The food security situation in northern Sri Lanka has improved compared to what it was in March 2010, the World Food Programme (WFP) has said adding the next four months will be crucial.
“The food consumption score for the vast majority of returnees falls in the acceptable range. Despite these improvements, however, the food security situation remains fragile as food assistance is the main source of basic food for returnees who are under resettlement, and they continue to spend a considerable proportion of their income on other complimentary food. The period from January to April remains critical, as the harvest from the main agricultural season Maha only becomes available in April”, the Hindu reported.
In an e-mailed response to a question by The Hindu as to what needed to be done to improve the conditions, the WFP Sri Lanka said: “The food security situation in Sri Lanka will gradually improve as livelihoods are regained and more arable lands are made available through de-mining. After the harvest period in April it is also foreseen that the food security situation will improve.”