Astra introduces ‘Wadawamu Lanka’ to educate families on healthy eating

University of Wayamba Sri Lanka Expert Nutritionist Dr. Renuka Silva addresses the gathering while (from left): Unilever Sri Lanka Director Homecare and Foods Makshoodh Meerasaibu, Unilever Sri Lanka Category Head of Foods Shamara Silva and Unilever Sri Lanka Brand Manager for Astra Kavindra Rajapaksha look on​

Yvonne Fernando and Apsari Tillekeratne who were present at invitation of Astra as mothers, share their thoughts on nutrition and children

Nutrition has always been an area of importance for mothers everywhere – all mothers want their children to be healthy but there are many factors that prevent children from getting adequate levels of nutritious food; children can be fussy eaters and often, mothers themselves may experience knowledge gaps. As a result, there can be shortcomings in growth among children such as disparity between adequate weight and height relevant to age.

“It is an established fact that children in Sri Lanka, regardless of their economic conditions, need a balanced diet that is both nutritious and healthy,” says Dr. Renuka Silva an expert nutritionist from the University of Wayamba, Sri Lanka. “Mothers also need to be made aware of the ability to create nutritious and healthy meals on a budget, while retaining the goodness of locally sourced ingredients.”

In pursuit of providing a platform that empowers communities on adequate nutrition, Astra a flagship brand under the Unilever Sri Lanka umbrella, is initiating a unique project titled ‘Astra Wadawamu Lanka’.

“Astra has been a brand that completes over five decades of being associated with nutrition in Sri Lanka, helping mothers to grow great kids. In line with the Unilever global principles of sustainability, Astra is categorised under the pillar of providing nutrition. Astra as the market leader is now embarking on a journey to help overcome nutrition knowledge gaps in Sri Lanka,” says Unilever Sri Lanka Director Homecare and Foods Makshoodh Meerasaibu. “Astra has always partnered the mothers in their pursuit to provide nutrition for their families, a goal that has remained unchanged for five decades.”

Unilever Sri Lanka Category Head of Foods Shamara Silva says that promoting healthy eating among children and educating mothers on proper nutrition is an important goal that is addressed in the Astra Wadawamu Lanka initiative.

“Astra Wadawamu Lanka is unique because of its multi faceted approach that empowers communities on nutrition,” says Unilever Sri Lanka Brand Manager for Astra Kavindra Rajapaksha. “Independent Nutrition Experts are at hand to share their expertise on nutrition with the mothers. Mothers will be shown the art of making wholesome meals on a budget while ensuring optimum levels of nutrition.”

“There are activities that provide different and fun filled learning experiences that can be relevant and engaging. The subject of nutrition has been given a fun twist and presented in many different and exciting ways to mothers and children.”  

Astra Wadawamu Lanka Initiative will commence on an exciting note for the children – the highlight of the initiative is the educational cartoon film created especially for the project; it promises to be both fun and empowering for children. 

The whole family will be able to participate in the activities planned and in the process, will be able to take back key learnings on managing meals on a budget and the importance of nutrition, adds Rajapaksha.

Astra Wadawamu Lanka will be held in key locations throughout Sri Lanka and is expected to be a popular initiative that will present a new dimension in nutrition for the whole family.