Food scarcity looms without urgent fertiliser support to SL farmers - ADB

Sri Lanka must take urgent steps to provide incentives for targeted farmers to cope with soaring fertiliser prices, Shannon Cowlin, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank for Sri Lanka, said at the launch of the Asian Development Outlook April 2026 report yesterday.

She noted that global fertiliser prices have risen sharply, while supply chain disruptions have further intensified both costs and shortages.

“This will lead to higher food prices and even potential food shortages,” she warned, stressing that the Government should introduce concessions aimed at supporting vulnerable and targeted farming communities.

Cowlin also cautioned that the construction sector is likely to face similar pressures due to rising input costs and supply constraints.

“However, local cement manufacturers are expected to support supply, and we are exploring mechanisms to help expand domestic production,” she added.

The report outlines ADB’s assessment of recent economic developments, along with its outlook, risks, and recommended policy actions for Sri Lanka and the wider Asia and Pacific region.