The proposal by the Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne to implement a programme on the recommendations of the Ministry of Education to increase physical activity among schoolchildren and to provide opportunities for schoolchildren to consume more healthy meals, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The move is aimed at preventing obesity and other non-communicable illnesses among schoolchildren. It is estimated that about 59% of deaths in Sri Lanka are caused by non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases, diabetics, high blood pressure and cancers and majority of deceased are under the age of 60 years.