The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a five-year “Sow and Grow” project, supported by USD 10 million from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the government of Sri Lanka. 

The project aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Thriposha programme by boosting the production of high-quality local maize and ensuring a reliable supply of Thriposha for children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Thriposha is a fortified supplementary food and a longstanding nutrition safety net for vulnerable mothers and children in Sri Lanka. Sow and Grow will boost local maize production, improve quality and strengthen supply chains for sustainable provision of Triposha. 

The project will support 7,500 farmers, in Anuradhapura, Monaragala and Badulla districts, boosting productivity, promoting climate-smart farming, and cutting post-harvest losses. It will connect farmers with aggregators and Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited for better market access and ensure a reliable supply of high-quality maize, helping lower dependence on imports and mitigate climate-related risks. 

Sow and Grow is projected to enhance nutrition for more than 650,000 children under five, as well as over 330,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women across the country. 

Sow and Grow will be implemented by the World Food Programme in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security & Cooperative Development, and the Ministry of Finance.

 “KOICA will support the Sow & Grow Project, which strengthens the maize value chain while contributing to the long-standing Thriposha programme that safeguards the nutrition of Sri Lankan mothers and children. 

Through our partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Food Programme, we aim to support both farming communities and the country’s nutrition security,” said Ms. Lee Yoo Li, the Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Sri Lanka Office. 

This partnership aims to bolster national efforts to strengthen food systems, achieve better nutrition outcomes and support sustainable rural livelihoods. 

“Maize farmers and processors are facing mounting pressures, from climate shocks to market constraints,” said Mr. Philip Ward, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sri Lanka. “That is why ‘Sow and Grow’ is so timely. By reinforcing the food system, we are safeguarding Thriposha as a reliable, locally produced lifeline for mothers and children across Sri Lanka.” 

KOICA has been a long-standing partner of WFP in Sri Lanka, supporting resilience-building programmes for farmers. By investing in strengthening national safety nets, WFP and KOICA are helping Sri Lanka build a more resilient food system, one that protects vulnerable communities while advancing long-term food security and sustainable rural livelihoods. (Newswire)

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has intensified its emergency operations in Sri Lanka in response to Cyclone Ditwah, backed by an AUD 1.5 million contribution from the Government of Australia.

The funding enables WFP to provide life-saving fortified food and cash assistance to families severely affected by the disaster. The first airlift of fortified biscuits from WFP’s humanitarian hub in Dubai has already arrived, with up to 67 metric tonnes expected in the coming days.

Initial distributions of fortified biscuits have been dispatched to Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle, with additional deliveries underway in Badulla and Kandy, districts among the most impacted.

“Australia stands with Sri Lanka at this devastating time,” said Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth. “We are proud to support WFP and work with the Sri Lankan government and local authorities to respond rapidly to urgent needs.”

WFP’s fortified biscuits are designed to provide an immediate boost of energy and nutrition to vulnerable populations.

“As rescue operations wind down, our focus is on delivering food to those most at risk—children, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with disabilities,” said Philip Ward, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sri Lanka.

In addition to food supplies, Australia’s contribution will support cash-based assistance, complementing national efforts to help affected families meet essential needs and begin recovery. WFP continues to seek additional donor support to maintain emergency relief and assist long-term recovery in cyclone-hit areas. (Newswire)

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The newly-appointed Representative and Country Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka, Philip Ward, has formally presented his letter of credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, at the Ministry premises.

In his discussions with Minister Herath, Ward reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen food systems, improve nutrition, and build resilience among vulnerable communities.

“I am honoured to take up this role at a time when Sri Lanka is navigating both progress and persistent challenges in food security and nutrition,” said Ward. “WFP remains steadfast in its support to national efforts, working hand in hand with partners to ensure access to nutritious food, especially for those most at risk.”

Ward and Minister Herath discussed WFP’s Country Strategic Plan, and Sri Lanka’s progress in reducing malnutrition and strengthening community resilience in the face of climate and economic shocks. Ward emphasized WFP’s role as a trusted partner in ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to recovery and long-term stability.

Philip Ward brings over three decades of experience in humanitarian and development work with WFP, including senior leadership roles in field operations, strategic partnerships and organisational leadership, making Ward well-positioned to guide WFP’s efforts in Sri Lanka with a renewed focus and vision. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s national school meal programme has been bolstered through a contribution of US$1 million from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), in partnership with World Food Program USA.

