Proposal Submitted for a Tobacco-Free Future Generation
A policy proposal aimed at creating a tobacco-free generation—covering all individuals born after 2010—has been submitted to the Minister of Health and Media Nalinda Jayatissa.
The initiative was developed by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol with the primary objective of protecting future generations from tobacco and cigarette use.
To reduce the social harm caused by tobacco and alcohol, the Authority, together with the Sri Lanka Medical Association and other professional bodies and NGOs, has proposed two key measures:
1. Legal Reforms:
Amend existing laws under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol to strengthen regulations.
2. Tobacco-Free Generation Policy:
Introduce a ban preventing individuals born after a certain year from accessing tobacco and related products.
Several countries around the world have already adopted similar legislation.
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that tobacco and alcohol pose significant barriers to a healthy future for children.
It was highlighted that nearly 80% of deaths in Sri Lanka are due to non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and alcohol being major contributing factors.
Globally, around 80 million people die annually due to tobacco use—about 70 million from direct consumption and roughly 10% from secondhand smoke.
In Sri Lanka, approximately 22,000 deaths occur each year due to tobacco and alcohol use, which also serve as gateway factors to other forms of substance abuse.
Dr. L.L. Amila Isuru from the Faculty of Medicine at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka noted that cigarette use among school students has shown a concerning increase.
