SHAPE-Asia Webinar Highlights the Importance of Measuring and Tracking Food Environments for Evidence-Based Policy Action

12 June 2026

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), under the SHAPE-Asia initiative, hosted a regional webinar titled ‘Measuring and Tracking Food Environments in Asia: Evidence for Policy Action’ on 12 June 2026. The virtual event brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across the region to explore how food environment monitoring can support the development of healthier food systems and evidence-informed policies.

SHAPE-Asia, a regional network connecting stakeholders from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, aims to promote evidence-based policies for healthier food environments. The webinar served as a platform for sharing knowledge on new approaches, tools, and country experiences in measuring and tracking food environments across Asia. Associate Professor Elaine Q. Borazon, the Lead of the SHAPE Asia network, commenced the webinar with an overview of the SHAPE Asia initiative. The session featured a diverse panel of experts, including Professor Boyd Swinburn (University of Auckland), Professor Eric Finkelstein (Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore), Professor Renuka Silva (Wayamba University of Sri Lanka), Ms Vishaka Thilakerathne (Multi-Sector Development Solutions (Pvt) Ltd.), and Dr Pulasthi Amarasinghe (IPS). The discussion was moderated by Dr Nisha Arunatilake, IPS Director of Research and SHAPE-Asia Country Lead for Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Dr Arunatilake emphasised the critical role of policy and data systems. “Our surroundings heavily influence our daily food choices and overall health. Public health policies and regulations can fundamentally alter these environments and enhance population health,” Dr Arunatilake explained.

Adding a youth perspective, Ms Nurina Ramesh, sustainability advocate and Director of AYO Enviro, discussed the youth perspective on measuring and tracking food environments.

The webinar, coordinated by IPS Research Economist, Sunimalee Madurawala, reaffirmed the importance of measurement and monitoring as key pillars of evidence-based policymaking and highlighted the value of regional collaboration in addressing shared food system challenges. It further reflected SHAPE-Asia’s ongoing commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and promoting policy action to create healthier food environments across the region. The SHAPE-Asia initiative is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

Watch recording of webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTu5q0Bo5To