Health and Nutrition Minister Rajitha Senaratne today said that taxes will be introduced on soft drinks based on the sugar percentage they contain.

Speaking to the media after the inaugural session of the 69th South East Asia regional meeting of the WHO in Colombo, Senaratne said that the government has looked in to this after the introduction of a color code system on soft drinks based on the sugar content.

Meanwhile taxes will also be introduced on foods containing excessive fat or salt, the minister said.

He also said that the government is expecting to make health checkups for all people mandatory by 2017. Necessary infrastructure will be instituted for this purpose, he added.

Senaratne further stated that canteens in schools will also be regulated.

The 69th South East Asian regional WHO meeting got underway today in Colombo with the participation of eleven countries. Senaratne was named Chairman of the meeting.