The service of the Department of Meteorology is much critical for the food security of the country
which is a major concern for the government of Sri Lanka today, said the State Minister of
Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon.
Mentioning the need of weather and climate information and its forecasts he said such
information will ultimately improve the country‟s economic situation by increasing the
productivity of the sectors including agriculture, water, health and electricity, as well as the
protection of public and property.
State Minister Tennakoon expressed these remarks while addressing a distinguished gathering as
the „Chief Guest‟ during a ceremony organized to present a „Multi-Tasking Server‟ to the
Department of Meteorology by the „World Food Programme‟ (WFP) to symbolize the
collaboration maintained with the Sri Lanka Met. Department.
Director General of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayaka delivered the welcome address at the
outset of the programme and Director Research and Climate Change ARP Warnasooriya
presented the contributions of the WFP during the session.
Appreciating the much valued timely support extended by the WFP, State Minister Tennakoon
went on saying that this would improve the Disaster Management sector and related institutions
further stating “We are extremely happy as the WFP has begun its next programme cycle for
another five years until 2027”.
Country Representative of WFP in Sri Lanka Abdur Rahim Siddiqui expressing his views during
the programme said that the WFP has long history of cooperation with Sri Lanka and that its
engagement has widened.
Additional Secretary to the President Dr. Sulakshan Jayawardene, Director General of the
Disaster Management Centre Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe (Retd), Senior Assistant Secretary
of the Ministry of Defence Harsha Withanarachchi, senior Met. Department officials and WFP
representatives were also present at the occasion.
