PM Calls for Broader Approach to School Nutrition and NCD Prevention

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for greater focus on the underlying causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), saying efforts to improve nutrition should extend beyond providing meals to schoolchildren.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) at Temple Trees today (24).

Discussions focused on strengthening school nutrition programmes while addressing broader health and nutrition challenges.

Amarasuriya said the rising prevalence of NCDs remains a significant concern and stressed the need to examine the factors contributing to the continued increase in such diseases.

She said the Government’s school nutrition programme should not be limited to providing free meals to selected communities. According to the Prime Minister, the programme should also encourage healthier eating habits, improved dietary practices and greater awareness of nutrition across the school system.

She further highlighted the importance of linking efforts to promote healthy diets with stronger primary and preventive healthcare, noting that nutrition remains a key concern.

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