The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to increase the daily allocation for providing breakfast to children attending Early Childhood Development Centers and preschools with a high percentage of underweight children, according to Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department, the Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to addressing child malnutrition.
This program, implemented by the National Secretariat on Early Child Development under the Health Ministry’s technical guidance since 2017, currently allocates Rs. 60 per day per child. However, due to rising food costs, this amount has proven insufficient. To address this, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Women and Child Affairs Minister to increase the allocation to Rs. 100 per child.
The initiative will benefit approximately 155,000 children in 2025, focusing on preschools identified as having a high percentage of underweight children.
This effort forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to combat malnutrition, promote child well-being, and ensure a healthier foundation for early education.
