UNSW and World Food Programme Partner With Sri Lankan Government.
A new research partnership is bringing together Australia’s expertise, Sri Lankan knowledge and international support to strengthen food and water security in Sri Lanka.
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are working with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Sri Lankan Government and local partners to develop practical, evidence-based solutions following the country’s economic crisis.
The program aims to improve access to safe food and clean water while strengthening nutrition, livelihoods and long-term food system resilience.
Rather than introducing ready-made solutions, researchers are working with local organisations and communities to identify priorities and develop solutions suited to Sri Lanka’s needs.
Five key areas have been identified for research and development:
Improving nutrition and food and water safety in the national School Meals Program.
Expanding iron and folic acid fortification of rice.
Developing sustainable inland aquaculture to increase access to protein.
Improving drinking-water treatment, access and management.
Strengthening local food systems through better post-harvest handling and food processing.
The program is also examining supplementary foods for infants, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
The collaboration builds on work between UNSW and WFP that began several years ago. From 2023 to 2025, UNSW students participated in field-based food security projects in Sri Lanka through the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.
In August 2026, UNSW researchers travelled across Sri Lanka to meet government agencies, communities and organisations involved in food and nutrition programs.
A multi-stakeholder workshop in Colombo brought together representatives from government, WFP, universities, businesses, NGOs and technical organisations to identify priorities and develop a longer-term research program.
The team also visited a school receiving meals, a home garden supplying produce, an inland aquaculture facility in Anuradhapura and a facility involved in producing iron-fortified rice for schools.
Researchers said these visits provided valuable insight into both successful programs and challenges that need further attention.
The initiative has received support from both Australian and Sri Lankan authorities. The UNSW team met Australian Deputy High Commissioner Ruth Baird and Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya during the visit.
WFP Sri Lanka Country Director Philip Ward said the partnership would help turn research into practical measures addressing child malnutrition and strengthening resilience.
The next stage will focus on developing research proposals that can support stronger food and water systems across Sri Lanka.
The expected benefits include better school nutrition, improved access to protein, safer drinking water, reduced food waste and stronger local food production.
The partnership highlights how Australian research expertise, international organisations and Sri Lankan institutions can work together to develop locally relevant solutions for a healthier and more resilient Sri Lanka.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
Source : UNSW News
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