A ceremony to mark this was held recently where breast feeding mothers were felicitated at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Headquarters. Hundred breast feeding mothers were felicitated and 100 bank accounts were opened for their babies.

According to Sri Lanka Demographic & Health Survey 2006/2007, Sri Lanka has achieved a 50% increase in the number of mothers who exclusively breast feed their babies during the first six months of life (UNICEF-Sri Lanka). A range of Govt. Health initiatives led by the Ministry of Health and supported by UNICEF have seen the country’s rate of ‘Exclusive Breast Feeding’ increase from 50% to 76% from 2000 – 2007.

Exclusive breast feeding is reported for 76% of children fewer than 6 months, from levels over 85% for the first 3 months, and exclusive breast feeding declines to 54% in the 4th and 5th months. Although, any liquid or solid food is not recommended before the 6th month of life, a small percentage of children are given liquids during this period.

Exclusive breast feeding for 6 months (which was earlier 4 months) was introduced as a policy in Sri Lanka in 2006. The increase has resulted in fewer infant deaths and healthier babies.

Breast feeding is widely accepted in Sri Lanka and the duration of breast feeding is fairly long with a median of 33 months and a mean of 29 months. By residential sector, breast feeding duration is longest in rural areas and is shortest in the estate sector. According to the survey, these results suggest that communication about breast feeding by providers and through other channels are bringing about a positive change in mother’s behavior.