Lanka’s food production programmes ensure food security

Sri Lanka has food production programmes which address the food security of those below the poverty line as well as all other consumers, said Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

He was addressing the inauguration of the Bi-Regional Meeting on `Scaling Up Nutrition’, at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.

The National Nutrition Council was initiated by Minister Sirisena under the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka declared the first Nutrition Policy in 1986 and later scaled it up in 2008 with a revision applicable for a period of 10 years. Minister Sirisena said that the National Nutrition Council established with all related ministries and stakeholders is now functioning satisfactorily.

“I always consider the multi-sectoral nature of nutrition and a multi-sectoral approach,” he said.

“The main objective of the countrywide Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu programme is the cultivation of all bare lands and even in pots in apartments.

“The programme was a success and increased the production and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Minister Sirisena said.

The minister thanked all UN agencies who helped, both financially and materially, to improve the nutrition status of the people in Sri Lanka and all those who continue to support in upgrading the health sector.

UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for South East and the Pacific Dr. Festo Kavishe, FAO Assistant DG and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific Regional Office Hiroyuku Konuma, WFP Regional Director for Asia Kenro Oshidari, WHO Regional Director for SEA Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang and many others addressed the gathering. Participants from all countries in the two regions were present.