Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the High-Level Policy Dialogue titled ‘Beyond Waste: Optimizing Food, Water, and Energy for Better Nutrition in South Asia’, held on 18th of June at the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel in Colombo.
The two-day event was jointly organized by the World Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka through the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Livelihood, with support from the Gates Foundation and other development partners, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
In her keynote address, Prime Minister Harini underscored the urgent need to address food loss and rising food insecurity across the region. She emphasized the importance of integration, innovation, and inclusion as key principles in building a resilient national food system.
She also called for greater use of technology, enhanced agricultural trade, and stronger participation of women and youth in transforming food systems for long-term sustainability.
The event brought together key stakeholders from across South Asia, including Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabandi, World Bank Division Director David Sislen, Gates Foundation Director Archna Vyas, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, and representatives from civil society and the private sector.
