The Ministry of Education has released over Rs. 814 million to provincial education departments for the implementation of the midday school meal program for January 2023. The ministry has also instructed the doubling of the number of children who receive lunch from the next school term.
The ministry aims to provide lunch for 51% of all school children, and all provincial education directors have been notified about this plan. The World Food Program and American aid have provided rice, lentils, salmon, and cooking oil for the meals given to children five days a week.
The midday meal program seeks to improve attendance, encourage healthy eating habits, provide a balanced diet, and maintain the physical and mental health of schoolchildren. It also aims to enable students to engage in educational activities more effectively by ensuring proper attention in the classroom.
The allocation of funds and expansion of the midday meal program represent a significant step forward in supporting the education and well-being of Sri Lankan schoolchildren.
