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 