The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), marked World Food Day renewing commit on Sri Lanka food security at an event held under the auspices of the Prime Minister. Dinesh Gunawardena.
Through a video message shared at the event, Sri Lankan President. Ranil Wickremesinghe said “Sri Lanka is at a crucial and critical juncture with high levels of food insecurity.
He disclosed the United Nations system, multilateral and bilateral partners, and the donor community for joining hands and building this strong partnership to address the current crisis, “he said.
Delivering the keynote address at the event the Prime Minister, . Dinesh Gunawardena pointed out that with nearly 30 to 35 percent of the population directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood,
Sri Lanka needed to invest deeply in modernizing and developing the agriculture sector, adding that his “government is fully committed to achieving this gigantic task. Agriculture and food security remain a national priority.”
FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan emphasized the organization’s commitment to helping Sri Lanka build back better during this time.
“FAO is committed to working with the government to ensure that the most vulnerable fishers and farmers, crucial to ensuring food security in Sri Lanka, are protected from the worst impacts of the crisis.
It is providing essential agriculture inputs, such as seeds and fertilizer, through the support of their partners to boost production and help Sri Lanka move towards becoming a food secure nation,” he said.
Sherina Tabassum, IFAD’s Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, underlined the fundamental role of smallholder farmers in guaranteeing food security for a community and for a country. “
The goal is to ensure that the backbone of our food system – smallholder farmers – are prepared for, and can overcome, the devastating effects of the pandemic, climate change and other external shocks.
IFAD is committed to continue our work with the government to sustainably transform Sri Lanka’s food systems so everyone can benefit.” she added.
Gerard Rebello, Officer in Charge at WFP, Sri Lanka highlighted that urgent action was needed to safeguard the most vulnerable and marginalized communities from the impacts of the crisis.
“WFP has commenced its emergency operation to provide food and nutrition assistance to 3.4 million people. It is also continuing to work with smallholder farmers to make food systems more robust and resilient to climate-induced shocks so that food travels uninterrupted from farm to table, even during times of crises,” he said.
FAO, IFAD and WFP together with the United Nations system in Sri Lanka are on the ground delivering emergency cash assistance, essential fertilizer and livelihood support to the most vulnerable communities in affected districts
