'We will die without food', fears of malnutrition in Sri Lanka

 Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis continues, with the Prime Minister warning of malnutrition.

The Sri Lankan government has vowed to buy fertilizer for next season's crops, according to Reuters.

In April last year, President Gotabia Rajapaksa banned all forms of chemical fertilizers, which greatly reduced crop yields. Although the government has lifted the ban, no steps have been taken to import fertilizers from abroad.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said in a statement that it may not be possible to procure fertilizer this season from May to August, however, a better stock of fertilizer will be ensured next September to March.

"I sincerely request everyone to accept the gravity of the situation," he said.

President Rajapaksa on Friday approved the addition of nine new ministers to the cabinet, including the health, trade and tourism ministers. However, he did not give a name for the crucial finance ministry, after which it is likely that Prime Minister Vikram Singh will take over the ministry.

Sri Lanka's economy, which is dependent on tourism, is in a state of turmoil, with severe shortages of foreign exchange, fuel and medicine, while economic activity has stalled.

"There is no point in talking about the current difficulties of life," said APD Somnavathi, 60, who sells vegetables and fruits at Colombo's Patah Market. I can't say what will happen in the next two months, maybe we won't even be here. "

Nearby, citizens line up to buy gas cylinders for cooking. The price of a gas cylinder which was Rs 2,675 in April has now gone up to Rs 5,000.

The central bank governor said the loan had been obtained from the World Bank. Photo: Reuters

Muhammad Shazli, a part-time taxi driver standing in line, told Reuters: "There are 500 people here but only 200 cylinders will be provided."

Muhammad Shazli has five family members who want to buy cylinders for cooking. "There is nothing we can do without gas and kerosene," he said. What is the last option? We will die without food and that is 100% certain.

The governor of the central bank said that a loan has been obtained from the World Bank and fuel and gas shipments have been purchased but it will take time for them to reach the country.