Brazilian commodities for Sri Lanka from UN World Food Program

Sri Lanka has achieved a good success in economic growth, livelihood development and social welfare after the end of conflict within very short period of time said Brazilian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Pedro Henrique Lopes Borio, participating in handing over ceremony of Brazilian government donation for needy people in Sri Lanka.

“Brazil and some other countries and international donor agencies came to assist Sri Lanka after the end of conflict especially for humanitarian areas and Sri Lanka fully utilised these assistance bringing benefits to the affected people. Brazil will extend its fullest cooperation for the economic development of Sri Lanka and continue to expand bilateral relation in way beneficial to both countries. South – south cooperation will bring people of those countries together and equally benefit then by this kind of cooperation,” he further said.  

From left: Brazilian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Pedro Henrique Lopes Borio, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and WFP’s Country Representative in Sri Lanka Adnan Khan at the ceremony – Pic by Chaminda Hiththatiya

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka is interested in assuring the food security in the country. We want to in ensure the food security of the families and individual also. Therefore we initiated the Divi Naguma Program.

“Under the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government, the country was able to achieve self sufficiency in the rice production first time in the countries history after we gained the independence. Now we have a surplus in the rice production. When the Brazilian government’s intention of this donation came to discussion at the cabinet we paid attention to this situation. However considering the good gesture extended by the Brazilian government and longstanding friendship between the two countries we accepted this donation. I always appreciate the goodwill extended by the Brazilian government and people for Sri Lanka.”

WFP helped Sri Lanka at a critical time after the end of conflict and coordinated the humanitarian assistance program,” he further said.

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) today welcomed a US$2.2 million donation of white rice and beans from the Government of Brazil. The contribution of 3,000 metric tons of rice and 800 tons of beans the first from Brazil to WFP operations in Sri Lanka – will be used to helpmeet the food needs of resettled households in the north of the country.

The Brazilian Ambassador formally handed over the contribution to Minister Rajapaksa at the ceremony held in Ministry of Economic Development yesterday. Ministry of Economic Development is WFP’s implementing partner in Sri Lanka and key Government counter part.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, WFP’s Country Representative in Sri Lanka, Adnan Khan, said the donation came at an opportune time. “We must remember that, despite significant gains already made, many resettled group in the north – such as the elderly, disabled, widows and households headed by women – still require assistance to help meet their food and nutritional needs.”

Khan said the contribution demonstrated Brazilian’s commitment to supporting innovative efforts aimed at securing long term food security.

In November last year, WFP launched its centre of Excellence in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia. The Centre of Excellence was created to assist governments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America by drawing upon the expertise of WFP and Brazil in the fight against hunger, while promoting and sharing sustainable school feeding models and other food and nutrition safety nets from across the world.

Brazil is one of WFP’s most important emerging donors, contributing over US$ 118 million to the WFP since 2007.

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries.