Lanka to help WFP

Indunil HEWAGE

The Sri Lankan government is eager to become a food supplier to the World Food Programme in a bid to help a large number of people who live in abject poverty and hunger in the world.

The government initiated Divi Naguma program which is a dedicated program to empower the rural masses has become a catalyst to propel the backyard economic development and it will enable Sri Lanka to export excessive rice production for the World Food Program.

Addressing a seminar organized by National Chamber of Commerce, Treasury Secretary Dr P.B Jayasundara said, Divi Naguma is not a mere agricultural project and its ability to supply raw materials for local industries will enable Sri Lanka to curtail a large amount of money that flows out to other countries to import raw materials.

"We are having discussions with relevant officials pertaining to food exports capabilities for this programme and request the private sector to look into identify suitable paddy cultivating lands for rice exports," he said.