By: Staff Writer
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is grappling with a deepening food crisis, with over 6.3 million people currently facing moderate to severe levels of food insecurity. Despite signs of economic recovery since the collapse of 2022, the government has struggled to implement effective, long-term strategies to safeguard food security, leaving millions vulnerable.
The crisis has been fuelled by soaring food prices—some of the highest in the world—and a sharp decline in household purchasing power. These economic pressures have severely restricted access to nutritious food, especially for young children. Health experts report rising rates of undernutrition and growth faltering among children under five, underscoring the growing humanitarian toll.
Compounding the crisis are the worsening effects of climate change. Erratic weather patterns, frequent droughts, and flash floods have severely disrupted agriculture, particularly in the country’s dry zones. Meanwhile, unchecked wildlife damage—including crop destruction by monkeys and peacocks—has resulted in an estimated 20% drop in overall production.
International agencies have stepped in to fill the gaps. The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with local authorities, is working to expand access to fortified foods and support smallholder farmers.
Yet experts warn that these interventions, while essential, are not a substitute for a comprehensive national policy. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has also stressed the need for better integration of water and energy resources to ensure food system resilience—another area where government response has lagged.
Adding further pressure is a deteriorating global economic environment. A recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) described Sri Lanka as being caught in a “perfect storm” of financial instability, unsustainable debt, and weakening economic growth. Food price volatility, according to the report, will continue to plague countries like Sri Lanka in the months ahead.
UNCTAD also highlighted the risk posed by external trade shocks. Sri Lanka, which relies heavily on the United States for exports—valued at nearly USD 2.9 billion annually—was recently hit by a 44% tariff under the Trump administration. Though implementation of the tariff has been paused for 90 days, it has already sparked concerns over the country’s economic resilience.
With the global economy expected to slow to 2.3% growth this year, UNCTAD warns that low-income countries will bear the brunt of reduced investment and rising uncertainty. For Sri Lanka, the ongoing food crisis is a stark indicator of the government’s inadequate preparedness and lack of coordinated strategy.Despite international support, the path forward remains uncertain. Unless swift and sustained action is taken to address both structural vulnerabilities and immediate food needs, millions of Sri Lankans will continue to face a precarious future.
