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).