Scientists have suggested eating very little sugar up to the age of two may help protect the brain decades later.

The research analysed the impact of the end of sugar rationing in the UK which led to a rapid increase in the amount of sugar in people’s diets.

The results suggest those who were toddlers during sugar rationing had a 23% lower risk of dementia.

The study cannot provide definitive proof, but experts say a healthy diet is good for the brain anyway.

This is not the first study to suggest the first 1,000 days of life are critically important for our future health.

A suite of studies have been looking at the “natural experiment” of the UK recovering from World War Two and the end of food rationing.

When sugar rationing concluded in September 1953, average sugar consumption was estimated to go from around 41g a day (10 sugar cubes) to 80g (20 sugar cubes) almost immediately.

Previous research linked this to an increase in type 2 diabetes and blood pressure years later. 

The latest study looked at nearly 65,000 people taking part in the UK BioBank project.

The analysis – by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – looked at children growing up either side of sugar rationing.

They argued sugar rationing up to the age of two was linked to a 23% lower level of dementia and the disease being diagnosed two-and-a-half years later.

“Our findings suggest that limiting sugar during the earliest stages of life may have lasting benefits for brain health,” said researcher Jiazhen Zheng.

The data was published in the journal Neurology.

But Zheng said “further research is needed” to understand whether sugar was having this effect.

“They may be onto something,” said Rachel Richardson, the methods support unit lead for evidence production and methods directorate at Cochrane, an independent non-profit network that gathers and summarises medical research.

However, she said this “does not represent a smoking gun” linking early sugar intake to dementia.

One big issue is, it is impossible to know how much sugar each of the people in the study were actually eating, merely when they were born relative to sugar rationing.

“This evidence relates to people born in the 1940s and 1950s and so its applicability to young children today is limited – for example, weaning took place earlier and this would have a large impact on the early nutrition of babies and children,” said Richardson.

Prof Ian Maidment, professor of clinical pharmacy at Aston University, said: “It is an interesting idea, it helps inform debate, but in my opinion we need more evidence.”

He said connecting “something that happened 80 years ago” and projecting that onto health now meant there were “loads” of other factors that could be playing a role.

Dr Sara Rodrigues, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It’s important to remember that this was an observational study.

“This means it can identify links between diet and dementia risk, but it cannot prove that eating less sugar directly prevents dementia.

“Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to support your brain health and it’s never too late to make positive changes.” (BBC)

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The Court of Appeal has granted respondents, including the Commissioner General of Excise, time until October 2 to file objections in a writ petition seeking to prevent the use of rice and sugar as primary raw materials for beer production.

The petition was taken up before Justices R. Gurusinghe and A. Prem Shankar. President’s Counsels K. Kanageeswaran, Sumathi Dharmawardena, and Ali Sabry, appearing for several liquor manufacturing companies, requested additional time to submit objections, which the court allowed.

The petition was filed by a group of licensed liquor vendors, naming as respondents the Commissioner General of Excise and his officials, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, the Attorney General, and the Inspector General of Police.

Petitioners argued that Section 2 of the Excise Ordinance defines beer strictly as a fermented liquor made from malt, yet many manufacturers are now using rice and sugar as the main ingredients. 

They claimed this practice violates the law and undermines national economic interests, especially since the government provides substantial subsidies for rice cultivation.

They further contended that diverting rice into commercial industries such as beer production hampers Sri Lanka’s goal of self‑sufficiency in rice and has adverse effects on the economy. 

The petition also criticized the Sri Lanka Standards Institution for failing to update its standards framework to properly monitor liquor production quality.

Accordingly, the petitioners requested the court to issue an order preventing approval for rice and sugar to be used as primary raw materials in beer manufacturing. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has ordered that the fundamental rights petition filed requesting an order to recover Rs. 15.9 billion loss caused to the government during the reduction of taxes on imported sugar under the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, be taken up on June 27.

This petition was called today (18) before the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne and Sampath Abeykoon.

