A severe drought is anticipated to occur from February to the middle of next year, posing a significant threat to the country’s food security. This is particularly concerning as people are already enduring hardships due to the ongoing economic crisis, according to experts. The warning was issued during a high-level scientific session organized by the Association of SAARCSFOOD in Sri Lanka, which focused on climate change and its impact on food security in the country.
During the session, Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the potential consequences of climate shifts. These include changes in growing seasons, an increase in pests and diseases, and a higher risk of crop failures. Sri Lanka is already vulnerable to climate change, experiencing frequent extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and storms that can damage crops and disrupt supply chains. Munasinghe emphasized the importance of implementing policy and adaptation measures to address these challenges and ensure food security.
Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, a Clinical Nutrition Specialist, also presented during the session. She acknowledged that while Sri Lanka has achieved good health outcomes at a low cost, resulting in longer life expectancy, there is a significant failure in addressing food insecurity. Approximately one-third of households in Sri Lanka are currently food insecure, and this issue is further exacerbated by the economic crisis and climate change.
Dr. Jayatissa highlighted the impact of the economic crisis on people’s ability to access a healthy diet, estimating that 70% of the population is facing difficulties in this regard. Additionally, rising temperatures and more frequent severe weather events will have a detrimental effect on agricultural land, further compromising food availability and productivity. She emphasized that these challenges are already being experienced today.
Furthermore, Dr. Jayatissa pointed out that the economic crisis has widened the gap in micronutrient intake due to the high prices of food. Approximately half of the Sri Lankan population suffers from some form of micronutrient deficiencies, as studies have shown.
