Govt. gears up to ensure food security for New Year festivities

Tuesday, 4 March 2025 03:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha (left) and Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe

Steps up efforts to keep essential food items affordable
Ministers discuss food security strategies ahead of festive season
Focuses on preventing shortages, stabilising prices and maintaining stock levels
Approves importing maize for animal feed from 1 April
Says current import system to remain till new mechanism introduced
Emphasises on balancing consumer protection with farmer interests

With the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities approaching, the Government is ramping up efforts to ensure a steady supply of essential food items at affordable prices.

Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, alongside Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, convened the fourth Food Policy and Security Committee meeting at the Parliamentary complex yesterday, to strategise key policy decisions aimed at safeguarding national food security.

During the discussions, officials focused on preventing shortages, stabilising prices, and maintaining sufficient stock levels to meet the heightened demand during the festive season.

A major agenda item was the approval of maize imports for animal feed after 1 April, a move crucial for sustaining the livestock industries.

Minister Lalkantha stressed the need for a new import mechanism, but directed that the current system remain in place until a revised framework is established.

The Committee also highlighted the importance of balancing consumer protection with the interests of farmers and producers, ensuring that local agriculture remains viable while keeping food accessible to the public. Additionally, discussions reinforced the Government’s commitment to diverse and high-quality food choices for all citizens.

It was pointed out that as food security is a top priority, the Committee aims to roll out long-term policies for a safe, healthy, and sustainable food system, ensuring that no Sri Lankan faces shortages or price shocks during the upcoming festive season.

Among those present at the meeting were Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other Secretaries of relevant Ministries who are members of the Food Policy and Security Committee.