Menu

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 2022
“Nutrition at low cost: Know, Find Alternatives, Grow and Share”

13 October, 2022 | 9:00 Am - 3 :00 pm

Auditorium

National Blood Transfusion Services

Narahenpita

 

To overcome the nutritional vulnerability due to the current ongoing economic crisis, a robust multi-sectoral approach is needed with the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders. Therefore, during National Nutrition Month in 2022, the following recommendations for multi-sector actions have been developed to safeguard all Sri Lankan people from malnutrition and its complications.

Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health in collaboration with relevant multi-sectoral stakeholders has come up with recommendations in four key action areas, ‘to combat the nutrition vulnerability during the economic downturn of the country.

The four key action areas are;

  1. Know
  2. Find Alternatives
  3. Grow
  4. Share

 

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
  1. Add Colour to your daily meals balancing the correct amounts.
  2. Eat whole grains and their products including less polished or parboiled rice, instead of refined grains and products.
  3. Eat at least two vegetables, one green leafy vegetables and two fruits daily.
  4. Eat fish or egg or lean meat with pulses in every meal.
  5. Have fresh milk or its fermented products.
  6. Eat a handful of nuts or oily seeds daily.
  7. Limit salty foods and adding salt to food.
  8. Limit sugary drinks, biscuits, cakes, sweets and sweeteners.
  9. Water is the healthiest drink: drink 8 to 10 glasses (1.5 – 2.0 liters) throughout the day.
  10. Be active: engage in moderate physical activity at least for 150 - 300 minutes every week.
  11. Sleep 7-8 hours continuously every day.
  12. Eat clean and safe food.
  13. Eat fresh and home cooked food: limit processed and ultra-processed foods.
  14. Always read labels of packaged food.

Upcoming Programs

Upcoming programs of the Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health

What 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