Adding more to the burden more than 80 percent of desks or chairs in schools are not compatible with the physical dimensions of the children who use them.

Dr. Jayaratne said these facts were uncovered during a study. Nearly 35 percent of children suffer from chronic musculo-skeletal pain, he said.

He said the study also found that children were easily tired at the end of the day, many with psychological issues and with possible scoliosis.

Considering the gravity of the problem, the Expert Committee on Ergonomics of Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA-ECE) and the Educational Services Ministry held initial discussions to implement a programme to make the classroom environment healthy and safe.

Educational Services State Secretary Tissa Hewavithana said that plans are underway to provide better suited desks and chairs to children in Grades 4 and 5.

Based on the results of this pilot implementation, children in the other grades will also be provided with better suited desks and chairs, he said.