President proposes the setting up of a Global Food Crisis Fund

Sunil C.Perera in Colombo

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has proposed the setting up of a Global Food Crisis Fund that will have contributions from all countries. He made this proposal to the world leaders gathered at the UN Food Summit in Rome today.
In his address at the summit the president said the fund would also seek contributions from large business organizations that transcend geographical boundaries, and financial institutions, arms manufacturers and philanthropists of the world. He said the mechanics of such a fund will have to be worked out in keeping with the goal of assisting countries faced with serious dangers to food security and also in funding initiatives for greater food production.
President Rajapakse said in addition to such a Global Food Crisis Fund there should be Regional Food Security Funds drawing the financial and technology resources within a region.
Commenting on the threat to food security from biofuels, the President emphasized that in the prevailing competition between food and fuel, Sri Lanka is firm in the decision that no land that can be used for food will be used for bio-fuel. He added that food for the people should have the highest priority, and not the running of gas-guzzling vehicles.