CBL’s ‘Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara’ fortifies Sri Lanka’s next generation

Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) continues to spearhead the ‘Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara,’ a service-oriented initiative that educates young parents on pre and post natal care.

This initiative, which first took off the ground in November 2011 with the blessings of the Ministry of Health and the comprehensive support of the office of the Medical Officer of Health in Homagama area, has already benefitted over 2,000 young parents.
In order to provide in depth awareness to young parents, the ‘Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara’ program, which is held on the third Saturday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, is always conducted by a group of experts, consisting of the Medical Health Officer of Homagama, additional medical officers of health, public health officers, obstetricians, gynaecologists and midwives.
The young parents who participate in this program gain awareness on multiple issues such as nutrition requirements during pregnancy, correct way of breastfeeding  as well as vital prenatal information for fathers. Participants also have the opportunity of consulting the attending medical officers personally. CBL provides breakfast and lunch, typically consisting of nutritious staples along with a valuable gift to the participants.
Group Director and Head of Marketing and Sales Nandana Wickramage described this community development activity as one that benefits the neighbourhood. “The sociological impact of this health-care educational initiative is immense. It is compulsory for both parents-to-be to attend the programme as both parties hold the responsibility of providing care for the baby and building their mutual understanding and stability as a parental unit on a sociological level. As a responsible Sri Lankan company, we’d like to make a qualitative difference that impacts, benefits and influences the lives of Sri Lankans.”
He added that the Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara initiative is one that directly impacts the next generation children.  
Expressing his view on the Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara, Medical Officer of Health in Homagama Laxman Jayamanne said: “One of the core aims of this program is to educate the family, especially the husband to provide maximum care, love and protection together with nutrition requirement of the mother. Yet another objective of this program is to strengthen the family unit economically and instil positive attitudes towards maternal care in the society. This in turn will contribute to build a strong nation and generate positive health indicators in the country. Other core benefits of the initiative include, presenting an opportunity to discuss and generate awareness about family health issues, introducing community health goals and reaching those targets”.
Rohan and Menaka Karunatilake from Mattegoda who attended the Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara program held in  Mattegoda said that the program provides guidance not only on pre and post natal care but also on managing the day to day activities as a family.
The Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara program has been held in the Homagama, Panagoda, Watareka, Mattegoda and Habarakada areas. Initially conducted as a corporate social activity in the Homagama area where CBL is located, the Munchee Samanga Ma Piya Mehewara program will reach out to other areas of the country in the near future.