Sri Lanka faces drought and food security challenges

Sri Lanka is facing significant agricultural and food security challenges due to a severe drought linked to El Niño. The water shortage has heavily impacted farming communities, particularly in dry-zone districts such as Ampara and Monaragala, where depleted wells, rivers, and irrigation tanks have left farmers struggling to maintain crops and livestock.

The drought has caused reduced household incomes and forced some agricultural workers to seek alternative employment. There are growing concerns that declining agricultural production could disrupt supply chains, reduce food availability, and lead to increased food prices. In response to these systemic pressures, authorities have launched a new National Food Safety Policy to strengthen the country’s food safety framework.