Pirunu Kusak – (A Full Stomach) School Food Assistance Program (SFP)

The School Food Assistance Program aims to improve the nutritional status of children in selected underprivileged schools across several districts in Sri Lanka. The program seeks to enhance these children’s educational opportunities and academic performance by providing nutritious lunches.
The “Pirunu Kusak – Pirunu Hisak” food program was initiated in 2021 to complement the government’s school food program. By January 2024, the program had expanded to support nearly 5,000 children. Despite some changes following the introduction of the government’s food program, the “Pirunu Kusak – Pirunu Hisak” initiative continues to operate successfully.
Currently, the program focuses on children with financial difficulties, schools with fewer than 50 students, schools that conduct evening classes voluntarily, and selected schools not covered by the government’s food program.
In addition to school children, the program also benefits several university students with financial difficulties, around 50 monks and students receiving education in pirivenas (monastic colleges), children in several early childhood development centres, and students in several schools above grade 6.