June 04, Colombo (LNW): More than 20 per cent of Sri Lankan schoolchildren are grappling with nutritional deficiencies, raising concerns about the country’s long-term public health outlook, according to Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe.
Addressing a media briefing organised by the Health Promotion Bureau to mark National Nutrition Month, Dr Jasinghe highlighted the growing burden of malnutrition among children and cautioned that inadequate nutrition during childhood can contribute to obesity and other health complications later in life.
Referring to recent national survey findings covering children both below and above the age of five, he noted that 10.1 per cent suffer from stunted growth, while 16.1 per cent are underweight. Although the prevalence of overweight children remains comparatively low at 0.5 per cent, health experts remain concerned about future trends.
Dr Jasinghe explained that the figures reveal a significant proportion of children are not receiving adequate nutrition during crucial stages of development. He added that many youngsters who experience malnutrition in their early years are more likely to become overweight or obese during adolescence and adulthood due to metabolic and lifestyle factors.
The Health Ministry has also identified rising obesity levels among the adult population as a growing concern. Current estimates indicate that obesity affects nearly half of all women and close to one-third of men in Sri Lanka. Health authorities warn that without stronger intervention programmes and greater public awareness surrounding healthy diets and lifestyles, the country could face an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in the years ahead.
Officials stressed the importance of improving access to nutritious food, promoting healthier eating habits and strengthening community-based nutrition initiatives to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations.