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School meals for all students by 2030

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2023

editor

The government is planning to provide school meals to all students by 2030, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

The Minister, addressing a gathering in Mullaitivu said the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the government of France will be sought to strengthen the school meal programme.

He said at present 1.1 million students receive a mid-day meal. The country has a student population of 4.2 million.

The economic crisis led to education authorities halting school meal programmes and cutting down meal portions and families skipping meals and reducing portions. Sri Lanka’s food insecurity and child malnutrition levels continue to remain at a concerning level.

The Ministry plans to encourage school attendance by promoting school meal programmes island-wide.

On Tuesday, the Government of Japan handed over a grant to Sri Lanka under the United Nations World Food Programme. The Japanese government has provided 7270 metric tons of food items to Sri Lanka, especially red lentils which has benefited over 960,000 students, the President’s Media Division said.

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

President offers condolences at Vatican Embassy (Pics)

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.

Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.

(President’s Media Division)

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Schools islandwide to close for LG polls

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Education has announced that all schools across the country will be closed on May 05 and 06 due to the Local Government elections.

The Ministry further stated that schools will resume normal operations on May 07.

News

Sri Lanka declares April 26th a national day of mourning

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2025

editor

The Sri Lankan government has decided to declare April 26, 2025, a National Day of Mourning in view of the late Pope Francis’s funeral.

In a statement, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government announces that all national flags at state institutions will be flown half-mast on April 26.