WFP to increase food support programs in Sri Lanka

The World Food Program (WFP) has acceded to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s request for additional support for nutritious food distribution programmes targeting children and women, especially pregnant and lactating mothers.

Visiting Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific John Aylieff pointed out that WFP has a genuine partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and their joint programmes such as mid-day meal for school children and thriposha for nutrition supply are some successful models that other recipient countries could also emulate.

“We could make a powerful impact as the Government has become an equal partner in WFP programs in Sri Lanka,” Aylieff stated when he called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Parliament on Thursday.

Highlighting the importance of a healthy community for a country, the Prime Minister requested the WFP to explore the possibility of increasing assistance to develop cottage industries and micro-fisheries within the island.

The WFP Regional Director said the grants to Sri Lanka at these difficult times would be further increased by $ 20 million, taking the total to $ 60 million.

WFP Country Director Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, Government Partnership Officer Musthafa Nihmath, Secretary to Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and Additional Secretary Harsha Wijewardena also took part in this discussion.