International Forum on Hybrid Rice Assistance and Global Food Security PM says increasing rice yield is key to food security

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena who made a Video Message at the International Forum on Hybrid Rice Assistance and Global Food Security held in Beijing said increasing rice yield is crucial for solving food crisis, ensuring food security, and reducing poverty. 

He said the Chinese scientists had succeeded in producing high-yielding varieties of rice and their introduction to other countries will definitely help those nations to reach self-sufficiency in rice, leading to food security.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate China, on this great achievement in food production, its leadership and assistance to Asia, Africa, & Latin America and towards prosperity of all Nations.

China’s partnership towards food security in Sri Lanka has a long history as Rubber-Rice Agreement between our two countries were signed way back in 1951.

I wish to recall here the speech made by my father Philip Gunawardena, as the Minister of Agriculture & Food, at the 4th FAO Regional Meeting for Asia and the Far East, held in 1959 in Tokyo. I quote, “This Conference is being held without China, the biggest producer of rice in the world. Considering that Ceylon earnestly propose to FAO to have China as a full member”. Unquote.

Today, with the speedy development and growth witnessed in China, the relationship has further enhanced between China and Sri Lanka in economic, trade, investment, cultural and social spheres as well as people-to-people friendship bonds. China’s success in eradicating poverty, rural upliftment and ensuring food security has been exemplary. Sri Lanka wishes to thank your magnanimous contributions to the efforts of my country as well as other developing nations towards achieving food security,” he said.

• China’s partnership towards food security in Sri Lanka has a long history as Rubber-Rice Agreement between our two countries were signed way back in 1951