The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on national security established under the Ministry of Defence, organised a Round Table Discussion titled “Future of Food Security in Sri Lanka” on Thursday, from 2.00pm – 3.30pm (IST) via Zoom.
Guest Speakers for the event were Dr. V.T.S.K. Siriwardana, Director, Environmental and Occupational Health and Food Safety, Ministry of Health and Niranjala Jeganathan, Director Pricing and Management, Consumer Affairs Authority. The audience comprised of policy makers, researchers representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, academia, and officers from Sri Lanka armed forces and Sri Lanka police.
The moderator, Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardane RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, nswc, psc, hdmc Director (Communications and Publications) of INSS, commenced the discussion by providing an overview on food security and its significance for development of a country.
Dr. V.T.S.K. Siriwardhane presented on the critical role played by food safety in ensuring food security. He provided a comprehensive explanation over the current legal landscape with regard to manufacturing, imports, sale and distribution of food. Further, he explained on the role and the function of institutional arrangements that are placed in the country to ensure food safety.
Niranjala Jeganathan explained on different dimensions of food and nutrition security.
According to Jeganathan, availability of household resources, prices of food items, physical, social and policy environment are principal variables that define food availability and food accessibility in Sri Lanka. She drew the attention of the audience to current initiatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs Authority, which are focused on increasing food availability and food accessibility in the country.
The insightful presentations of guest speakers were followed by a thought-provoking Q and A session, which provided an array of notable methods to grapple with the current food crisis in the country. Subsequent to the concluding remarks by the moderator, Kamalni Herath, Intern (Research) at INSS, delivered the vote of thanks marking the conclusion.