“I can’t afford milk for my babies”, says Sri Lankan Mother

Background

Sri Lanka, a small island country in South Asia, has been struggling with increasing poverty rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With strict lockdown measures in place, many families have lost their sources of income, making it difficult to provide for their basic necessities.

The Story

One of these families is that of Kavitha, a 26-year-old mother of two from the city of Colombo. Since losing her job at a garment factory last year, Kavitha has been struggling to make ends meet, often skipping meals to ensure that her children have enough to eat.

However, the most pressing concern for Kavitha currently is her inability to afford milk for her babies. Her youngest child, only a few months old, requires breast milk or formula, but Kavitha can’t afford to buy either.

“I feel so helpless seeing my babies crying out of hunger. I want to provide them with all the necessary nutrition, but I just cannot afford it. Milk is a basic necessity, and it’s heart-wrenching to see my babies suffer due to my financial situation,” says Kavitha.

The Impact

Kavitha’s story is sadly not unique. Many families in Sri Lanka are struggling with similar issues, as the pandemic continues to take a toll on the country’s economy.

With the rising cost of essential items and limited job opportunities, many people are struggling to put food on the table and provide for their families’ basic needs.

The Way Forward

Kavitha’s story highlights the urgent need for support and assistance for families struggling in Sri Lanka. Charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been working to support families like Kavitha’s, but their resources are limited.

The Sri Lankan government has also been urged to take measures to address the issue of poverty and provide support to those in need.

As the situation continues to evolve, it’s important to remember the impact it’s having on vulnerable communities and to strive for more sustainable solutions to support those in need.