Norway supports rising food insecurity in Sri Lanka with Rs 189 M

By assisting the most vulnerable groups in Sri Lanka

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a critical contribution of NOK 5 million (approximately Rs 189 million) from the Government of Norway to support Sri Lankans struggling to feed their families.

WFP’s emergency food and nutrition operation aims to assist 3.4 million of the Sri Lankans most at risk of food insecurity and malnutrition amid record food inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices and widespread shortages of essential commodities.

“We are grateful to the Norwegian Government for this much-needed contribution to WFP’s efforts to assist over 3 million people struggling to meet basic food needs. Acting now helps us to reduce the impact of the crisis on the poorest, most vulnerable Sri Lankans,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, Representative and Country Director for WFP in Sri Lanka.

Nearly 6.3 million people – or 3 in 10 households – are food insecure and in need of assistance. WFP’s recent surveys indicated that 61 percent of families are resorting to at least one coping mechanism, including eating less, eating less nutritious food, and even skipping meals altogether.

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