The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development held a special discussion Tuesday (25) to assess possible impacts of El Niño conditions on the supply and prices of essential food items and to strengthen preparations.
The discussion focused on the possibility of indirect disruptions to Sri Lanka’s essential food supplies due to the impact of El Niño on other countries, despite expectations that the direct impact on Sri Lanka would be limited.
Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe pointed out that maintaining adequate buffer stocks of essential imported food commodities was necessary as a precaution against possible disruptions to global supplies.
Officials reviewed the stocks of essential food commodities held by importers and examined relevant data from Sri Lanka Customs during the meeting.
Importers were also urged to act responsibly and treat the issue as a matter of national importance, while avoiding statements that could create unnecessary concern among the public, the ministry said.
Representatives of essential food importers attended the discussion along with Ministry Secretary K.A. Wimalenthiraraja, Consumer Affairs Authority Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon, Cooperative Wholesale Establishment Chairman Kosala Wilbawa, Lanka Sathosa Chairman Ravindra Fernando and other officials. (Newswire)