United Nations and World Food Programme Country Representatives Meet Defence Secretary

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, and the World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director, Mr. Philip Ward, met with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) for a discussion at the Ministry of Defence today (24 June).

The meeting focused on the World Food Programme's ongoing work in Sri Lanka and provided an opportunity to discuss the Government's priorities related to disaster risk management and resilience-building programmes. The discussions also explored potential areas of collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the WFP in strengthening national preparedness and response mechanisms.

Particular attention was given to identifying avenues through which the WFP and the donor community could support Sri Lanka's efforts to enhance resilience against natural disasters and other emergencies.

The Defence Secretary appreciated the longstanding support extended by the United Nations and the World Food Programme to Sri Lanka and stated that he looks forward to working closely with international partners in advancing the country's development agenda.