What children eat at school can have a lasting impact on their health, learning ability, and future wellbeing. With unhealthy eating habits and nutrition-related health issues on the rise, authorities are introducing new measures to improve food choices available to students.
Coinciding with National Nutrition Month 2026, the Ministry of Health on Sunday (22) launched the “Guidelines on Healthy School Canteens”, a framework designed to promote affordable, safe, and nutritious food in schools.
The launch took place under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at the Faculty of Medicine Auditorium in Colombo.
Focus on Healthier Food in Schools
The guidelines were prepared with technical support from the Ministry’s Nutrition Division and in collaboration with the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.
According to the Health Ministry, the initiative aims to create healthier food environments in schools while encouraging better eating habits among students.
The guidelines focus on five key objectives:
- Providing nutritious and safe food for students
- Reducing risks linked to non-communicable diseases
- Promoting healthy eating habits
- Encouraging positive dietary practices in society
- Improving canteen management and sanitation standards
Officials believe schools can play a key role in shaping lifelong food choices and nutrition awareness.
Minister Calls for Stronger Action
Addressing the event, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the message of healthy school canteens must be expanded rapidly across the country.
He stressed that stronger decisions are needed to address growing nutrition challenges.
The Minister noted that while many sectors acknowledge the importance of nutrition, practical implementation often remains limited.
He also stated that schools should place greater emphasis on children’s health and nutrition rather than concerns over sponsorships that may be affected by food regulations.
Nutrition Challenges Highlighted
Health authorities used the launch to draw attention to several nutrition-related concerns.
Data from 2025 showed that among children under five years of age:
- Stunting stood at 10.1%
- Wasting was 8.65%
- Underweight prevalence reached 16.19%
- Overweight and obesity stood at 0.57%
Among pregnant mothers, 13.2% were underweight during the first trimester, while 14.3% experienced moderate to severe anaemia.
These figures indicate that both undernutrition and nutrition-related health issues continue to affect different population groups.
Unhealthy Food Consumption Remains High
The Ministry also highlighted findings from the 2024 Global School-based Student Health Survey.
The survey found that many students aged between 13 and 17 regularly consumed unhealthy food and beverages.
According to the findings:
- 17.4% consumed carbonated drinks daily
- 28% consumed sugar-sweetened beverages daily
- More than 70% consumed fast food at least once during the previous week
Meanwhile, the 2021 STEPS Survey found that 47.6% of adult women and 30% of adult men were overweight. In addition, 15.2% of women and 6.3% of men were classified as obese.
Last modified: June 23, 2026
