Regulating Food Advertisement in Sri Lanka and Curbing Childhood Obesity: The Way Forward

Abstract

Advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children has affected the dietary preferences, food choices of children. Both foreign and local studies have also proved a positive relationship between the times spending TV advertisement with the junk food habit which leads to the obesity of children. In this context, this paper will discuss the legal frameworks at international level and Sri Lankan and the different practices adopted by othercountriesandwillsuggest recommendations for a better legal framework forSriLanka. Even though this study multidimensional by nature, this study only focuses on understanding the legal framework of Sri Lanka on this issue. This legal research is based on legal material and has utilized the qualitative methodology of data analysis to reach findings. The international conventions, WHO guidelines, journal articles and books have been used as primary sources and the research conducted by the other researches have been used as secondary data. Finally, it can be concluded that the Sri Lankan legal system has taken effort to address this problem. However, there are many lacunas can be identified in implementation level.