The funding supports the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka’s Home Grown School Feeding and rice fortification projects that allow children to receive nutrient-rich food in school.

Through this generous contribution, 100,000 children in selected schools are receiving rice fortified with iron and folic acid. Additionally, 2,700 smallholder farmers are receiving agriculture and poultry farming tools and training, empowering them to supply food for school meals.

“School feeding programmes are a game changer in strengthening fragile food systems,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, WFP Sri Lanka’s Representative and Country Director. “By empowering school meal suppliers and farmers to produce food for the meals, we are creating a formal system that boosts livelihoods and enhances the sustainability of school feeding. We are grateful for the support from the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the World Food Program USA, which enables us to continue this work.”

Launched in 2020, WFP’s Home Grown School Feeding Programme provides suppliers and smallholder farmers with the tools, training and other resources needed to grow food and rear poultry. By integrating farmers within the national school meal programme system, they are guaranteed a steady income while schools are assured of an uninterrupted supply of fresh ingredients for their meals. This model helps improve child nutrition, boosts local economies, and financially empowers communities.

For many poor families, school feeding substitutes a considerable portion of their food expenditure. Making fortified rice available in the meals greatly improves their nutritional value, boosting children’s consumption of essential vitamins and minerals. 

WFP has been supporting Sri Lanka’s national school meal programme for over 20 years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, as part of broader efforts to address malnutrition. 

This latest project is jointly supported by World Food Program USA—an organisation that mobilises American policymakers, businesses, and individuals to support WFP’s mission—and LCIF, which empowers humanitarian service through grants, programmes, and partnerships leveraging their worldwide network of volunteers. (Newswire)

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Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan has alleged that a European country blocked a consignment of free fertilizer to be granted to Sri Lanka under the World Food Programme. 

The Russian Ambassador revealed the details while addressing an event held to mark the official handing over of free mineral fertilizers to Sri Lanka. 

Ambassador Dzhagaryan said the Embassy was waiting for the arrival of this consignment of fertilizer for over 2 ½ years.

He further said that the consignment was blocked in Latvia due to the illegal sanctions imposed on Russia by European countries. 

Criticising the European Union over the delay, Ambassador Dzhagaryan said fortunately they were able to resolve the matter, enabling the fertilizer consignment to reach Colombo. (Newswire)

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Ministries of Environment of India and Sri Lanka, on Monday launched its Adaptation for Resilience (ADAPT4R) project, a five-year initiative that aims to enhance the food security and livelihoods of farming communities facing climate-induced challenges. 

According to the WFP, supported through a US$ 14 million contribution from the Adaptation Fund, the project is focused on those districts in the two countries where farmers face adverse weather impacts on agriculture and rural livelihoods. By providing information through climate services and leveraging existing systems, ADAPT4R will empower farmers, especially women, to make their farming and livelihoods resilient to the impacts of climate change.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of the Government of India and the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, Forest Resources, Water Supply, Plantation and Community Infrastructure of the Government of Sri Lanka will jointly implement this with WFP.  

“India is at the forefront of responding to the increasing climate risks to food security. According to the Global Climate Risk Index (2021), the country is among the top 10 most vulnerable to climate events. This new partnership between WFP and MoEFCC would help address some of the critical climate-related challenges in India by building the adaptive capacity of smallholders in dryland areas,” said Ms Rajasree Ray, Economic Advisor, MoEFCC, Government of India.

“The Adaptation for Resilience project marks a milestone in Sri Lanka’s collaborative efforts with WFP to tackle the universal challenge of climate change,” says Mrs. W.G. Kumaragama, Additional Secretary (Environment Projects & Education Training) to the Ministry of Environment in Sri Lanka. “This timely project enables India and Sri Lanka to collaborate and learn from each other, as we work towards a common goal of helping at-risk communities build climate resilience.”  

The launch was also accompanied by a regional inception event, which provided a platform for stakeholders from India and Sri Lanka to move forward in project implementation. The event brought together government officials and experts from both countries to discuss the way forward.

“This initiative will enhance the adaptive capacity of economically disadvantaged farming households confronted with significant climate risks, enabling them to implement localised adaptation strategies through improved practices and diversified, climate-resilient livelihoods and employing a participatory approach,” said Ms Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, WFP in India.

