Astra introduces ‘Wadawamu Lanka’ initiative

2 October 2015 06:30 pm

Expert nutritionist from University of Wayamba Dr. Renuka Silva addressing the gathering in the presence of (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 Astra Kavindra Rajapaksha 

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,” said Dr. Renuka Silva, an expert nutritionist from the University of Wayamba.
“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 categorized 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,” said Unilever Sri Lanka Director Homecare and Foods Makshoodh Meerasaibu.
Unilever Sri Lanka Category Head of Foods Shamara Silva said 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,” said Unilever Sri Lanka Brand Manager 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. 
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.