IPS Hosts Regional Meeting to Strengthen Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Regulations in South Asia

Date: 11-13 November 2025

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) hosted a regional meeting on Strengthening Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Regulations in South Asia, with the participation of key representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, India, the International Development Research Center (IDRC), and IPS researchers.

This forum was the first regional meeting of the Research and Policy Coalition for the Reduction of SSB Consumption in South Asia. This multi-country initiative seeks to generate evidence-based insights and inform effective regulatory and policy measures to reduce sugary drink consumption in the region. The meeting sessions laid the foundation for continued regional collaboration, reinforcing the participants’ commitment to advancing healthier food environments.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research at IPS, highlighted the need for a multi-dimensional approach that considers the diverse factors driving high SSB consumption. “A food-environment framework provides useful guidance in identifying and addressing these influences,” noted Dr Arunatilake.

IPS Research Economists Ms. Priyanka Jayawardena and Ms. Sunimalee Madurawala presented insights on the effectiveness and gaps in Sri Lanka’s current SSB fiscal policies, contributing the country’s experience to the regional dialogue.

The regional research and policy coalition was established with funding support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. IPS collaborates with the ARK foundation, Bangladesh; Aga Khan University, Pakistan; HERD International, Nepal; and the Centre for Health Innovation and Policy Foundation as partner organisations in this initiative.