Through the Newly formed Government’s 100-Day’s Program,it was decided to grant nutrition packs worth Rs.20, 000 for the pregnant mothers under the Nutrition for the pregnant mother’s scheme.
Nutrition packs each worth Rs. 2,000 will be granted to pregnant mothers for a period of 10 months. The nutrition packs will be granted for a six month period prior to birth, and will continue in the first four months of breast feeding.
The aim of the programme is to control the low birth weight of babies. According to statistics there are about 16-18 percent low weight births in Sri Lanka. The low birth weight has a long term impact on the child.
The inauguration of the programme was held on March 21 at 10.00 a.m. at the Polonnaruwa 'Buddi Mandapa' with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena as the Chief Guest.