Amid the economic challenges, State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya introduced new regulations aimed at addressing corruption in the cereal import sector. Previously, import permits for essential grains were intended to protect local farmers but led to a black market and corruption.
Sri Lanka is grappling with severe child malnutrition while the government maintains high import duties on essential cereals, a move criticized by opposition lawmakers.
Rohini Kaviratne of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya political party highlighted alarming statistics from UNICEF, revealing that one-third of Sri Lanka’s children are suffering from acute malnutrition. The crisis is exacerbated by high food prices and a lack of access to nutritious meals, particularly affecting children in the Nuwara Eliya District and plantation areas.
Kaviratne, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, emphasized the dire need for intervention. “The statistics are shocking,” she said. “One-third of our children are malnourished. Food insecurity due to the ongoing economic crisis is a major factor. We are facing a national health emergency.”
In response to the crisis, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announced an extension of the school mid-day meal program to help address the issue. However, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa argued that providing school meals alone is insufficient. “Child malnutrition starts in early childhood, affecting brain development. We need broader measures, such as price controls on essential food items. The government has failed to address the egg mafia, which keeps the price of eggs high—the cheapest source of protein,” Premadasa said.
Kaviratne also criticized the government for its failure to address the broader implications of malnutrition. “If children are going hungry, their mothers are likely facing severe hardship as well. In some cases, mothers are forced to go without food themselves to feed their children,” she remarked.
New regulations
In contrast, Education Minister Premajayantha defended the government’s economic stabilization efforts. He pointed out that food prices have decreased significantly from two years ago, citing a drop in the price of green chilies from 1,200 to 400 rupees per kilo. “Inflation has decreased and production has improved,” he stated. “The malnutrition data is based on inflation from previous years. We have made progress.”
Amid the economic challenges, State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya introduced new regulations aimed at addressing corruption in the cereal import sector. Previously, import permits for essential grains were intended to protect local farmers but led to a black market and corruption. Siyambalapitiya announced that import permits for key grains like green gram, cowpea, and undu gram would be removed. Instead, higher import duties would be imposed—300 rupees per kilo for green gram (up from 40 rupees) and cowpea (up from 70 rupees).
“These permits were intended to support local producers but ended up fostering a black market,” Siyambalapitiya explained. “By removing the permits and increasing import duties, we aim to protect farmers’ profits.”
However, critics argue that the high import taxes contribute to high prices for protein sources, including poultry products and dairy, further straining household budgets. Rice, a staple food, is also taxed at 65 rupees per kilo to support local farmers.
The debate continues as Sri Lanka struggles to balance economic protectionism with the urgent need to address rising child malnutrition.
