Sri Lanka has recorded the lowest hunger score among South Asian countries with available data in the 2026 Global Hunger Index (GHI).
Sri Lanka scored 10.2, placing the country 53rd among 122 countries assessed in the report released on October 14.
However, the score does not mean hunger has disappeared. Sri Lanka remains in the moderate hunger category, with child nutrition and food security challenges still affecting the population.
Sri Lanka Leads South Asia on Hunger Score
Sri Lanka recorded a lower hunger score than every other South Asian country with available data.
Nepal followed with a score of 14.5, while Bangladesh recorded 19.2. India scored 24.1, followed by Pakistan at 25.5 and Afghanistan at 28.6.
The report did not give scores for Bhutan and the Maldives because there was not enough data.
Lower GHI scores indicate less severe hunger. Sri Lanka’s latest score therefore places it ahead of the other South Asian countries included in the comparison.
Hunger Score Has Fallen Since 2000
Sri Lanka’s GHI score has declined considerably over the past two decades.
The country recorded a score of 22.1 in 2000. It fell to 19.9 in 2006 before rising slightly to 20.8 in 2012.
A sharper improvement followed. The score dropped to 11.4 in 2018 and reached 10.2 in 2026.
Still, several nutrition problems remain.
The report says 4.9% of the population is undernourished. Among children under five, 10.1% are stunted and 9.3% suffer from wasting. The under-five mortality rate stands at 0.6%.
The GHI measures hunger through four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality.
Globally, the 2026 report warns that hunger has started rising again after nearly two decades of progress. Conflicts, climate shocks and economic crises are among the factors driving that trend.
Sri Lanka’s 10.2 score shows clear progress over time. At the same time, the country’s moderate hunger status and child nutrition figures show that food security remains an issue that needs continued attention.
Last modified: October 25, 2026
