Govt. to implement $ 10 m WFP–KOICA project to boost Thriposha supply chain

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 06:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Project aims to improve maize quality and strengthen Thriposha supply chain
About 7,500 maize farmers in Anuradhapura, Moneragala, and Badulla will benefit
KOICA provides full grant funding for the 2025–2029 project period

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved implementing a $ 10 million World Food Programme (WFP)-led project aimed at improving the quality of Thriposha production and strengthening the country’s maize-based food supply chain, in a move to enhance national nutrition outcomes and farmer livelihoods.

It was granted to sign the relevant discussion notes and Terms of Reference required for the project’s implementation, enabling formal collaboration between the Government, WFP and KOICA.

The project, titled “Building a Resilient High-Quality Maize-Based Food System for an Improved Thriposha Program in Sri Lanka: Let’s Sow, Let’s Grow,” seeks to upgrade the quality of maize used in Thriposha production while reinforcing the entire supply chain from farm to factory. The initiative forms part of WFP’s broader national nutrition interventions in Sri Lanka.

“According to the approved proposal, the project is expected to benefit around 7,500 small and medium-scale maize farmers in the districts of Anuradhapura, Moneragala and Badulla. It will be fully funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which will provide a grant of $ 10 million,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the project is scheduled to be implemented over a five-year period from 2025 to 2029. “It is designed to improve farmer productivity, ensure a stable supply of high-quality maize for Thriposha manufacturing, and strengthen food system resilience while supporting nutrition security for vulnerable groups,” he added.