News
One in three SL adolescents not attending school: Report
Twenty nine percent of Sri Lanka’s adolescent population, or approximately 3.5 million young persons aged 10 to 19, are currently not attending school, according to the latest findings of the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2024 Sri Lanka report, released recently.
The survey, conducted with the participation of 3,843 students from grades 8-12 in 40 government schools across the country, sought to assess health-related behaviours, identify risk and protective factors, and help shape policies and programmes designed to improve adolescent health in Sri Lanka.
Among the survey’s findings, nearly one in five students—17.4%—reported consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol, with a significantly higher percentage of boys involved in this behaviour. The report also highlighted the prevalence of unhealthy food choices, with 28% of students drinking sugary beverages daily, and 28.5% regularly eating salty snack foods. Alarmingly, 29.3% of students consumed high-fat foods on a regular basis, and 40.9% reported daily consumption of food rich in sugar. The trend of unhealthy eating was further underscored by the revelation that 70.4% of students had consumed instant food at least once in the past week.
The survey also sheds light on weight issues among adolescents. Among students aged 13-17, 21.4% were found to be underweight, while 12.1% were classified as overweight. In addition, 12.8% of students had experimented with smoking, either trying a cigarette or more.
The findings were unveiled during a presentation led by Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Media, at the Family Health Bureau Auditorium. The report, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, was produced with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
It provides a comprehensive look at a range of health issues affecting adolescents, including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, substance abuse, violence, injuries, sexual health, and more.
Key stakeholders present at the event included Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Media; Dr. Chandima Sirithunga, Director of the Family Health Bureau; Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka; Dr. Alaka Singh, WHO Representative in Sri Lanka; Aburrahim Siddiqui, Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) and Dr. Nalika Gunawardana, Regional Adviser at WHO’s Asia Pacific Office.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
PM pays condolence to pope Francis at the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo
President conducts an inspection tour of Kandy city
Sri Lankan delegation meets with US Trade Representative
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