Opposition demands debate on UNICEF report on child malnutrition

The Opposition yesterday called for a parliamentary debate on a recent UNICEF report on growing child malnourishment in the country.

Samagi Jana Balavegaya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday told Parliament that Sri Lanka was now ranked sixth in the world as regards child malnutrition and second in South Asia, as per a recent UNICEF report.

The Opposition Leader demanded that Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella make a statement to Parliament, within one week, on the contents of the UNICEF report.

Premadasa also called for a debate on the report. He said more and more parents in Sri Lanka were directing their children to care centres due to Sri Lanka’s soaring food prices.

Insufficient intake of protein and other nutrients posed a challenge to physical and cognitive development of children, Premadasa said.

“One might say nothing could be done because the country is bankrupt, but then Cabinet approval has been given to allocate 400 million rupees for the construction of official residences. I think the children must be thought of before that,” he said.

Premadasa requested the government to include a proposal to recommence a school mid-day meal programme in the interim budget to be presented to parliament today (30).

Leader of the House and Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha said the government is teaming up with private sector contributors, NGOs and foreign governments through their embassies in Sri Lanka, and other actors to address the issue.

Sri Lanka was also planning to increase the number of hectares in which maize is grown, he said.