August 7, 2022
1 min read

WFP worried about food security in Lanka

An emergency programme is being set up to help 3.4 million people in Sri Lanka who are most at risk of food insecurity and malnutrition…reports Asian Lite News

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is concerned about the impact of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka on food supplies for the country’s poorest.

Nearly 6.3 million people, or three in 10 households, are at risk of food insecurity and need assistance, the WFP said in a statement of thanks for an aid contribution from Norway of the equivalent of about $500,000.

Recent WFP surveys show that 61 per cent of families are either eating less, or eating less nutritious food, or even skipping meals altogether, due to the acute emergency, reports dpa news agency.

An emergency programme is being set up to help 3.4 million people in Sri Lanka who are most at risk of food insecurity and malnutrition, it added.

The island nation, with a population of about 22 million, is in the midst of its worst economic crisis since it gained independence in 1948.

Most recently, the country, which is $51 billion in foreign debt, lacked the money to import essential goods such as fuel, medicines and gas for cooking.

Food prices have risen sharply and inflation is already over 60 per cent, according to official figures.

“We are deeply concerned about the impact of the current economic and political crisis on the people of Sri Lanka,” Norwegian Ambassador Trine Joranli Eskedal was quoted as saying.

Food shortages and rising prices have had a particularly negative impact on women and children in the island nation.

ALSO READ: Lanka blocks Chinese ‘spy’ ship after pressure from India

Previous Story

Sunak’s stark inflation warning   

Next Story

Why Tejas fighter aircraft are in demand?

Latest from -Top News

Palestinians Seek Help to End Israeli Siege 

The Palestinian Ministry of National Economy: “We remind the entire world that Israel is refusing to allow the entry of basic health and humanitarian needs, especially water, electricity, and food, to the

GOP Targets Chinese Student Visas in New Bill

For weeks, US Rep. Riley Moore has sounded the alarm over alleged CCP exploitation of the US student visa program….reports Asian Lite News House Republicans are pushing legislation to ban Chinese nationals

Pak, Iran Crack Down on Afghan Refugees

Most of those affected are in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where authorities have intensified pressure on Afghan nationals to leave….reports Asian Lite News As forced deportation and illegal detention of Afghan refugees continues,

Congo and M23 rebel group to hold peace talks 

Rwanda-backed rebels take more towns as they expand control after seizing east Congo’s largest city The government of Congo will hold peace talks next week in Angola with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Debt refinancing: Lanka pins hopes on China

China is Sri Lanka’s biggest creditor having provided the Island

SL central bank expects economy to recover gradually in H2 2023

The central bank said that structural economic impediments that existed