“Our food systems are at the mercy of the rapidly intensifying effects of climate change,” says Gerard Rebello, WFP Sri Lanka Deputy Country Director. “By partnering with the Ministry of Environment, we aim to boost resilience and help vulnerable communities better prepare for erratic weather patterns. This will not only safeguard lives and livelihoods but ensure that the journey of food is uninterrupted.”

Additionally, present at the launch were Mr. Shombi Sharp, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India; Ms Ruchika Drall, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mr M.H.A.M. Riflan, Director General of the Partnership Secretariat for WFP Cooperation; and Ms. Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme in India. (Newswire)

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The US Government has donated vital equipment to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparedness for climate-related emergencies.

The donation has been made through the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) via the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

According to the WFP, this consignment, part of a broader U.S. $2.5 million (approximately LKR 760 million) USAID-funded WFP project, complements government efforts to improve its disaster risk management capacities.

The consignment, comprising submersible water pumps, kitchen sets, chainsaws, polysack bags, and tarpaulins, was handed over at an event by Dustin Shiau, USAID BHA’s Regional Humanitarian Advisor for South and Central Asia to Major General (Retired) Udaya Herath, Director General of the DMC, alongside officials from the Sri Lankan government and WFP.

“Helping save lives, protect property, and reduce the impact of disasters on populations is at the core of U.S. humanitarian disaster response efforts in Sri Lanka and worldwide. The United States through USAID has been working with Sri Lanka’s disaster management authorities to augment their preparations to prevent and mitigate disasters and their impact on at-risk populations – a critical first step in the disaster management process. Our support to disaster preparedness reflects the values of the American people and the continued strong partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka to ensure critically needed assistance reaches the most vulnerable during their times of need,” said Chargé d’Affaires Doug Sonnek of the U.S. Embassy to Sri Lanka.

“Effective preparedness is critical in saving lives and livelihoods and preventing hazards from turning into disasters,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, WFP Sri Lanka’s Representative and Country Director. “As climate change intensifies, our efforts are channelled towards mitigating its impact to safeguard people and their access to food and nutrition. We are grateful for the continued support from the United States in strengthening Sri Lanka’s ability to better prepare for climate shocks.”

Recent flooding caused by the South-west monsoon affected 20 of the country’s 25 districts. A WFP-led joint rapid assessment mission was carried out in the aftermath of the floods by humanitarian and Government of Sri Lanka partners to understand the needs of affected communities. The findings also highlighted government priorities to support its response efforts. 

The prepositioning of items is one of many US-funded initiatives to support Sri Lanka to ensure it is prepared to swiftly assist affected communities during emergencies, including climate-induced disasters.

The United States is one of WFP’s largest donors globally. Through USAID, WFP has assisted Sri Lanka in times of emergencies, while supporting in rebuilding fragile food systems and promoting access to better nutrition. (Newswire)

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The distribution of fortified rice, provided by the World Food Program (WFP) on behalf of the program initiated under the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to provide a nutritious meal for school students, commenced at the Veyangoda warehouse complex today (Apr 19).

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD, fortified rice is being provided for school meals in an effort to reduce iron deficiency among school children.

This distribution will be conducted under the supervision of M.H.A.M. Riflan, Director General for the Partnership Secretariat for World Food Programme Co-operation (PSWFPC), which operates under the purview of the Presidential Secretariat.

As planned, the distribution of 735 metric tons of rice to provincial-level schools commenced today as part of the first phase and will continue tomorrow (20). This rice stock is being delivered to schools under the supervision of officials from the respective Provincial Departments of Education and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs).

Meanwhile, Director General for the PSWFPC, Riflan said 378.835 metric tons of dhal, 412.08 metric tons of sunflower cooking oil, and 300 metric tons of dates will be distributed to schools following the start of the new school term on May 19.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has implemented measures to provide a main meal at school for all students in grades 1-5 across the country. Following nutritionists’ recommendations, students receive breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. daily before engaging in educational activities.

Under the theme of ‘Healthy Active Generation,’ the 2024 school meal program aims to reduce nutritional problems among students, increase daily school attendance, foster good eating and health habits, contribute to the improvement of educational achievement levels, and fulfil the fundamental objectives of promoting local food culture.

The school feeding program for this year extends its benefits to 1.6 million students, including primary students from 9,134 government schools, as well as smaller schools with fewer than 100 students. 