After considering the submissions, the bench stated that the petition will be taken up for hearing on June 27. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe says there is an urgent need to revive Sri Lanka’s sugar industry, describing the effort as a national priority tied to economic sustainability and rural livelihoods.

In a post shared on Facebook, Abeysinghe noted the recent public attention on locally produced brown sugar and urged citizens to look beyond market debates to recognize its broader value.

He recalled the industry’s robust performance in the 1980s and attributed its decline to “inefficiency, neglect, and corruption,” despite the continued efforts of institutions like the Sugarcane Research Institute.

Abeysinghe said over 100,000 families rely on sugarcane cultivation in areas such as Monaragala, with many more employed in processing. He also highlighted the industry’s role in producing ethanol and compost fertilizer, which contribute to the local liquor sector and agricultural sustainability, respectively.

“The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to reviving the sugar industry—making it profitable, efficient through technology, free from corruption, and high in yield,” he stated.

While acknowledging current challenges, including VAT impacts and market manipulation in the ethanol trade, Abeysinghe said efforts are underway to stabilize prices, improve sales channels, and secure consistent purchases from farmers.

Full statement:

Understanding the Value of Sri Lanka’s Blood Sugar

Within just a few days, the locally produced brown sugar has captured national attention — for good or bad. But beyond the noise, we must take a moment to understand what this brown sugar truly means to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s sugar industry once stood strong. In the 1980s, it performed efficiently and contributed meaningfully to the economy. However, decades of inefficiency, neglect, and corruption led to its decline. Despite the dedicated efforts of institutions such as the Sugarcane Research Institute, progress was stalled — largely because there was no sustained political will to grow this industry into a self-sufficient market.

Meanwhile, sugar imports became a permanent fixture in our daily consumption. And even though we all know, deep down, that locally produced brown sugar is healthier and safer, we’ve ignored how vital it could be for our economy.

A strong sugar industry builds an economy within itself. Take Monaragala for example — there is no other major industry that sustains livelihoods in that region as the sugar industry does. Over 100,000 families depend on sugarcane cultivation. Thousands more work in sugar processing.

And it’s not just about sugar. From this process, we also produce ethanol — a critical input for our local liquor industry — and compost fertilizer, further enhancing agricultural sustainability. Without local ethanol, we’d have to import it, draining more foreign exchange.

Each kilogram of locally produced brown sugar represents more than just a price tag. It represents livelihoods, industries, and national resilience.

Some might argue it’s easier to import sugar and close the local industry altogether. But that’s not an option — too many lives depend on this value chain. That’s why the Government of Sri Lanka is committed to reviving the sugar industry: making it profitable, efficient through technology, free from corruption, and high in yield.

Yes, the Lanka Sugar Company is currently facing challenges — remnants of past mismanagement and market manipulation, especially in the ethanol trade. The newly introduced VAT has also made local sugar less competitive, slowing down sales. But despite these challenges, the company, together with the Ministry of Industries, is working tirelessly to strengthen sales channels, stabilize prices, and ensure continuous purchases from farmers.

Reviving an industry is not easy. Closing one down is. But the leadership of Lanka Sugar, along with the support of the government and the public, is determined to rebuild this essential national industry — one that feeds families, strengthens local economies, and offers a healthier alternative to imported white sugar.

Let us all understand the gravity of the situation — this is not merely about a balance sheet or a profit margin. It is about safeguarding livelihoods, protecting our industries, and ensuring that Sri Lanka stands on its own feet once again.

Reviving Sri Lanka’s sugar industry is not just an economic choice — it’s a national duty. (Newswire)

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A Gazette notification that was issued on November 03, 2023, imposing a maximum retail price (MRP) for sugar has been revoked.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) announced that the Gazette has been revoked with immediate effect.

The CAA had issued the Gazette under the powers vested in Section 20(5) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 09 of 2003.

As per the Gazette, no Importer, Manufacturer, Distributor, Supplier or Trader can sell, Supply, Expose or offer for sale, display for sale, or supply for sale white and brown sugar above the Maximum Retail Price.

