News
As country’s economic woes deepened Kohila consumption jumped by 45 percent
By Ifham Nizam
A new study conducted by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Training and Research Institute has revealed the devastating impact of the economic crisis on the food consumption patterns of Sri Lankan citizens.
According to the report, the domestic demand for Kohila surged by 45 percent during the 2021-2022 period, as citizens were forced to manage with whatever vegetables they could find. In stark contrast, consumption of beans, carrots, pumpkin, brinjal, and leafy vegetables plummeted by 30 percent.
The research report, titled “Economic Crisis and Household Food Security in Sri Lanka- 2022,” paints a bleak picture of the situation in the country. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera stated that between September 2021 and the end of 2022, food inflation skyrocketed to an alarming 95 percent. The report also notes that this crisis is the worst economic downturn the country has experienced since gaining independence.
The report highlights the devastating impact on the food consumption habits of Sri Lankan citizens, with 86 percent of the population forced to change their diets due to a reduction in the amount of food items available. A further 75 percent had to reduce the quantity of food they used to prepare meals, while 45 percent reduced the frequency of eating altogether. A staggering 38 percent even had to cut back on the amount of food they ate.
The crisis has hit the estate sector particularly hard, with nearly 68 percent of workers having to spend the majority of their daily earnings on food. In Ratnapura, Ampara, Matara, and Hambantota districts, 75 percent of people have been forced to spend all their earnings on food just to make ends meet. The report indicates that 43 percent of the urban sector, 52 percent of the rural sector, and 67 percent of the plantation sector are now suffering from food insecurity.
The situation is even more dire when it comes to nutrition. A significant proportion of Sri Lankan citizens are now unable to access protein-rich food, with 25 percent in urban areas, 03 percent in rural areas, and 07 percent in plantation areas being affected. An even greater number of people are deficient in vitamin A foods, with 66 percent in urban areas, 46 percent in rural areas, and 41 percent in plantation areas affected. During the survey period, a shocking 56 percent of the population were unable to access any food containing iron. The report also confirmed that 78 percent of plantation workers were unable to consume meat and fish, which are essential sources of haem iron.
While the report paints a bleak picture, there is some cause for optimism. Food inflation has now reduced to 57 percent in 2023, down from its peak of 95 percent in October 2022. Amaraweera has called for more surveys like this to be conducted every three months in collaboration with academics to keep track of the situation and ensure that Sri Lankan citizens are able to access adequate food in the future.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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