This paper presents some technical/technological advancements for sustainable development of the sugarcane industry of Sri Lanka. The research program of the Sugarcane Research Institute, Sri Lanka, has focussed on developing/introducing technical/ technological advancements for increasing productivity and profitability of the industry while protecting the sugarcane production environment. The new sugarcane varieties recommended contributes not only to increase yields, but also to protect the industry from severe yield losses during pest and/or disease outbreaks; pyrilla, woolly aphid and white leaf disease. The new propagation methods produce healthy planting material at higher multiplication rate while the new planting methods save requirements of healthy
planting material significantly. Application of nutrients according to their availability in the soil and the crop need avoids unnecessary application of fertiliser to minimise costs. Control of pyrilla, woolly aphid, borers, etc. by introducing imported parasites or by augmenting the natural enemies locally available makes possible minimising crop losses by minimising the use of chemicals for their control. Control of diseases, mainly by hot-water treatment of seed cane and production of disease-free planting material by mericloning, minimises the use of chemicals. The small machinery developed by the institute makes possible minimising both chemical use and the cost of weed control. Utilisation of filter-mud and distillery effluent for making compost, and as a carrier medium for phosphatesolubilising bacteria for making bio-fertliser and application of distillery effluent to sugarcane fields helps disposal of sugar factory and distillery wastes without damaging the environment. The method developed for determining the breakeven yield for deciding the number of ratoon crops to be raised, and the formula devised to determine the price to be paid for sugarcane ensuring efficiency and equity requirements and the ex-factory sugar price to ensure mill efficiency and price stability also contributes to green development of the sugarcane industry in Sri Lanka.