Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe has warned that around one in five Sri Lankan children under the age of five is affected by malnutrition.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, he highlighted data released for National Nutrition Month 2025, which shows that 10.1% of children are stunted, 8.6% are wasted, 16.1% are underweight, and 0.57% are overweight.
He said Sri Lanka has not made sufficient progress in improving nutrition since independence, although several programmes have been introduced in schools and institutions to address malnutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Dr. Jasinghe also raised concern over the country’s declining birth rate, which has reportedly fallen by nearly 50% in recent years, warning that it could lead to future labour shortages across key sectors.
He further noted that malnourished children are more likely to become obese later in life, adding that current data shows high levels of overweight and obesity among adults in Sri Lanka.
According to recent surveys, 47% of women and 30% of men are overweight, while 15% of women and 6% of men are obese, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
He pointed out that unhealthy snack consumption is rising among both schoolchildren and adults, stressing the urgent need to promote healthier eating habits nationwide.
Dr. Jasinghe said the government is implementing several initiatives, including nutritious meals in schools and workplaces and public awareness campaigns on healthy diets.
He also emphasized the importance of making nutritious foods like fish more affordable, while considering higher prices for unhealthy snack foods to encourage better dietary choices.
