Sri Lanka has recorded the lowest hunger index score among South Asian countries with available data in the 2026 Global Hunger Index (GHI), reflecting a significant improvement in the country’s hunger situation over the past two decades.
According to the report released on October 14, Sri Lanka recorded a score of 10.2, placing it 53rd among 122 countries assessed globally.
Among South Asian countries, Nepal recorded the second-lowest score of 14.5, followed by Bangladesh at 19.2, India at 24.1, Pakistan at 25.5 and Afghanistan at 28.6.
The report did not assign scores to Bhutan and the Maldives due to insufficient data.
Sri Lanka’s hunger index score has declined from 22.1 in 2000 to 19.9 in 2006, 20.8 in 2012, 11.4 in 2018 and 10.2 in 2026.
Despite the improvement, Sri Lanka remains in the moderate hunger category, indicating that food security and nutrition challenges persist.
The report also revealed that 4.9% of Sri Lanka’s population is undernourished, while 10.1% of children under five are stunted and 9.3% suffer from wasting. The under-five mortality rate stands at 0.6%.
The Global Hunger Index measures hunger using four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality. Lower scores indicate less severe hunger.
Globally, the 2026 report warned that hunger has begun rising again following nearly two decades of progress, driven by conflicts, climate shocks and economic crises. (Newswire)