News
MRI’s Nutrition Department Head says country still can reduce severity of malnutrition
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sri Lanka is still in a position to prevent malnutrition becoming a serious problem, Head of the Department of Nutrition at the Colombo Medical Research Institute Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, told the media yesterday.Addressing the media at the Institute in Colombo, she said that the nutrition level among children had improved in 2021.
“We have the 2021 data and according to the data there was a drop in malnutrition among children. They were home during COVID-19, and things actually improved. Things however have changed since then due to the serious economic downturn,” she said.Dr. Jayatissa said that there were reports that many children’s hospitals were underweight. She said that there was a difference between being underweight and malnutrition.
“Children can get malnourished if they do not receive adequate nutrition for a long time. In the next three months, we can identify what’s going on and take action. We can stop malnutrition from becoming a problem,” she said.
Dr. Jayatissa said 14% of Sri Lankan households were poor and the children in these families were vulnerable to malnutrition. “Children from other families are not that vulnerable and we can take steps to ensure children are adequately fed.
“We can give the families money or a food basket,” she said.
There is also regional variability, she said. For example, the Nuwara Eliya District reports the highest rate of undernutrition indicated by very severe levels of stunting and underweight in children less than five years of age.Most children admitted to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) since the beginning of the COVID pandemic are underweight, Dr. Deepal Perera said earlier this week.
Dr. Perera said they had started a survey on the matter. “This can be a problem of finance. However, this can also be ignorance about nutrition among some parents. We need to understand what’s happening and take immediate steps. When children do not receive adequate nutrition in their formative years, many problems can occur later in life,” he said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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.
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