17/01/2026
The awareness programme on Established Start- up Fund for mid-day meals in the Plantation Sector with the financial Assistance of Ahamad Tea Company.
GALLE, January 13, 2026 — Nutrition plays a significant role in child development; however, recent research indicates that 25% of children in Sri Lanka’s estate sector are undernourished. In response to this situation, Ahamad Tea Company has paid special attention to the issue and has come forward to provide start-up funding to Child Development Centres (CDCs) to support nutrition programmes through PHDT.
An awareness programme aimed at improving nutrition for children in the plantation sector was successfully launched in the Galle Region on January 13. The initiative, backed by the financial assistance of Ahamad Tea Company, introduces a Start-up Fund of Rs. 25,000 to support mid-day meal programmes across 260 Child Development Centres (CDCs).
The inaugural event, held at the Regional Office in Galle, was organized by the Galle Regional Director and his team. The programme initially targeted 30 CDCs, bringing together Child Development Officers (CDOOs) from the Kalutara, Matara, and Galle districts. Participants represented several key plantations, including Elpitiya, Horana, Maturata, Namunukula, Kotagala, Talawakelle, and Watawala.
A key component of the launch was the distribution of Growth Monitoring Tools to all selected CDCs. These tools will enable staff to monitor the weight development and overall growth of the children effectively.
The agenda featured in-depth discussions on the utilization of the Start-up Fund and strategies for long-term sustainability, early childhood nutrition, the challenges faced by current morning meal programmes, and emerging trends in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Education (ECE).
Estate management and CDOs expressed their gratitude to Ahamad Tea and the PHDT for the initiative. Welcoming the new facility, they assured their commitment to providing nutritious meals to children every working day.
The programme was attended by the following officials:
Dr. Sarath Amunugama – Director, Health PHDT and team
Regional Director – Galle and team
The following dignitaries participated in the programme representing the estate management:
Mr. Chandana Liyadipita – Senior General Manager, Low Country Elpitiya plantations
Mr. D. U. H. Bulugahapitiya – Deputy General Manager / Estate Superintendent, Divithura Estate
Mr. Sajith De Silva – Senior Manager, Hulandawa Estate
Mr. Mihiran Jayasekara – Manager, Citrus Estate
Mr. Chandana Bandara – Senior Manager, Enasalwatte Estate