News
Food, education and child nutrition project: Fresh American funding amounting to USD 32.5 mn
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo yesterday (17) announced a new USD 32.5 mn grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to Sri Lanka for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programme – a food assistance initiative meant to reduce hunger and enhance literacy and primary education.
The following is the text of the US Embassy statement: “By providing school meals, teacher training and related support, McGovern-Dole projects help boost school enrollment and academic performance. Building on an existing initiative implemented by Save the Children in collaboration with Sri Lankan government counterparts, more than 200,000 Sri Lankan children will benefit from this initiative in the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Moneragala, Ratnapura, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, and Colombo over the coming five years.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, who has visited a number of locations where the U.S.-funded school feeding programme is already active, said, “I have seen the transformative impact of the school feeding programme on the lives of Sri Lankan children. The United States remains steadfast in its support for Sri Lanka’s school feeding initiative, exemplified by this additional $32.5 million contribution through the USDA’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programme. These programmes are vital, enhancing nutrition and education for children across the country, and reflect our enduring commitment to the people of Sri Lanka.”
This new funding is a continuation of the USDA-supported Promoting Autonomy for Literacy and Attentiveness through Market Alliances (PALAM/A), a $27.5 million project whereby Save the Children, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Finance, supports over 95,000 children in 852 schools in seven districts (Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Moneragala, Ratnapura, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Trincomalee), providing nutritious meals as part of the Government’s School Meal Programme. The project furthers the development of children’s literacy skills, teachers’ professional training, and supports improvements in inclusive safe drinking-water, improved kitchen facilities, and sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.
The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programme helps support education, child development, and food security in low-income, food-deficit countries around the globe. The programme provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities, as well as financial and technical assistance, to support school feeding and maternal and child nutrition projects.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of US–Sri Lankan diplomatic relations, a rich history that is underscored by robust people-to-people relationships. The progress that our countries have achieved together will assist Sri Lankans to build a brighter future.”
Latest News
Heat Index at Cautiin Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 23 April 2026, valid for 24 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Measles, eliminated from the country several years ago, has re-emerged, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit says.
According to Dr. Liyanapathirana, two cases involving children have been identified in the Colombo District, raising concerns about a possible resurgence.
Sri Lanka was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2019. However, health officials note that sporadic outbreaks have been reported in certain areas since 2023.
Dr. Liyanapathirana said that while no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections is a cause for concern.
He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid the situation escalating into an outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one of the cases, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.
Dr. Liyanapathirana warned that measles could have long-term health consequences. Recent research indicates that the disease may weaken immunity, reducing a person’s ability to fight other infections.
The Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in an operation, conducted in the Yodakandiya area in Tissamaharama, in coordination with Kirinda Police, took into custody two persons with a live hand grenade, over 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 4 kg 650 g of copper wires on 22 April 2026.
In another operation conducted on the same day in the Thoduwawa area of Chilaw, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Coast Guard seized 2,000 litres of goda, along with 19 barrels and related accessories.
The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Tissamaharama and Chilaw Police, respectively, for further investigation and legal action.
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