Commemorating World Food Day. FAO, IFAD and WFP renew commitment to strengthening food security in Sri Lanka

Through a video message shared at the event, Sri Lankan President H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated FAO, IFAD and WFP for commemorating World Food Day and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security for all. “Sri Lanka is at a crucial and critical juncture with high levels of food insecurity. We are thankful to 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, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena pointed out that with nearly 30 to 35 per cent 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.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera announced the introduction of a new Agriculture Policy to Parliament focusing on modernizing and building resilience to enable the agriculture sector to withstand future crises. “I thank the FAO for the technical support extended to build a modern, resilient agriculture sector in Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

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 while providing essential agriculture inputs, such as seeds and fertilizer, through the support of our 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. “Our 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. We are 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. We are 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.  

**ENDS**

About FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. It helps countries modernize and strengthen agriculture, forestry, and fisheries practices, making them more sustainable and ensuring food security & nutrition for all. FAO focuses special attention on developing rural areas, home to the majority of the world's poor and hungry people. For more information visit: www.fao.org or follow FAO on Twitter @FAOnews @FAOknowledge

About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @WFP_SriLanka

About IFAD

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$23.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries. Last year, IFAD-supported projects reached an estimated 130 million people.

 A wide range of photographs of IFAD’s work in rural communities are available for download from its Image Bank. Follow us on Twitter @IFADSouthAsia