The World Food Programme (WFP) has acceeded to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s request for additional support of nutritious food distribution programmes targeting children and women, especially pregnant and lactating women.
WFP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific John Aylieff said the WFP has a genuine partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and their joint programmes such as mid-day meal for schoolchildren and Triposha for nutrition supply are some successful models that other recipient countries could also emulate.
“We could make a powerful impact as the Government has become an equal partner in WFP programmes in Sri Lanka,”. Aylieff said when he called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Parliament yesterday (1).
Highlighting the importance of a healthy community for a country, the Prime Minister requested the WFP to explore the possibility of increasing assistance to develop cottage industries and micro-fisheries in the country.
The WFP Regional Director said that the grants to Sri Lanka at these difficult times would be further increased by US$ 20 million, taking the total to US$ 60 million.
WFP Country Director Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, Government Partnership Officer Musthafa Nihmath, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and Additional Secretary Harsha Wijewardena were present.
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