News
Drastic drop in births in the country
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
The average annual births in Sri Lanka had dropped to 250,000 from 350,000, Dr. Deepal Perera, told The Island yesterday (02).Dr. Perera said it was a matter that warranted broader discussion given the implications it could have on the future of the country.
“Nowadays, many families have fewer children than in the past. Most families have only one or two children,” he said.
“Due to the current economic situation, parents opt ot have fewer children. Given these circumstances, it is imperative to focus greater attention on the well-being of the children we already have.
“Unfortunately, many children are becoming addicted to mobile phones. A significant number of children are suffering from diabetes and obesity. These trends must be reversed,” he said.