2024 School Meal Program launched

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed on the importance of holistic education, advocating for a curriculum that includes both academic subjects and nutritional support for children across the country. He also pointed out the necessity of integrating modern technologies like artificial intelligence into the educational framework, highlighting the government’s commitment to reforming the school education and examination systems.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the launching of the “2024 School Meal Program” at Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya in Narahenpita this morning (25). The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, aims to provide nutritious meals to all students in grades 1-5 nationwide. Following the president’s directive, breakfast will be served between 7:30 am and 8:30 am, aligning with expert recommendations on optimal nutrition timing.

Under the banner of “United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).” the 2024 school meal program seeks to address nutritional deficiencies among students, enhance daily attendance rates, instill healthy eating and lifestyle habits, elevate academic performance, and promote local culinary traditions.

This year’s school feeding program benefits 1.6 million students, encompassing primary grade pupils from 9,134 government schools as well as schools with fewer than 100 students. The government has earmarked a budget of Rs. 16.6 billion, allocated directly to the nine provincial councils, with additional sponsorship from organizations such as the World Food Program and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).