COLOMBO, June 4 -- More than one in five Sri Lankan children are affected by malnutrition, with many at risk of developing obesity later in life, Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe has warned.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau to mark National Nutrition Month, Dr Jasinghe highlighted the country's continuing nutritional challenges, despite progress in several health indicators.

Citing recent national survey data, he said 10.1% of children suffer from stunting while 16.1% are underweight. Although the prevalence of overweight children remains relatively low at 0.5%, the overall burden of malnutrition remains a significant public health concern.

"These figures indicate that more than one-fifth of ou...