HealthPoliticsHOTThursday, June 4, 2026

Sri Lanka Schoolchildren Face Widespread Malnutrition, Health Ministry Warns

TLDR

Over 1 in 5 Sri Lankan schoolchildren malnourished.
Facing triple burden: under/overnutrition, deficiencies.
Uva Province children under five most affected.
Risks include obesity, hunger, 10.1% stunted, 16.1% underweight.

More than one in five schoolchildren in Sri Lanka are suffering from malnutrition, according to Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe. Speaking at a media briefing for National Nutrition Month, Dr. Jasinghe highlighted that these children face an increased risk of developing obesity in adolescence. Survey data indicates stunting affects 10.1% of children, while 16.1% are underweight and a small fraction, 0.5%, are overweight. Health officials also noted an increase in the number of children attending school hungry.

Story Update

Update #2\u00b7 Jun 11 · 5:04 AM

New reports indicate one in five Sri Lankan schoolchildren is malnourished. The Health Ministry highlighted a 'triple burden of malnutrition' (undernutrition, overnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies). Malnutrition is highest among children under five in Uva Province, where overnutrition is also prevalent due to a lack of knowledge.

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