Food security is vital to ensuring a nation’s sovereignty and national security – PM

Colombo, April 28 (Daily Mirror) - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has said that, amid the prevailing turbulent global environment, the agriculture sector is facing significant challenges, while food security has become a key factor influencing a country’s stability, sovereignty, and national security.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (28) at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, while addressing the National Youth Agripreneur Showcase and B2B Connect Conference organised under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP). The programme is jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka, with the objective of empowering rural youth to engage in agribusiness ventures.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister commended the organisers for successfully holding the event despite various national challenges.

“I commend the organisers for successfully conducting this event despite the various challenges faced by the country,” she said.

She further said that young agri-entrepreneurs are playing a vital role in both the agricultural sector and the national economy.

“I am happy to witness talented agri-entrepreneurs such as yourselves,” the Prime Minister added.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture-based food security, Dr. Amarasuriya said that it has a direct impact on national security.

“Food security, founded on agriculture, directly impacts a nation’s national security. Concepts such as ‘Grow and Sell’ contribute significantly to strengthening the production economy,” she said.

She also pointed to global disruptions, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have demonstrated how vulnerable economies become in the absence of food security. She warned that even minor policy decisions by global leaders could disrupt supply chains.

The Prime Minister further highlighted that climate change poses serious and growing challenges to agriculture, making production increasingly unpredictable.

“In such a context, your contribution as agri-entrepreneurs goes beyond earning an income. It is a direct contribution to the nation’s food security and, consequently, to national security,” she said, adding that youth innovation in agriculture is essential for the country’s future.

She also expressed appreciation for the support provided by institutions such as IFAD and SAPP, and extended best wishes to Sri Lanka’s young entrepreneurs.