A budget of Rs. 16.6 billion has been allocated to the nine provincial councils by the government, supplemented by sponsorship from entities such as the World Food Program (WFP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Newswire)

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Russia has donated a consignment of Sunflower oil to the people of Sri Lanka as part of its contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP). 

Around 352 tons of sunflower oil enriched with vitamins and minerals has been donated to Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at the event to mark the donation, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan said this marks a truly historic moment in the development of Russia – Sri Lanka ties.

Ambassador Dzhagaryan pointed out that one of the purposes of the Russian foreign policy is to promote international cooperation in solving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems. 

“In terms of these aspects, the Russian Federation never stays on the sidelines.  Despite all the challenges faced by our country, we will continue supporting our friendly states. Keep moving forward! Great things are ahead,” he added. (NewsWire)

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Food security in Sri Lanka is improving across all provinces, according to the latest Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report.

The report estimates 3.9 million people or 17 per cent of the population are in moderate acute food insecurity which is nearly a 40 percent decrease from June/July last year. Nearly 10,000 people are severely acute food-insecure, down from 66,000 people last year.

The report was jointly carried out in February/March 2023 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). 

As per the report, the improvement in food security stems from better food consumption, which could be attributed to reduced food prices and improved incomes among farming communities during the harvesting period when the mission was carried out. 

Despite this positive trend, food insecurity remains high in certain districts, especially Kilinochchi, Nuwara Eliya, Mannar, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, and Jaffna. The highest level of acute food insecurity was found within the tea plantation communities in the Estate sector and among daily wage labourers and households who rely on social assistance programmes, such as Samurdhi, as their main source of income. 

Production of cereal, including rice and maize, across the two main cropping seasons in 2022/23 is forecast at 4.1 million tonnes, 14 per cent below the past five-year average, mainly due to poor plant nutrition caused by an inadequate supply of fertilizer and unaffordability of essential material inputs. However, essential fertilizers distributed to smallholder farmers by the Government, facilitated by funds received from multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, have significantly impacted production, marking an improvement in the yield with productivity in the recently harvested 2022/23 “Maha” season, 12% higher than the 2022 “Yala” season. 

Representative of FAO to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Vimlendra Sharan speaking on CFSAM Report findings said, “The Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report is an eye-opener on the continuing vulnerabilities and challenges that exist within the food systems of Sri Lanka. This report and its findings will no doubt serve as a guiding light for policymakers and stakeholders to collectively work towards ensuring food security, strengthening agricultural resilience and mitigating risks faced by farmers and rural communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic crisis. FAO remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in their efforts towards achieving sustainable food systems, food security and zero hunger.”

“After many months of challenges, we are finally witnessing an improvement to the country’s food security,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, WFP Sri Lanka’s Representative and Country Director. “But there is more to be done. A high number of households — more than 60 per cent — are adopting negative measures to put food on the table, including borrowing money and purchasing food on credit. WFP will extend its emergency operation, which commenced last year, to provide food rations and cash assistance to people identified as food insecure.”

Mission recommendations

The joint FAO/WFP Mission recommends providing immediate support to farmers, particularly by releasing available fertilizer stocks to enhance production and productivity in the ongoing “Yala” season and making urgent policy decisions to import fertilizers in time for the 2023/24 “Maha” cultivation season.  The report also recommends any move for reducing or removing fertiliser subsidy to be in a gradual and phased manner, giving adequate time to the farming community to adapt. 

Other recommendations include the establishment of a “Fertilizer Task Force” to streamline fertilizer procurement and distributions as well as to strengthen adaptive research on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices to improve fertiliser use efficiency. Further, to minimize the impact on the livestock and fisheries sectors, the mission recommends providing adequate support to increase fodder and feed crop production.

Further recommendations include continuing food and/or cash assistance to facilitate access to food among households most vulnerable to food insecurity. In the long term, increased livelihood support to food-insecure households and resilience-building initiatives are also recommended to prevent them from compromising on productivity and their capacity to cope with future shocks. (NewsWire)

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Nearly one-third of Sri Lanka’s population was acutely food-insecure in 2022, the latest report of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stated.  

According to the WFP’s report, 6.3 million people in Sri Lanka were acutely food-insecure in 2022 due to a severe shortage of food, fuel, and other essentials.

