Understanding the Influence of Traffic Light Labelling and Pricing on the Demand for Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Sri Lanka

Understanding the Influence of Traffic Light Labelling and Pricing on the Demand for Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Sri Lanka

Series: Health and Education Series

The study explores how two major policy tools – traffic light labelling (TLL) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation are influencing beverage choices in Sri Lanka. It examines whether these measures are effectively shaping purchasing behaviour and reducing demand for SSBs, while assessing their overall contribution to public health goals.

The findings offer strong, evidence-based insights into the impact of both interventions on consumer behaviour. Although TLL and SSB taxation are aligned with global best practices and show clear potential, their effectiveness is currently limited by key policy gaps, particularly in awareness, equity, coverage, and tax design. Addressing these gaps will be critical to enhancing public health outcomes, reducing inequalities in dietary risks, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s response to diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Research Team

Understanding the Influence of Traffic Light Labelling and Pricing on the Demand for Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Sri Lanka
Dr Nisha Arunatilake
Director of Research
BSc (University of South U.S.A.), MA, PhD (Duke)
Understanding the Influence of Traffic Light Labelling and Pricing on the Demand for Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Sri Lanka
Priyanka Jayawardena
Research Economist
BSc (Colombo), MEcon (Colombo)
Understanding the Influence of Traffic Light Labelling and Pricing on the Demand for Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Sri Lanka
Usha Perera
Research Officer
PhD candidate on study leave (Lancaster University), BA (Colombo), MSc (Leeds)

Publication

Available for sale at IPS and leading bookshops island-wide.

ISBN

978-955-7397-36-8

Published Year

May 2026

Price

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