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.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has raised concerns over Sri Lanka’s failure to move forward with large-scale foreign investments, warning that the stalled USD 700 million Adani project alone is a major setback for the country’s economic recovery.

“Adani’s project is about USD 700 million. That’s no joke. We need that money to recover,” Wickremesinghe emphasised, pointing out that additional development projects in Trincomalee could have brought in another USD 400–500 million.

“Just imagine—over a billion dollars in investments has been stopped,” he added.

Joining Ada Derana’s current affairs programme ‘@Hydepark’ recently, Wickremesinghe also expressed disappointment at Sri Lanka’s uncertain stance on these projects, particularly in relation to its commitments under the 2023 Indo-Sri Lanka Vision Document.

“Most of the Indians I met recently—it was embarrassing for me. I told them these projects were under consideration, but the truth is that I don’t know whether they are still being considered or have been rejected,” Wickremesinghe said, warning that delays in these investments could damage Sri Lanka’s economic ties with India and deter other potential investors.

“Once India invests in us, others will follow. By 2050, India will be the world’s second-largest economy. We need growth, and the only way to achieve it is by working with other countries and creating an attractive environment for foreign investment,” the former President said.

While acknowledging that Sri Lanka has reached a point of economic stabilisation, Wickremesinghe stressed the need for long-term reforms.

“Right now, we are only stabilizing—nothing more. To move ahead, we need major changes. We don’t need to be poor. We can build a trillion-dollar economy, and we must go for it,” he noted.

The Hambantota International Port has launched a project to study coral species that have grown across it, due to eco-conscious policies adopted by the HIP, according to the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).

These policies have created a sanctuary for the natural growth of different species of coral along the Port’s breakwaters and on the artificial island, the HIPG says in a media statement.

Recently, the HIPG launched the Coral Reef Protection Project, which will protect and expand these colonies of coral growing within the Port.

“This project originates from the ecosystem nurtured by the Hambantota International Port. Several thriving coral colonies have developed within the Port’s channel and basin. Recently, we decided that it wasn’t enough to simply foster this natural growth—we also needed to investigate the phenomenon scientifically,” says Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG.

Eco-conscious policies adopted by the Hambantota International Port (HIP) have created a sanctuary for the natural growth of different species of coral along the Port’s breakwaters and on the artificial island.

The Coral Reef Protection Project, which will protect and expand these colonies of coral growing within the Port, is a testament to HIPG’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and its mission to preserve marine ecosystems while maintaining eco-friendly port operations.

The CEO of HIPG, speaking at the launch, emphasised the importance of sustainability to the company’s core mission. “Care for Planet is a fundamental aspect of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework,” he said. “This vision is also a policy and goal set by our parent company, CM Port, and is deeply embedded in our approach at HIP. With the objective of aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on climate action, life below water, and life on land, these goals serve as our compass, guiding our efforts to ensure a healthier planet today and for future generations.”

It is a testament to the HIPG’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and its mission to preserve marine ecosystems while maintaining eco-friendly port operations, the HIPG said.

The Coral Reef Protection Project is an extension of the HIPG’s green port concept at the HIP, which is designed to minimize the port’s ecological footprint while striking a balance between industrial activity and environmental preservation, the HIPG said.

This project, a collaboration with the Ocean University of Sri Lanka (OCUSL), will conduct a comprehensive baseline study to assess coral cover, species diversity, and the presence of various marine organisms, such as fish, invertebrates and algae, according to the HIPG.

Dr. M.F.M. Fairoz, a marine scientist and a senior lecturer at the OCUSL, who will lead the monitoring efforts, said the project is not only an important environmental initiative but also an excellent opportunity for education and research.

“It provides university students with hands-on experience in marine biology and marine conservation, allowing them to participate in fieldwork and data analysis that will enhance their practical skills while contributing to cutting-edge marine research.”

Jeevan Premasara, Senior General Manager HR and Admin of HIP, says the Port will make significant long-term investment in the coral project. “The Port has committed an initial fund allocation of Rs. 1.2 million for the first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by May 2025.  Going forward, we have plans to collaborate with a top Sri Lankan university to support further research and human resource development.”