Accordingly, the CAA had set an MRP of Rs. 275.00 per Kg for unpacketed white sugar and Rs. 295.00 per Kg for packeted white sugar.

An MRP of Rs. 330.00 per Kg was set for unpacketed brown sugar and Rs. 350.00 per Kg for packeted brown sugar. 

Gazette ; http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2023/11/2356-39_E.pdf (NewsWire)

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The government revenue will be boosted by around Rs. 27 billion annually due to the revised tax on sugar, which was increased from 25 cents to 50 rupees per kilogram, Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando said. 

Addressing the media on Thursday (Nov 09), Minister Fernando presented data justifying the latest tax increase on sugar.

While it is considered a measure by the government to boost its revenue to prove its commitment to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal, the minister said the move is important to meet government expenditures and payments for vulnerable people.

The Minister of Trade further revealed that the government imports 45,000 metric tons of sugar a month and that the tax at Rs. 50 can be calculated by the people. 

The government increased the import levy on Sugar from 25 cents to 50 rupees per kilogram overnight with effect from November 04, 2023. 

The tax revision has raised concerns that the move had benefitted certain businessmen, while it had also brought to light the possible leak of information on the tax revision even before it was presented to the Cabinet for approval. (NewsWire)

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Concerns have been raised over the alleged leaking of tax-related decisions before it was announced by the government after many companies were found to have benefitted before the imposing of the recent sugar import levy.

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) MP Harsha de Silva pointed out that several companies had made super gains due to the tax changes. 

MP de Silva said that the COPF issued a directive today instructing the Ministry of Finance to impose income tax on companies that had made super gains concerning the sugar import levy.

“Based on Customs data, it was revealed that certain companies which usually import only 2,000 MT of sugar monthly, imported 10,000 MT of sugar just before the tax increase of 200-fold, from 25 cents to Rs. 50. This alleged exploitation must end,” MP de Silva said taking to ‘X’.

The COPF Chairman further said that the authorities must compensate for lost revenue and prevent such incidents in the future. 

“This kind of manipulation can’t be ignored. Specific companies allegedly exploited the system, reaping massive gains. I emphasized the importance of eliminating ‘midnight gazettes’ in line with @IMFNews recommendations. Let’s work together to ensure a fair & just system for all,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara has called for an inquiry into the possible leak of information about the sugar import levy before it was announced by the government.

Addressing the media, Minister Nanayakkara said it has been observed that several businessmen had received information on the tax change before it even being presented to the Cabinet of Ministers. 

Stating that only Sri Lanka Customs officials were aware of the tax revision, the minister said, “The question we have to find the answer for is how that information reached those businessmen. I am sure that information does not leak from the Cabinet.”

“As soon as the government decides to impose a tax, some businessmen import those items. When the government decides to reduce tax, this same group hides those specific items. There is a group that always gains profit from changes in taxes. That is why the President set a maximum retail price for sugar. With that decision, it will not be possible to gain profits from this tax increase,” he added. (NewsWire)

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The Department of Trade and Investment Policies has been instructed to compile a report on the increase in sugar prices in the local market, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated.

According to a Finance Ministry statement, the State Minister pointed out that there is no possibility for a price increase for sugar at a time when the Dollar rate has dropped.

He further pointed out that the price of wheat flour cannot increase as well due to the new tax imposed related to the product.

Stating that the dollar rate against the Sri Lankan Rupee has dropped by 13%, he said the price of wheat flour has thereby, dropped by 15% in the world market, hence a price increase is not possible.

Commenting on egg imports, State Minister Siyambalapitiya revealed that 277,360 kilos of eggs have been imported from 13th February 2023 to date.

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya made the remarks while addressing the Parliament today (May 09). (NewsWire)

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The prices of Wheat Flour and white sugar have been increased by the Essential Food Importers Association.

According to the Association, the price of a Kilo of Wheat Flour has been increased by Rs.10.

The Association added that the price of a Kilo of white sugar has been increased by Rs.25. (NewsWire)

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