In 2022, Sri Lanka faced the worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948.

A range of factors, such as consecutive years of drought, depleted foreign reserves, political turbulence, high inflation, and increased public debt had a devastating impact on the country’s economy. 

This led to a severe shortage of food, fuel, and other essentials, resulting in 6.3 million people in Sri Lanka being acutely food-insecure in 2022 – that’s nearly one-third of the population, WFP reported. 

The WFP report further stated that this marked a dramatic reversal for a country in which food insecurity was at 10 per cent in 2019.

Full report: https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000148326/download/?_ga=2.211225429.196805118.1683576069-716155901.1654095281 (NewsWire)

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The agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations during the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference, according to the statement released by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, on Sunday, lauded the work of WFP in promoting food self-sufficiency and supporting governmental and global efforts to ensure long-term solutions to the challenge of hunger.

At the conference, Tomar also thanked the ministers for being a part of the global conference organized by India with the aim of promoting Shree Anna, under the International Year of Millets (IYM), according to the statement.

He said that the International Year of Millets is being celebrated so that the Indian Shree Anna, its recipes, and value-added products are accepted globally as a people’s movement. He hoped to further strengthen India’s agricultural ties with various countries.

During the global conference, the MoU between WFP and the Government of India for cooperation between 2023-2027 was signed in the presence of Agriculture Minister Tomar. During this, Manoj Juneja, Deputy Chief Executive Director, Management and Chief Financial Officer of UNWFP, and Elizabeth Faure, WFP Representative and Country Director in India were present, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, he held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from various countries participating in the Global Millets Conference. In a meeting with Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustafa, Union Minister Tomar recalled the visit of the President of Guyana, Mohammad Irfan Ali, and Vice-President of Guyana Bharat Jagdev, and said that agriculture is a very important area of cooperation between the two countries.

Expressing happiness over the steady progress in India-Guyana relations, he hoped for concrete cooperation in Agriculture and allied sectors.

Tomar congratulated Guyana for the huge crude oil discovery, saying that this would enable Guyana to establish itself as a major energy exporter, which has the potential to transform the lives of its people.

Expressing immense potential for cooperation in Agriculture and Agro-Processing Industries between India and Guyana, he said that the two countries complement each other as Guyana has vast arable land and water availability and India has the technology, expertise, and skilled manpower, which will mutually benefit both the countries.

“India is keen to share its expertise and experience in the development of agriculture and allied sectors in Guyana, for which an MoU is under finalization. He assured that Guyana’s request for the deputation of two experts to ITEC from India for three years to support the Guyana Sugar Corporation management and revive the sugar estates/plants in Guyana would be considered at the earliest,” the statement read.

Apart from Guyana, Tomar also held meetings with his counterparts from Zambia, Suriname, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. (ANI)

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed Stephanie Wilcock, Director for Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) on a visit to Sri Lanka. 

Issuing a statement, WFP stated that during the visit, Wilcock met with poor rural communities to understand their food and nutrition needs, and how WFP’s US-funded programmes will help them overcome challenges brought on by the economic crisis.   

As part of the visit, Wilcock travelled to Ratnapura, where she spoke with food-insecure families faced with high food prices and unemployment. The community will soon receive US-funded cash assistance through WFP worth LKR 20,000 (approximately US$55) for four consecutive months which will empower them with the choice to meet their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost the economy.

“Sri Lanka continues to experience significantly high levels of food insecurity, affecting over 30 per cent of the population, most notably among the poor,” said Gerard Rebello, Acting Country Director for WFP Sri Lanka. “We are extremely grateful for the invaluable support from the Government and people of the United States, which has been critical in enabling WFP to expand its emergency assistance. The funding from USAID will help WFP address humanitarian needs and prevent food insecurity from deteriorating further.” 

The United States has funded nearly one-third of Sri Lanka’s emergency operation requirement, with a contribution of US$20 million (LKR 7.3 billion) in 2022. The funds allow WFP to provide cash, food assistance and value vouchers to food-insecure families, and to support national food and nutrition programmes, including school meals and Thriposha, a fortified blended food product for pregnant and nursing mothers and young children.  

