National Council sub-committee on identifying short- and medium-term programs related to economic stabilization takes into discussion.
The National Council sub-committee on identifying short- and medium-term programs related to economic stabilization disclosed that that only 1/5th of the country’s population gets a proper nutritious diet and that 75% of the country’s income is spent on food.
These matters were taken into discussion when the National Council sub-committee on identifying short- and medium-term programs related to economic stabilization met in Parliament today (18) under the chairmanship of Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Member of Parliament.
The meeting was called to seek expert views on food security and nutrition security, need for fertilizer, decline in the harvest, malnutrition and its possible social consequences. The committee sought expert views on debt restructuring and drug use in the country previously.
The short-term and mid-term measures that can be taken to overcome this situation were discussed here, especially since the malnutrition situation in the country for about ten years has escalated with the current economic crisis.
Accordingly, the Chairman informed the Ministry of Finance to conduct a survey on income and household expenditure immediately. The chairman also informed that this relevant survey has not been conducted after 2019. Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the survey will provide accurate information about the social consequences of this economic crisis and that information will be very important in preparing for future course of action.
It was also discussed that even if the income could be increased through measures such as tax increases in the country, the problem of sustaining industries, job losses and declining nutrition conditions will have a severe impact as side effects.
Also, opinions were expressed regarding the importance of maintaining proper nutrition for the first 8000 days of a person’s life and the need to educate people about the utilizing available food with proper safety measures.
Former President of Sri Lanka Medical Council Professor Harendra De Silva, Professor in Nutrition Ranil Jayawardena, Professor of Agri Business Rohana Pandukabhaya Mahaliyanaarachchi, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Professor in Crop Science Arunakumara, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Food Commissioner Mr. Upul Shantha de Alwis, Presidential Adviser on National Food Security Dr. Suren Batagoda, National Fertilizer Secretariat Director Chandana Lokuhewa gamage and many other institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Treasury expressed their views.
Sate Minister Hon. Sisira Jayakody, Members of Parliament Hon. Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan, Hon. M. Rameshwaran were present at this Committee meeting.
