Colombo Plan helps Sarvodaya reduce child mortality

Sarath Malalasekera

The Colombo Plan for Co-operative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific is contributing token support to the needy in Sri Lanka, through the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement.

Colombo Plan Secretary-General Patricia YM Chia handed over a cheque of Rs. 548,000 to Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement Founder President Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne at a ceremony held recently.

This would provide assistance to improve the health conditions of the children, orphans and teenage mothers in the care of Sarvodaya, said the Colombo Plan Secretary General.

Dr. Ariyaratne emphasised that many children and pregnant mothers were malnourished when they first came to Sarvodaya.

In spite of the many achievements reported in demographic characteristics such as the drastic reduction infertility rate, maternal and infant mortality levels, malnutrition continues to be a serious health concern among the poor.