Sri Lanka, as a developing island, faces heightened vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. These challenges directly affect food security, with approximately 24% of the population experiencing moderate food insecurity, according to FAO's 2023 assessment. Rising food prices and disruptions to agricultural productivity have intensified the need for innovative and sustainable solutions.

Plant-based proteins present a promising pathway to enhance food security while addressing environmental and health concerns. They offer multiple benefits, including a lower ecological footprint, improved health outcomes, affordability, and alignment with ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. Importantly, they contribute to diversifying food systems and increasing resilience in the face of climate-induced disruptions.

This Compendium of Plant-Based Protein Sources in Sri Lanka, developed by SLYCAN Trust through a comprehensive database, seeks to address key knowledge gaps by identifying locally available, protein-rich, plant-based ingredients. It highlights both widely used and underutilised crops that are nutritionally rich and climate-resilient.