The UNICEF South Asia recently focused serious attention on the economic hardships faced by a large number of Sri Lankan children due to the existing the economic crisis in the country and called on the international community to make their contribution for the sake of this vulnerable sector.
Addressing the media UNICEF Regional Director Geroge Laryea-Adjei said Sri Lanka is known globally for its rapid economic growth and booming tourism but unfortunately, the country is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.
The UNICEF Regional Director for South East Asia during his short stay in Lanka had extensive discussions with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry regarding the country’s already commenced welfare projects for children such as early childhood development projects, health and nutrition immunization, safe water and sanitization, education and many other social welfare projects.He said it’s a pity to say that Sri Lanka is the sixth country in the world that has the highest number of children who are suffering from malnutrition.
“Most families in Sri Lanka are skipping regular meals since staple foods have become unaffordable and even these children are going to bed hungry,” he said.
He also said most families are unsure about their next meal and accordingly Sri Lanka has been rated as South Asia’s second country which has many children with malnutrition.