By Saman Indrajith
Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa demanded to know from the government yesterday in parliament yesterday why it had not been able to formulate a national nutrition plan for children.
Premadasa said that statistics pointed to an alarming increase in stunting and underweight among children countrywide since 2022. The surveys indicated that one fourth of households in the country were affected by medium level food insecurity. The government could not claim it had no funds for children as it spent billions of rupees to buy over MPs from opposition parties, Premadasa said.
Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayanth said that the government had taken into consideration the recent UNICEF reports on the malnutrition situation prevailing in the country. It was providing free midday meals to 1.7 million children in primary grades. “We are planning to extend this to Grade 6, 7 and 8 and to kindergartens too. We are preparing proposals for this purpose to be included in the upcoming budget, the minister said.
Opposition Leader Premadasa: Malnutrition situation prevailed not only in schools but also in universities. The government had not paid Mahapola grants to the undergraduates, he said.
Matale District SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne: The government has no control over the egg mafia. Eggs are sold at various prices.
Minister Premajayantha: When I was sacked as a state minister post in January, 2022 the price of a kilo of chilies was Rs 1,200 at the Delkanda Fair. Last Sunday, it was Rs 400. Prices of all types of vegetables were below Rs 300. The inflation which was at 70 percent in May 2022 has not been brought down. Results will come gradually because we have done the right things to make this country a better place.
