Nadira Gunatilleke

The NNC which decides on the nutrition policy, is chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and comprises Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of the nine Provinces and MPs from all political parties who have experience in nutrition. NNC is supported by the National Steering Committee on Nutrition (NSCN).

The NSCN is the implementation arm of the NNC and comprises Secretaries of the ministries represented at the NNC, Chief Secretaries of Provinces and civil society representatives. International agencies are invited as observers to the NSCN. The Technical Advisory Committee on Nutrition (TACN) provides technical guidance and supports the formulation of policies and plans and comprises subject professionals and experts from various related fields including those from international agencies. The TACN also advises in monitoring and evaluation. National Nutrition Secretariat of Sri Lanka (NNSSL) is established within the Presidential Secretariat and supports the formulation of plans, coordinates activities among implementing parties and monitors and evaluates the progress of implementation on behalf of the NNC. The NNSSL enlists the support of international agencies to provide technical assistance and financing as and when needed. The NNSSL remains committed to ensure that the MsAPN will be effective in realising that Sri Lanka does become a nourished nation by 2016.

The National Nutrition Secretariat (NNS) will launch a nutrition promotion and awareness raising programme under the theme Victory of the nation - country self- sufficient in nutrition at Deyata Kirula National Exhibition from March 23 to 29 from 10 am to 12 midnight at Hardy Advanced Technological Institute, Ampara.

Dr. Lalith Chandradasa Picture by Nissanka Wijerathne

There will be 16 stalls with 50 resource persons from the NNS and another 150 resource persons from external institutions. There will be 420 invitees and the number of expected visitors is 50,000.

The objective of the programme is directing Sri Lanka towards a country self sufficient in nutrition by 2016.

During the exhibition, the public will be educated on nutrition and good food patterns/habits, National Nutrition Secretariat Coordinator Dr. Lalith Chandradasa said.

On the first day, the programme will be held under the sub theme Let us be healthy to strengthen the country . During this day it is expected to promote and improve mental, physical, spiritual and social well being through awareness raising programmes and practical activities.

The target groups are NGOs, heads of institutions, Pradeshiya Sabha members and the public. Lectures delivered by scholars, cultural items etc are included in the programme. Lectures and workshops conducted by scholars will be held all seven days under sub themes, Dr. Chandradasa said.

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Nutrition awareness programme at Deyata Kirula