Sri Lanka says yes to development of farmers and fishermen, for greater food safety
(Oct. 17, 2012) Marking World Food Day on Tuesday, (16 Oct.) Sri Lanka dedicated
a week of events, seminars, theater performances and religious activities in the
defense of and the right to food and livelihood. The various initiatives come after
the recent publication of the Global Security Index, GSI, which analyzes accessibility,
availability, quality and food safety. Based on these factors, the GSI has compiled
a ranking of 105 countries, in which Sri Lanka has finished in 62nd place. I In
Sri Lanka, NGOs, civil society and Christians have promoted several initiatives,
paying particular attention to farmers and fishermen. . Among the associations committed
to spreading the cause of food security is NAFSO - National Fisheries Solidarity movement.
and the Sri Wimukthi, which defends the rights of fishermen. Herman Kumara, president
of NAFSO said "With this campaign for food sovereignty, we want to bring about a
change of policy in favor of fishermen and farmers." He said “Among the Asian countries,
Sri Lanka is considered one of the best instead for social development, due to the
low rate of malnutrition and mortality, and one of the highest in terms of literacy."
However, he notes, "the situation is still alarming," because of "liberal economic
policies that have devastated rural agriculture, fishing and small-scale dairy farmers."
If sustained, he said "these categories can feed the country, solve the problems
of rural poverty and reduce unemployment."