International 11 Jun, 2026

1.3 million Sri Lankans risk falling to hunger, estimates UN food agency

Business To Business, Colombo, 11^th June, 2026:   The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that at least 1.3 million people in Sri Lanka could struggle to meet their basic food needs and, in some cases, face acute hunger as a result of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Key Findings
According to the WFP's report, "Food Security Under Pressure: How the Middle East Crisis is Impacting Vulnerable Countries":

• An additional 1.3 million Sri Lankans are at risk of food insecurity due to the economic fallout from the West Asia conflict.
• These people are in addition to the 4.7 million Sri Lankans already estimated to require food assistance in 2026 to meet basic needs.
• The effects of the crisis are already being felt in vulnerable economies through higher import costs, inflationary pressures, and disruptions to global markets.

Why West Asia Matters to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka remains sensitive to external economic shocks because of its dependence on imports for fuel, food, and other essential commodities.
The conflict in West Asia has contributed to:

• Higher global energy prices.
• Increased transportation and shipping costs.
• Pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
• Rising food prices and household expenses.

These factors disproportionately affect low-income families, who spend a larger share of their income on food and basic necessities.
Although the WFP report was released last week, it gained significant attention in Sri Lanka on Thursday after opposition lawmakers raised the matter in Parliament.
The discussion highlighted concerns that the country, which is still recovering from recent economic challenges, could face renewed pressure on food security if global disruptions continue.
The UN agency said its latest analysis confirms concerns it raised three months earlier that the escalating conflict in West Asia could deepen hunger in some of the world's most vulnerable countries.
According to the WFP, the consequences of the crisis are proving to be:

• Deep and long-lasting.
• Particularly severe for import-dependent economies.
• Most damaging for poor and vulnerable households.

The report underscores how geopolitical conflicts can have far-reaching humanitarian consequences beyond the immediate conflict zone. For Sri Lanka, policymakers will likely focus on managing food prices, ensuring supply-chain stability, and protecting vulnerable populations from the impact of rising living costs.
The findings also highlight the continued importance of international assistance and social protection programmes in safeguarding food security for millions of people facing economic hardship.