• Urges parental education on colour coding for fat, salt, sugar intake reduction

The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) noted that a number of Sri Lankan children under the age of five years have issues regarding their body mass index (BMI), specifically their weight and height

“Investing in nutrition: the wiser way forward” was announced as the theme of this year’s national nutrition month (June) by the HPB.

The Health Ministry’s Nutrition Division Director and specialist Dr. Lakmini Nayana Magodarathna told the media on Wednesday (31 May) that all children under the age of five years must have their weight and height measured and have the statistics recorded. 

Accordingly, she further pointed out that children under the age of five must consume a healthy diet which includes starchy carbohydrates, potatoes, fruits, and green vegetables as well as foods that contain protein. Thus, Dr. Magodarathna urged parents to provide good sources of nutrition to their children.

Moreover, she claimed that children and adults must be educated regarding traffic light labels on products which are colour coded to aid in fat, salt, and sugar intake reduction. She urged parents to be aware of packed food and drinks which can lead to multiple diseases.

A healthy diet is important to maintain good health and immunity and prevent malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies as well as to protect against obesity and non-communicable diseases. With the current economic downturn, the rising cost of food items has interfered with the ability to eat a healthy diet, and therefore, hunger and malnutrition have also reportedly increased.