Kalubowila Teaching Hospital Gynecologist Professor Ajith Fernando said that due to the rapid decrease in the annual birth rate in Sri Lanka, a serious dangerous situation has emerged.
Speaking to the media, he said that the birth rate in Sri Lanka has decreased by 30%, which is a serious situation. Accordingly, he mentioned that the annual number of births, which was around 360,000, has dropped to around 240,000 .
He says that the primary reason for Sri Lanka’s declining birth rate is economic challenges, and due to these economic difficulties, many families do not consider having a second child.
“Many newly married couples are postponing the idea of having children. Instead, they prioritize earning more income. Having children is not a priority on their list,” said Professor Ajith Fernando.
He emphasizes that the country’s birth rate is showing a rapid decline, and to maintain the population, the country’s birth and death rate should be 2.1% or 2%.