Sri Lanka bans fast food in schools to combat rising childhood obesity and diet-related illnesses.
Sri Lanka has begun enforcing a nationwide ban on fast food, sugary snacks and other unhealthy food items in schools as authorities seek to curb rising rates of childhood obesity and diet-related illnesses.
Health officials started implementing the policy on Tuesday across the country’s schools, which cater to an estimated four million students, following new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education.
Under the directive, schools are prohibited from providing foods and beverages considered high in sugar, salt and fat. The ban covers a wide range of products commonly consumed by children, including burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, doughnuts, ice cream, biscuits, pastries, deep-fried snacks, flavoured milk, energy drinks and condiments such as tomato sauce.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, the ministry warned that poor dietary habits among children are increasingly contributing to nutritional problems and exposing them to serious health risks later in life.
“Unhealthy eating habits among children are contributing to nutritional problems and increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer later in life,” the ministry said.
Government statistics underscore the growing concern. Data released by authorities showed that 12 per cent of Sri Lankan children between the ages of 13 and 17 were overweight in 2024, while an additional three per cent were classified as obese.
To support the transition to healthier diets, the ministry urged schools to offer more nutritious alternatives.
Schools have been advised to promote healthier options, including rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, fresh milk and natural fruit juices.
The government also distributed recipes for balanced meals prepared using locally available ingredients to help schools comply with the new standards.
In a further effort to shield students from unhealthy food marketing, authorities barred schools from accepting sponsorships from companies that promote or sell unhealthy food products.
Schools have also been prohibited from allowing companies that market unhealthy foods to sponsor school events.
The policy comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with broader nutritional challenges affecting children.
According to UNICEF estimates, about 17 per cent of Sri Lankan children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth, highlighting persistent concerns over undernutrition.
Meanwhile, the World Bank reported that roughly a quarter of the country’s population was living below the poverty line in 2024, underscoring the complex balance policymakers face between addressing obesity and tackling food insecurity.
