Sustainability of Protected Agriculture in Sri Lanka: A Multi‐Stakeholder Perceptions Analysis of the Drivers, Impacts, Challenges, and Response Options

The emerging research on the sustainability of protected agriculture in the global South is fragmented, and fails to explore comprehensively the underlying dynamics of the sector. Our aim is to unravel these dynamics through an institutional analysis and expert interviews ( n = 26) that shed light on the current status of protected agriculture in Sri Lanka, as well as the perceived drivers, impacts, challenges, and pathways to enhance its sustainability. Results suggest that protected agriculture has both positive (e.g., income generation, resource use) and negative sustainability impacts (e.g., high investment, polyethylene use, pollution). Despite its potential to contribute to the sustainable intensification of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka, there are several constraints that prevent its widespread adoption, mainly due to high upfront costs and external shocks. Responses that could increase the uptake of protected agriculture and increase its sustainability in the country include (a) implementing cost reduction measures, (b) scaling up knowledge transfer and market diversification, (c) mitigating negative sustainability impacts, and (d) adopting evidence‐based systemic planning approaches.