The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has launched a new School Canteen Food Environment Policy aimed at improving nutrition and promoting healthier eating habits among schoolchildren across the city.

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar said the initiative follows an assessment of all 86 school canteens in the city, after which schools were provided with essential kitchen equipment to support the preparation of healthier meals.

Under the new policy, school canteens will be required to follow nutritional guidelines, ensure access to safe drinking water, and undergo regular monitoring and grading to maintain food quality and safety standards.

Balthazaar said the program comes amid a sharp rise in childhood obesity in Colombo, with prevalence rates doubling between 2023 and 2025.She said the initiative was made possible through a grant from the Partnership for Healthy Cities and thanked schools, canteen operators, parents, students and partner organizations for supporting the program

The Mayor said the policy aims to create healthier school food environments and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits among children.