The government has identified food security as a top policy priority, focusing on establishing a comprehensive data system to guarantee a safe, secure, and sustainable food supply for all citizens.

To advance this goal, the Food Policy and Security Committee convened for the first time today (22) at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha, alongside Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe.

The committee aims to implement the government’s policy of ensuring food security by basing decisions on reliable and accurate data. During the meeting, it was stressed that the absence of such data could lead to uninformed policies, posing risks to national food security. Therefore, establishing a robust information system has been identified as a critical step.

The Minister of Agriculture highlighted the need to prioritise rice not only for direct consumption but also for industries like poultry, egg production, and beer manufacturing, which indirectly contribute to human consumption. Additionally, he underscored the importance of studying food consumption patterns to promote healthier diets and minimise food waste.

Key discussions at the meeting included developing a national food security policy framework, maintaining an essential food information system, aligning strategies with international standards, and increasing local production based on scientific evidence. Other topics included food pricing, market management, and ensuring affordability for consumers.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other ministerial secretaries.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies that address food security challenges while fostering sustainable agricultural practices and a healthier population.