Title: Population: problems and policies.

POPLINE Document Number: 050272

Author(s):

Wijegoonesekera DP

Source citation:

SRI LANKA POPULATION DIGEST, 1986 Dec;(2):16-20.

Abstract:

Sri Lanka's population policies, which the government has promoted since 1977, have achieved positive results. The policies are directed at the country's rapid population growth (an increase of 500% in the last 100 years), population distribution (concentration in the western coastal belt), population composition (46% are younger than age 20), and attendant health problems, especially for women and children. The government provides family planning services to all who seek such services. It educates the people on the implications of population growth for national development and the health implications of having too many children without adequate spacing. The government is developing the country's dry zone and suburban towns to reduce population pressures in urban areas. Conditions for women have improved with equal education and employment opportunities. Underlying the policy of improved education for women is the belief that women's age at marriage will thereby be increased, fertility rates will be reduced, and the health of children and mothers will be promoted. The government also aims to further reduce infant and child mortality rates through a program promoting child immunization, growth weight monitoring, and breast-feeding. Achievements of the government's policies include a 5% decline in total number of births from 1982 to 1985, a decline in the crude birth rate from 30/1000 in the late 1970s to 24.6/1000 in 1985, and an increase in acceptance rates for all family planning methods from 34% in 1975 to 55% in 1982.

Keywords:

Sri Lanka
Age Distribution
Family Planning
Family Planning Policy
Family Planning Program Evaluation
Education
Women's Status
Birth Rate
Family Planning Acceptors
Fertility Changes
Population Control
Government Programs
Women
Changes
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Population Policy
Social Policy
Policy
Family Planning Programs
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Fertility Measurements
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Programs
Organization and Administration
Social Change