The Government of Sri Lanka announced that Sri Lanka has now gained the capacity to produce fortified rice kernels. The Kernels are enriched with Folic Acid and Iron through an extrusion process creating nutrient rich grains that will be blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice.
This initiative was highlighted as an urgent priority of the government following the Economic Crisis, which severely increased food insecurity and malnutrition, and the Presidential Secretariat’s commitment to the cause was highlighted by Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff to the President.
This fortified rice will be used to combat micronutrient malnutrition with Kernels being distributed via the government National Free School Meal Program.
The transfer of extrusion technology was prioritized by the Presidential Secretariat, and enabled by the World Food Program (WFP), The Program for Appropriate Technology and Health (PATH), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Akshata, and Connect To Care.
To mark the introduction of this capability, the Presidential Secretariat Support Unit supported by Connect To Care and PATH organized a workshop at the Galle Face Hotel.
The workshop, which brought together key stakeholders from the government, international organizations, private sector, and civil society, explained the benefits of staple food fortification and made clear the potential for tech transfer with the collaboration of the government, private sector and international partners. The event featured a keynote speech by Sagala Ratnayaka who emphasized the government’s vision and support for food fortification initiatives.
Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff to the President, stated, “The Rice Fortification Project supported by the Gates Foundation is a testament to our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our children. We are grateful for the support of our partners WFP, PATH and Connect To Care in making this vision a reality.”
Roshan Perera, Managing Director of Grains n Green, remarked, “We are proud to be the first fortified rice kernel producer in Sri Lanka. This project will have a lasting impact on the nutritional status of our population, especially our children.”
