President of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has warned of an impending malnutrition crisis in Sri Lanka due to rising food inflation.
Speaking at a news conference held in Colombo yesterday (Feb. 26), Dr. Sanjeewa highlighted that the increasing cost of essential food items is placing significant strain on households, particularly in rural and plantation communities.
He noted that since Sri Lanka is in the early stages of economic recovery, the prevailing economic crisis and growing food insecurity could lead to severe nutritional challenges, especially in rural, semi-urban, and plantation sectors.
He emphasized that the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, laborers, and plantation workers remain unstable, making it difficult for families to afford basic meals.
Regions such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Hambantota, Matara, Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, as well as the northern and eastern provinces, are particularly affected.
The high cost of essential food items, coupled with limited income opportunities, has forced many households to allocate a large portion of their earnings to daily sustenance, Dr. Sanjeewa stated.
He further cautioned that if this situation persists as well as adverse dry weather conditions in agricultural areas may further reduce crop yields, exacerbating food shortages and inflation, vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant mothers, and the elderly could face severe nutritional deficiencies.
Dr. Sanjeewa stressed the need for effective nutrition programs targeting young children and pregnant mothers.
While the government has previously allocated funds for such initiatives, he lamented that these resources have not been efficiently utilized or made accessible to those in need.
To mitigate the crisis, he urged authorities to implement sustainable policies that ensure food security, stabilize incomes, and provide direct nutritional support to at-risk communities.
Without urgent intervention, Sri Lanka could face a widespread malnutrition crisis, impacting public health and overall national well-being.
