Sri Lanka

The National Policy and Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases 2023 - 2033

The National Policy and Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases 2023 - 2033, approved by the Cabinet on 05.06.2023, provides a framework to reduce morbidity, disability and premature mortality due to chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

The National dietary and physical activity guidelines For selected Non-communicable diseases

Overweight and obesity are among the selected diseases for these guidelines. The chapter on overweight and obesity includes guidelines for dietary modification and physical activity and exercise for individuals living with overweight and obesity. Other diseases covered include hypertension, chronic kidney diseases, coronary heart diseases and more.

Action Plan for 2021-2025: National program for promotion of physical activity

Sri Lanka aims to achieve a 10% relative reduction in the prevalence of insufficient physical activity by year 2025. This action plan outlines the agenda of the Directorate of NCD, Ministry of Health for the years 2021 to 2025 to achieve this target.

National Nutrition Policy of Sri Lanka 2021–2030

The policy has a number of targets, the ones related to overweight and obesity being: 1) No increase in overweight among children under five years of age from the baseline of 0.6% (NS- MRI, 2012) by 2030. 2) No increase in overweight and obesity among adolescents from the baseline of 7.6% and 2.2% respectively (NS-MRI,2018) by 2030. 3) Prevalence of overweight among adults and elderly (18-69 years) reduced from 29.3% (STEPS, 2015) to 15% and obesity further reduced from 5.9% by 2030

Colour coding for sugar, salt and fat

Government regulations on colour labelling foods containing specified levels or sugar, salt or fat. Available in English, Sinhala & Tamil language

Guideline on Management of Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Sri Lanka

The guidelines outline how to classify and assess overweight and obesity and include guidance on diet, physical activity, behavioural therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgery.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Guideline

The Guidelines are designed to provide information and guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity that provide substantial health benefits. The primary audiences are policymakers and health professionals.

Prevention of Overweight and Obesity among School Children in Sri Lanka

This guide discusses in details the intermediate and long-term effects of unhealthy food habits and sedentary life styles. It also provides a lengthy description of age appropriate healthy foods and physical exercise. The ultimate aim of this guide is to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among our emerging young adult population and thereby improve their quality of life as well as their personal expectations. Healthy lifestyles is also an essential element of happy and peaceful families

Excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages

Sri Lanka introduced an excise tax in 2017. In 2018, the rate was lowered from LKR50 per gram of sugar to LKR30 per gram of sugar. The tax is levied for carbonated drinks with a sugar content of 6g of sugar (per 100ml) and above. For fruit-based beverages, that threshold is 9g f sugar (per 100ml) and above. Milk-based drinks are exempt.

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Guidelines for a Healthy Canteen in the Workplace

This guidance aims to create an environment that will encourage healthy lifestyles by promoting healthy food and drink in workplace canteens of Government ministries, departments, corporations and other institutions.

Food based dietary guidelines for Sri Lankans

Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations 2005 - 1376/9

Government regulation 2005. Available in Sinhala, English & Tamil language

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code Status Report 2016 (Promotion of Breastfeeding)

The 2016 report provides information on the status of implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions (“the Code”) in and by countries. The report also identifies in which countries they actively promote the benefits of breastfeeding.