Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small island, middle-income nation that achieved significant progress in its human development and socioeconomic spheres, following the end of its 27-year civil conflict in 2009.

However, this progress has been derailed by events including the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic crisis which has affected vast swathes of the population.

Over a quarter of the population is now estimated to live below the poverty line, which compromises their ability to access sufficient, nutritious food.

A WFP Household Food Security Overview in 2023 showed that 42 percent of households were turning to food-based coping strategies, such as skipping meals, eating less-preferred food or limiting portion sizes. 

Nearly one-third of children under 5 are malnourished. Meanwhile, over 40 percent of women aged 18-60 are overweight or obese, due to poor dietary diversity and lack of access to nutritious food.

The climate emergency is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods, drought and landslides, heightening the risk of food and nutrition insecurity.

WFP has been in Sri Lanka since 1968, working with the Government to address malnutrition, support families’ access to food, and improve the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers.

As Sri Lanka emerges from its economic crisis, WFP is also focusing on long-term development that helps improve food security and nutrition in the country.