Business
Undernourishment as well as over-nutrition plaguing some of SL’s schoolchildren – minister
By Ifham Nizam
Nearly 15.3% of Sri Lanka’s schoolchildren are suffering from undernourishment while another 7.3% are suffering from over-nutrition, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera said recently.
Speaking at the launch of the `Empowered Rice to Children’ program at the Colombo Ramada, Amaraweera said that though the available statistics regarding child nutrition were at different levels, it seems that there are a number of reasons causing child malnutrition in the country. He hinted that the economic crises was a major stumbling block to the wellbeing of local children.
‘Because of the current economic situation, parents are not in a position to provide nutritious food to their children. This has caused the poor nutritional levels among children here, while another group of children are suffering from over-nutrition, he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Presidential Secretariat and the World Food Program will jointly start a midday meal program to improve the nutritional status of children below grade five this month, official sources said.
These sources added: ‘With the aim of improving the nutritional status of schoolchildren, the Food Promotion Board has started the preparation of Fortified Rice, which is prepared by mixing iron and folic acid with rice.
Meanwhile, Palinda Sagara, chairman, Food Promotion Board, said that the production of such rice has already started in the Kalankuttia rice mill belonging to the Board.
Under this program, 500,000 schoolchildren are to be given midday meals, including fortified rice, for a period of eight months. For this program, the World Food Program has allocated Rs. 108 million to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Minister Amaraweera, Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser to the President Sagala Ratnayake, Country Representative to the World Food Program Abdur Rahim Siddique and others participated in the event.
Fortified rice containing iron and folic acid was officially handed over to the Ministry of Education at the event. The rice was handed over by Minister Amaraweera to the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Kumari Parsiyala.
Amaraweera added: ‘When I was the Deputy Minister of Health, in a survey conducted in connection with canteens in Colombo schools, it was reported that the number of doughnuts sold at a popular school’s canteen was 3,500 per day. Due to these reasons, 15 and 16 year old children are also facing non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, I request the Food Promotion Board to ensure that the children get the nutrition they need from this fortified rice.’
Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said: ‘Though Sri Lanka was called the Granary of the East, even in 1948 when the country received independence, enough rice was not produced in this country for the people. That is why we had to sign a rice-rubber agreement with the Chinese government at that time. However, currently the rice we need is produced in our country. We import only a few varieties of rice which are not produced in our country.
‘As the Minister of Health, one of the main issues I see is the current lack of nutrition among school- children. There are many reasons for this. But I believe that the nutritional deficiencies of many school- children will be eliminated through this rice empowerment program that will be launched today.’
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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