Former President launches Sri Lanka’s blueprint to end hunger and malnutrition

On 13 February 2017, the Sri Lankan National Strategic Review on Food Security and Nutrition – Towards Zero Hunger was launched as a blueprint for the country’s ongoing efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2; end hunger, achieve improved food and nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

Download National Strategic Review Document (14.2 MB) 

The exceptional research effort was led by former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, chairperson of the South Asia Policy and Research Institute, and involved consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.  The launch coincided with a three day visit of the Executive Director of the World Food Programme and SUN Movement Lead Group member, Ertharin Cousin.

This strategic review provides a framework for the partnerships across sectors that are vital to translate global aims into local actions. The Government has shown strong leadership in the review process  but addressing the ambitious recommendations in the report will also require partnerships with private sector, civil society, academia, NGOs and the UN.  WFP is also changing the way it works, and through its five-year Country Strategic Plan will seek to ensure its activities are closely aligned with the priorities set by the Government,”

Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme and SUN Movement Lead Group member.

WFP and the Government are planning to expand existing cash and food for work programmes to support farmers and rural communities who risk falling deeper into food insecurity because of the current drought.

Estimates indicate that already around one million people across the country have been affected by the drought in the form of lost crops or income and restricted access to water. The Government currently estimates that some 480,000 food-insecure people will need assistance to prevent them spiralling deeper into debt, hunger and hardship.

Learn more about launch and Ertharin’s visit: WFP, SL Guardian, UN