IPS Meets with Stakeholders to Plan Sri Lanka’s Response to Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Consumption

9 October 2025

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) convened a stakeholder meeting on 9 October 2025 to discuss ways to strengthen Sri Lanka’s policy response to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, a growing public health concern linked to obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The meeting brought together policymakers, researchers, public health experts, civil society representatives, and the development partners for an interactive discussion on the current policy context surrounding SSB consumption in Sri Lanka.

Dr Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research at IPS, who moderated the discussion, stressed the importance of adopting a multi-dimensional approach that considers various factors contributing to high SSB consumption. She pointed out that a food environment framework offers valuable guidance in recognising and addressing these factors.

Participants examined existing regulations and interventions, identified key policy and implementation gaps, and explored practical strategies to bridge these gaps through improved coordination and enforcement. They also emphasised the importance of addressing both demand- and supply-side factors to promote healthier choices and implement effective fiscal measures. Additionally, they outlined several future actions to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and maintain multi-sectoral collaboration.

The meeting is part of IPS’s ongoing regional collaborations – South Asian Coalition for reducing the consumption of SSBs and SHAPE-Asia: Building a Regional Community of Practice to Unite Asian Nations for Healthier Food Systems and Policy Environments – aimed at promoting healthier food environments and supporting public health policy reforms in Asia, supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.