Establishing nutrition-centered health policies is essential for building a healthier society, according to Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

He emphasized that Sri Lanka requires a targeted national policy on nutrition that goes beyond treating illness, focusing instead on disease prevention, health promotion, and improving the overall quality of life of the population.

The Health Minister made these remarks while addressing an event organized by the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association and the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians.

The session, themed “Harmonizing Nutrition in Clinical Care: South Asia and Beyond,” brought together local and international medical specialists, nutrition scientists, and leading health experts. The forum aims to enhance clinical nutrition services in Sri Lanka, promote modern scientific knowledge and support evidence-based policy development.

The conference also serves as a key platform for strengthening academic collaboration and regional cooperation in the field of medical nutrition.

Minister Jayatissa further stated that nutrition is not merely a supporting component of healthcare, but a fundamental pillar of the health system, spanning prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

He stressed the importance of integrating nutrition as a priority at all levels of the healthcare system, including policy formulation and hospital service planning.

The Health Minister also highlighted the close link between clinical nutrition and public health policy, noting that food choices, labeling systems, market access and healthy dietary habits play a crucial role in determining public health outcomes.

He added that the color-coded labeling system indicating sugar content in liquid food products under the Food Act has been further strengthened, enabling consumers to make informed and healthier choices at the point of purchase.

Minister Jayatissa also commended the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association and the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians for their contribution to advancing the field through research, professional training, evidence-based clinical practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

He noted that such academic forums strengthen coordination between policymakers, medical professionals, and researchers, thereby contributing to the improvement of healthcare service quality provided to the public.