News
Economic hardships take their toll on marriages and birth rate
Sri Lanka is witnessing a steady decline in birth rates, alongside rising malnutrition among children under five, experts warn, amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa revealed that the birth rate per 1,000 population had fallen from 16.9 in 2016 to 13.8 by 2022/2023, according to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The percentage of mothers, under 20, who became pregnant, had reached 3.9% during this period.
The country is also grappling with undernutrition, with official figures showing that by March this year, 125,622 children, under five, were underweight for their age. Additionally, around 4.1% of pregnant women suffer from anaemia, highlighting significant maternal health concerns.
Dr. Sanjeewa pointed to a UNFPA report by Kunle Adeniyi, the agency’s Sri Lanka representative, noting that while most young Sri Lankans wanted to start families, many were delaying the decision due to the nation’s ongoing economic hardships.
By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️
The Cabinet of Ministers granted their concurrence to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Youth Affairs to appoint S. Achchudan of Special Grade of Sri Lanka Administrative Service, who is currently serving as an Additional Commissioner of Elections at the Elections Commission who is
recommended by the panel of interviewers to the post of Director General of the Sports Development Department with effect form 01.01.2026.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the draft bill of the National Environment (Amended) Act in the government gazette notification and subsequently to submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Buddhism, Religious, and Cultural Affairs to provide tax relief on imported dates received as donations or gift for Ramadan.
This year’s Ramadan fasting season is scheduled to begin on 19-02-2026 and end on 21-03-2026.
Shafali, Renuka close in on top five in ICC T20I rankings
S. Achchudan appointed as Director General of the Sports Development Department.
Amendment of the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980
Tax relief for Dates received as donations or gifts for Ramadan
Cabinet nod to establish the Sri Lanka Industrial Transformation and innovation Authority
Temporary employment of Sri Lankan labour in the State of Israel
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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