PM calls on govt. officials to expedite implementation of food security programme

• Officials instructed to focus on fisheries sector and improve its exports to reach levels of  apparel sector
• Calls for district-level action plan
• Tells not to waste time on presenting data and statistics

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena this week called on relevant authorities to step up efforts in rural economic revitalisation and accelerate the setting up of a food security programme.

In a meeting held to establish Grama Niladhari as centres of rural economic revival, the Premier asserted the need to enhance the nutrition of people for which a food security programme must be implemented at the earliest for a period of two years.

Officials were instructed to focus on the fishing industry and make necessary arrangements to supply kerosene oil and diesel so that stakeholders can move forward with their daily activities with minimal hindrance.

Gunawardena stated that the fishing industry should move towards the goals of food security and nutrition, while also actively looking at boosting exports to the levels of the apparel sector. He also urged the relevant authorities to be productive in providing facilities and allocating additional land for cultivation.

“Go beyond data collection and explanations. Districts should make an action plan and implement this programme because it is the right time to overcome the challenges and not the time to waste on presenting data and statistics,” he told government officials present at the meeting.

Officials who attended the meeting included Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Douglas Devananda, Minister of Commerce and Food Security Nalin Fernando, and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake among others.