The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has introduced a comprehensive School Canteen Food Environment Policy aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among schoolchildren and creating safer, healthier food environments in schools across the CMC area. 

The initiative forms part of the CMC’s broader public health efforts and seeks to improve the nutritional quality and safety of foods and beverages available in school canteens. It also aims to reduce children’s exposure to foods high in fat, sugar and salt while supporting efforts to address the growing triple burden of malnutrition among school-aged children. 

According to the policy document, the regulations will apply to all government, semi-government, private and religious schools located within the administrative limits of the CMC. The policy will cover all school canteens and food outlets operating within school premises where food and beverages are prepared, sold, distributed or advertised. 

The CMC noted that schoolchildren in Colombo are increasingly affected by undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity. Health authorities said recent school medical inspections have shown a rising trend in childhood overweight and obesity, identifying it as a major public health concern linked to the early onset of non-communicable diseases. 

The policy also highlights concerns over poor dietary habits and increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods high in sugar, which have contributed to a growing prevalence of dental caries among children. Poor oral health, authorities note, can negatively affect children’s nutritional status, school attendance and academic performance. 

Under the proposed guidelines, school canteens will be encouraged to provide safe, nutritious and affordable foods while limiting items high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. Processed meats, deep-fried foods, packaged snacks, chocolates, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, energy drinks and several other food items have been listed among products prohibited for sale in school canteens. 

The policy instead promotes healthier alternatives, including rice-based meals, fruits, vegetables, pulses, fish, eggs, fresh milk products and healthier snack options. It also proposes a grading and monitoring system for school canteens to ensure compliance and maintain standards. 

The CMC stated that the successful implementation of the policy would require close collaboration between school authorities, health officials, parents, canteen operators and other stakeholders.

Health officials believe the policy could play a key role in encouraging healthier food choices among children and creating a supportive school food environment for future generations. (Newswire)

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Publishing its Policy Agenda for 2025 and Beyond, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka says Sri Lanka has made a significant recovery after enduring its worst economic crisis in history.

Providing a summary, the Central Bank said macroeconomic stability that was restored through decisive policy action and collective resolve has laid the foundation for a stronger, more resilient economy. Leveraging on the stability achieved, the country is making notable progress by continuing with the economic reform agenda, strengthening its economic buffers, institutions and governance, and building overall resilience for potential headwinds. 

The Central Bank further said significant progress was made on the fronts of debt restructuring as well as the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Faster-than-expected recovery in domestic economic activity was supported by renewed business and consumer confidence. General price levels have adjusted down following a period of high inflation, enabling the continuation of the eased monetary policy stance. 

External buffers have been built, supported by improved foreign exchange inflows amidst the flexible exchange rate regime. A notable improvement in the fiscal sector performance was witnessed along with efforts to enhance support extended to the poor and vulnerable. 

Financial system stability was reinforced through the strengthening of the regulatory framework and improved risk management and monitoring. These achievements are outcomes of the continued commitment and perseverance and the sacrifices made by all stakeholders of the economy, including the general public, in pursuing the economic reform agenda. 

The Central Bank pointed out that more importantly, these measures have helped restore investor confidence and set the platform for the long-term transformation of the economy. 

While broad-based stability has been achieved, the focus, going forward, would be on fostering sustained growth, which requires driving innovation, enhancing productivity, maintaining a strong commitment to implementing structural reforms, and encouraging greater stakeholder collaboration without compromising hard-earned stability. 

The Central Bank added in keeping with its mandate as stipulated in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, it will commit to maintaining domestic price stability and securing financial system stability, thereby playing a leading role in creating an enabling environment for all stakeholders of the economy to thrive. 

Full report: https://shorturl.at/Ww8jA (Newswire)

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