By Saman Indrajith

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday warned that there was the possibility of a severe food shortage, which would be far worse than all other crises.

Making a special statement, the Speaker said that economists had warned of a looming food crisis. He appealed to lawmakers to sink their political differences, as the country was facing a critical situation, and come together to find solutions.

“As you know, we are holding this debate at a time when the country is facing the biggest ever economic crisis in its history. Economists have warned that this situation will worsen in the coming days and it would be aggravated by a food shortage. It is my firm belief that we need to decide whether we let the crisis engulf us or explore ways and means of

overcoming it,” the Speaker said. Speaker Abeywardena also said that he knew the fact that MPs were under tremendous pressure. “As the person who is entrusted with the security and safety of the MPs I have instructed security establishment ito take action necessary to ensure security of the MPs,” he said.

“We must understand that the people are facing many problems and they are venting their anger because they are under heavy pressure. We as the representatives of the people should understand their problems and their suffering. Therefore, I call on all of you together to find solutions within the constitutional provisions to come out of this crisis situation,” the Speaker said.