Sri Lanka Bans Burgers, Pizza, Ice Cream, Other Junk Foods in Schools Over Rising Childhood Obesity

Sri Lanka has begun enforcing a nationwide ban on fast food, sugary snacks and other unhealthy foods in schools as authorities move to address growing cases of obesity and diet-related illnesses among children.

Under new guidelines issued by the education ministry, schools are no longer allowed to provide foods high in sugar, salt and fat. Items affected by the ban include burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, doughnuts, ice cream, biscuits, pastries, deep-fried snacks, flavoured milk, energy drinks and even condiments such as tomato sauce.

Health officials started implementing the policy on Tuesday across the country’s schools, which serve about four million students.

According to the ministry, 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.

Government data shows that 12 percent of Sri Lankan children aged 13 to 17 were overweight in 2024, while another 3 percent were classified as obese.

The ministry has advised schools to promote healthier alternatives including rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, fresh milk and natural fruit juices. It also provided schools with recipes for nutritious meals made from locally available ingredients.

In addition, schools have been barred from allowing companies that market unhealthy foods to sponsor school events.

The move comes despite ongoing concerns about malnutrition in the country. UNICEF estimates that about 17 percent of Sri Lankan children under five suffer from stunted growth, while the World Bank says roughly a quarter of the country’s population lived below the poverty line in 2024.