– Sri Lankan universities and international health partners have joined forces to strengthen tobacco control and smoking cessation efforts in the country, with Health Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijeymuni highlighted that reducing tobacco consumption is not only a public health goal but also a national development priority.The remarks were made during a discussion and media briefing on “Strategies to Improve Tobacco Use and Smoking Cessation in Sri Lanka” held yesterday at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of the Deputy Minister.

The program was organized by local partner institutions including University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Peradeniya, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University under the Respire Project on Global Health, an international initiative focused on reducing respiratory diseases among vulnerable populations across Asia.The event aimed to strengthen tobacco prevention and smoking cessation measures in Sri Lanka while promoting collaborative approaches among key stakeholders.Speaking at the event, Dr. Wijeymuni said tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally and places a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system, economy and families.

He said that the Government has identified tobacco control as a national public health priority and noted that preventing diseases caused by tobacco is as important as treating them.“Smoking is 100 percent preventable and it is a trap people fall into,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating smoking in the country.The Deputy Minister further noted that Sri Lanka has implemented several measures over the years, including increased taxation on tobacco products and other regulatory interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use.He warned that the tobacco industry increasingly targets young people through indirect marketing strategies and attractive product designs, adding that authorities must remain vigilant against emerging forms of nicotine addiction.

“Reducing tobacco consumption is not only a health objective but also a national development priority, as a healthy nation forms the foundation of a strong economy, productive society and prosperous future,” he said.During the program Senior Lecturer at Kotelawala Defense University Dr. Prasanna Herath introduced a scientifically validated methodology related to individual smoking prevention. Experts also delivered presentations on smoking cessation strategies, smoking-related respiratory diseases and evidence-based approaches to tobacco control.