cultivation in drier climates, creating new ventures for local farmers.

This event was graced by officials from the Rubber Research Institute, the Rubber Development Department, local government authorities, and local farmers highlighting the collaborative effort of all parties.

A Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS) processing centre was established in the same rubber field and farmers were provided hands-on training leading to producing high-quality raw materials to maintain industry standards.

The rubber field was maintained as a farmer-participatory adaptive research trial, facilitating the development of suitable agronomic protocols to cultivate rubber in the Dry Zone.