USAID’s long-time support for the Government of Sri Lanka through WFP has helped improve the country’s capacity in disaster risk management, particularly against natural hazards. During the trip, Wilcock also visited an emergency operations centre in Ratnapura to observe how US funding has enabled district-level emergency coordination systems development. Wilcock was given an overview of how the centre provides timely information to safeguard communities from natural hazards such as floods and landslides. 

WFP, with funding from donors like the US, has reached two million people since June 2022 through its emergency operation, with plans to reach 3.4 million people with food and nutrition assistance in the coming months. (NewsWire)

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The Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission report by the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization says nearly thirty per cent of the Sri Lankan population is currently facing food insecurity. 

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka said in a statement that through ongoing initiatives as well as new funding and food shipments, the United States is working with the Government of Sri Lanka, the WFP, and other partners to address these needs. 

An initial shipment of 600 metric tons of fortified rice funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) arrived in Sri Lanka last week to support the Government of Sri Lanka’s national school meal program.

The shipment is part of a larger food assistance initiative by USAID and WFP that includes 3,950 metric tons of fortified rice, 768 metric tons of red lentils, 1,188 metric tons of soya, and a planned 2,310 metric tons of maize. This assistance will help provide school meals and nutritional supplements for 1.7 million children as well as 300,000 pregnant and lactating mothers.

“US-SL relations celebrate 75 years this year, and ours has been a story of friendship and partnership. The American people swiftly responded when Sri Lanka’s economic crisis reduced access to nutritional food for many Sri Lankans, including children and mothers. This shipment reflects our continued commitment to the people of Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.

The United States has announced more than $270 million in new support to Sri Lanka over the last year. “As one of Sri Lanka’s longstanding development partners, we recognize how critical daily vital micronutrient intake is for young people. Therefore, child and maternal feeding programs were one of USAID’s very first assistance interventions in Sri Lanka, more than six decades ago,” said Gabriel Grau, USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives.  

“We are grateful for USAID’s assistance, which has enabled WFP to rapidly expand its emergency operation to reach the most food-insecure communities,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, WFP Sri Lanka Representative and Country Director. “The latest shipment of fortified rice funded by USAID will support the continuation of the school meal program while providing children with added nutrients through a mix of iron and folic acid, relieving parents who are struggling to provide healthy meals to their families.”

Pregnant and lactating mothers will receive Thriposha – a nutrition intervention in Sri Lanka that provides a combination of energy, protein, and micronutrients as a ‘ready-to-eat’ cereal.

This initiative is one component of the longstanding partnership between the American and Sri Lankan people to promote economic prosperity and democratic good governance for all Sri Lankans. To find out more about USAID’s work, please see usaid.gov/sri-lanka. (NewsWire)

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka has acknowledged a recent contribution of approximately Rs. 292 million from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at a special event held at the Embassy of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. 

Issuing a statement, WFP stated that the funding is being used to provide much-needed cash and other assistance to improve food security among rural farming communities affected by the country’s economic crisis.

Through this funding, over 1,000 smallholder farmers across five drought-prone districts are being provided with RS. 50,000 each to access essential items, including food. The funding will also support recovery among communities grappling with the twin challenges of the economic and climate crises. Through a suite of assistance, which includes diversified sources of income and enhanced access to markets, WFP aims to improve the livelihoods of those most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

“Switzerland is supporting Sri Lanka in many ways during this difficult time. Farmers, their families and many people associated with the agricultural sector are currently facing enormous difficulties. I am grateful that we have developed a partnership with WFP to strengthen the resilience of Sri Lankan farmers. This will ultimately benefit the entire population,” said Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dr. Dominik Furgler.

“Smallholder farmers form the backbone of our food systems but are among those hardest hit by the economic crisis,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, Representative and Country Director of WFP Sri Lanka.

“Their capacity to cope has been stretched to the limit, severely undermining their ability to withstand any future disasters such as floods and drought. This funding from Switzerland is timely and critical to assist these communities in meeting their immediate food needs while helping to restore food security in the long term.”

Sri Lanka was ranked second among countries most affected by extreme weather events in the last 20 years, as per the Global Climate Risk Index 2019. 

As part of its efforts to strengthen food security, WFP works towards making food systems more robust and resilient to the effects of the climate crisis. The generous contribution from the Swiss Government enables WFP to sustain the positive outcomes of prior projects which strengthened the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities and promotes self-reliance among smallholders even in times of crisis. (NewsWire)

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