The Food Policy and Security Committee convened for the fourth time yesterday (04) at the Parliament Complex to discuss critical measures for ensuring food security across the country. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha, alongside Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe.
Key discussions focused on maintaining a steady supply of essential food items at affordable prices during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. The committee reviewed strategies to prevent shortages and maintain sufficient stock levels to bolster national food security.
The ministers emphasized the importance of implementing these measures while safeguarding the interests of consumers, farmers, and producers.
A major point of discussion was the approval for maize imports for animal feed after April 1. Minister Lalkantha stressed the need for a new framework to regulate maize imports but directed that the current system remain in place until a revised mechanism is introduced.
Additionally, the meeting underscored the necessity of ensuring citizens’ right to diverse food choices and access to high-quality food products.
The Food Policy and Security Committee reaffirmed its commitment to realizing the government’s policy of providing safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all citizens.