Welcome to The Nutrition Division
Nutrition Division is the focal point to coordinate nutrition interventions across the country on behalf of the Ministry of Health. We also collaborate with other related ministries, Development Partners and Non-Governmental Organizations to conduct nutrition activities.
Our major responsibility is the development and implementation of nutrition related policies including National Nutrition Policy, relevant strategies and guidelines.
The Nutrition Division has worked relentlessly to serve the citizens of Sri Lanka to build a nutritionally steadfast nation.
National Nutrition Month 2026
Sri Lanka is currently facing a triple burden of malnutrition, characterized by the coexistence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight/ obesity and diet-related non- communicable diseases. In response to these emerging nutritional challenges, National Nutrition Month 2026 is being observed under the theme “Rethink Snacks – Choose Healthy and Natural Snacks”. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with frequent consumption of processed and ultra-processed snacks and to promote healthier dietary habits across all age groups. Evidence shows that excessive snacking, particularly on foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, can contribute to overweight, obesity and many non-communicable diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
National Nutrition Month 2026 encourages the public to prioritize balanced and nutritious main meals while reducing unnecessary snacking. When snacks are needed, preference should be given to natural, minimally processed and locally available foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses, boiled yams and unsweetened dairy products, consumed in appropriate portions. Through community awareness programmes, nutrition education activities and multisectoral collaboration, the campaign seeks to promote healthier food choices, improve metabolic health and support the prevention of nutrition-related diseases, thereby contributing to a healthier and more productive Sri Lankan population.
Food Based Dietary Guidelines: culturally appropriate evidence based recommendations to establish a basis for public food and nutrition, health and agricultural policies and nutrition education programmes to foster healthy eating habits and lifestyles.
14 Guidelines
- Add Colour to your daily meals balancing the correct amounts.
- Eat whole grains and their products including less polished or parboiled rice, instead of refined grains and products.
- Eat at least two vegetables, one green leafy vegetables and two fruits daily.
- Eat fish or egg or lean meat with pulses in every meal.
- Have fresh milk or its fermented products.
- Eat a handful of nuts or oily seeds daily.
- Limit salty foods and adding salt to food.
- Limit sugary drinks, biscuits, cakes, sweets and sweeteners.
- Water is the healthiest drink: drink 8 to 10 glasses (1.5 – 2.0 liters) throughout the day.
- Be active: engage in moderate physical activity at least for 150 - 300 minutes every week.
- Sleep 7-8 hours continuously every day.
- Eat clean and safe food.
- Eat fresh and home cooked food: limit processed and ultra-processed foods.
- Always read labels of packaged food.
National Nutrition Month 2025
- Finished
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LocationWater Edge, Battaramulla
The commemoration of National Nutrition Month 2025 will be held on 11th June 2025 at Watersedge Hotel, Battaramulla ...
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National Nutrition Month 2022
- Finished
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LocationAuditorium, National Blood Transfusion Service
Nutrition Month 2022 theme is “Nutrition at low cost: Know, Find Alternatives, Grow and Share” and the objective is to overcome the nutritional vulnerability due to the current economic crisis. ...
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National Nutrition Month 2021
Family Health Bureau, 231 De Saram Pl, Colombo 01000- Finished
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LocationAuditorium, Family Health Bureau
Nutrition Month 2021 will be held under the theme of “Nutrition for Protection'' with the emphasis on achieving proper nutrition through healthy eating during this COVID 19 pandemic era. ...
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The launching of our website
Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall- Finished
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LocationBMICH
Nutrition Division is the focal point of coordination of all the nutrition related activities in the Ministry of Health. We are happy to announce the launching of our website on 10th December, 2020. ...
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National Nutrition Policy (NNP)
- Finished
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Location-
Food and nutrition security of the country need to be achieved by fulfilling the dietary needs of the population with daily utilization of diversified safe food in adequate quantity... ...
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Elderly Nutrition
- Finished
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Location-
The “National Nutrition Quality Standards for Residential Care”, the “Guidelines for Implementation of National Nutrition Quality Standards for Residential Care for Oder People”... ...
Read MoreWhat is the body mass index (BMI)?
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out whether your weight is healthy. BMI is calculated by dividing an adults’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. For example, A BMI of 25 means 25kg/m2. Read More
