Sri Lanka smoking cessation strategy gains momentum as health leaders push tobacco control, prevention and stronger national action.
Sri Lanka smoking cessation efforts received fresh attention at a high-level discussion in Colombo focused on reducing tobacco use and building a healthier country.
A discussion and media briefing on “Strategies to Improve Tobacco Use and Smoking Cessation in Sri Lanka” was held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni.
The event brought together leading universities in Sri Lanka, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and global health organisations to discuss stronger action against tobacco use and smoking-related harm.
The programme was organised by Sri Lanka’s representative institutions under the Respire Project on Global Health. These included the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Peradeniya, Rajarata University, Wayamba University, and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
The Respire Project is an international intervention aimed at reducing respiratory diseases among at-risk sections of the Asian population and improving health standards.
The initiative seeks to strengthen tobacco use reduction and smoking cessation measures in Sri Lanka. Necessary strategies and collaborative approaches were highlighted during the event.
Senior Lecturer of Kotelawala Defence University Dr. Prasanna Herath introduced an experimental and scientifically validated methodology for individual smoking prevention under the programme.
The event also aimed to encourage joint action towards building a healthy, smoke-free future in Sri Lanka.
It further sought to strengthen dialogue between policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and civil society organisations on practical steps needed to reduce smoking.
Professor Chris Bullen of the School of Population Health at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, delivered the keynote address via Zoom.
He spoke on the need for a national programme to stop tobacco use and smoking in Sri Lanka.
Lectures were also held on smoking cessation strategies, smoking and respiratory diseases, cessation initiatives and action plans, and evidence-based scientific approaches to quitting smoking.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni spoke at length about the government’s role in reducing tobacco consumption.
He pointed out that tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide.
The Deputy Minister said tobacco-related illnesses place a heavy burden on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, economy, and families.
He further stressed that the government’s main objective is to keep people free from disease and happy.
He said treating people only after they fall ill is not the true aim of the health sector.
Dr. Wijemuni emphasised that the Government of Sri Lanka has recognised tobacco control as a national public health priority.
He said the country’s responsibility is not only to treat diseases caused by tobacco, but also to prevent them before they occur.
The Deputy Minister pointed out that smoking is 100% preventable.
He described it as a trap that people often fall into unintentionally.
He said the government is working to eliminate smoking from the country.
Dr. Wijemuni further stated that Sri Lanka has taken many important steps over the years to reduce tobacco consumption.
He said these measures were introduced not merely as regulations, but as life-saving interventions.
Speaking further, the Deputy Minister said the government has continuously increased taxes on tobacco products.
He warned that the country must remain vigilant against all new forms of nicotine addiction.
He said the tobacco industry often targets young people through indirect marketing and attractive product designs.
Therefore, he said, public policies must evolve in line with changing challenges.
The Deputy Minister further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening tobacco control policies, protecting future generations, including young people, and building a healthier Sri Lanka.
He said reducing tobacco consumption is not only a health goal, but also a national development priority.
A healthy nation, he stressed, is the foundation of a strong economy, an effective society, and a prosperous future.
