SAARC calls for Food Bank operation soon

The SAARC Colombo statement detailed the need to address the food crisis which is threatening the country, region and the global community and called for operationalisation of the Food Bank as soon as possible, said Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Palitha Kohona.

He said the Ministerial Council recommended Heads of States of the SAARC member countries of the issues affecting global food security and the focus made in the Colombo statement on the need to address the problem which is posing a serious threat to the region.

The SAARC Summit has placed food security in the region on top of its agenda and has pledged State intervention to assist member States in times of crisis, Dr. Kohona said.

A consensus on the need to set up a Food Bank that will provide technological and institutional support to member States was reached. A proper mechanism for food distribution which is more vital than merely focusing of food production was discussed at the meeting.

Dr. kohona said the Ministerial Council stressed the need to address food security, combating terrorism, energy crisis and threat to climate change commonly affecting the region.

Greater cooperation among member States, poverty alleviation, transfer of new technology and the welfare of women and children were issues that were addressed at the meetings", he said.

With regard to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and why it has been put on hold, he said bilateral issues are not discussed at the SAARC meeting.

A proposal by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to set up a food reserve in the region has gained popular support and was taken up for discussions in keeping with the need to launch the Food Bank.

The surging food and crude oil prices and the ways to reduce the impact of the ripple effect on the economies were discussed", Dr. Kohona said.

SAARC has come under severe criticism as another talk shop without implementation.

The 15th SAARC Summit was held in Colombo amidst criticism on the expenditure which amounted to around Rs. 2.8 billion.