Food situation in northern Sri Lanka improves: WFP

R. K. Radhakrishnan

The food security situation in northern Sri Lanka has improved compared to what it was in March 2010, the World Food Programme has said. But the next four months will be crucial, the organisation warned.

Asked about the situation in the north, given the assertion by some international non-governmental organisations that food was expensive and hence access was an issue for the rehabilitated, WFP Sri Lanka said the food situation in the north remained fragile.

Responding to a question from The Hindu on the situation in northern Sri Lanka, WFP Sri Lanka said: “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.”    

In an e-mailed response to a question 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.”

On 15 December, IRIN, a “humanitarian news and analysis service” of the U.N. office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, asserted that the food security in northern Sri Lanka remained fragile. The assertion was based on preliminary findings by the World Food Programme (WFP). Of 1,755 households surveyed in five districts — including Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Killinochchi and Mannar — the majority spend more than 65 per cent of their income on food. Though the dietary intake of returnees was remarkably good, maintaining that over time will prove difficult given low income levels, a slower-than-expected livelihood recovery and widespread asset and livestock depletion, said IRIN, quoting the agency. The emergency food security and nutrition study was conducted from 7 October to 5 November by WFP with the Medical Research Institute and U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

A similar study was undertaken in March 2010.  

More than 300,000 conflict-displaced have resettled in the north following the defeat in May 2009 of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Asked about the IRIN assertions, WFP Sri Lanka said: “The information quoted in the IRIN article is very preliminary findings.” The report had not been finalised; it was “still in draft and is currently under review by the participating agencies” —the Sri Lankan government, UNICEF and WFP.