• Only 18.2% consume 2 veggies, 2 fruits, 1 green leaf per day 

The Health Ministry cautioned that the consumption of sugary food among preschool children is extremely high, and that data suggests that it could be as high as four times the recommended quantity. These foods include cake and biscuits.

These concerns were raised by the Ministry’s Health Promotion Bureau’s Community Medical Specialist Dr. Inoka Wickramasinghe, during a press briefing held yesterday (18) regarding public awareness for child health promotion through social and behavioural changes.

She stressed that around 60% of preschool children consume fizzy drinks, also known as soft drinks, which contain high levels of sugar. She added that in most cases, preschool children consume these drinks on their way back from preschools.

She added: “There is a recommended amount of vegetables, fruits and green leaves that we should consume a day. That is two vegetables, two fruits and one green leaf. However, a survey conducted in the Kurunegala District has found that only around 18.2% children consume these amounts.”