by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Sri Lanka is considering the introduction of a landmark “generational tobacco ban” inspired by the recently implemented anti-smoking model in the Maldives, as policymakers and public health experts intensify discussions on long-term measures aimed at gradually eliminating smoking from the country. According to government and health sector sources familiar with ongoing discussions, authorities are exploring the possibility of permanently prohibiting tobacco sales to individuals born after a specific year, even after they reach the legal adult age. While several proposals are believed to be under consideration — including restricting tobacco access to people born after the year 2000 or a later cutoff year — officials say no final decision has yet been taken regarding the exact framework or implementation timeline.
The discussions have emerged at a time when Sri Lanka is witnessing renewed momentum in national tobacco control policies, driven largely by the public health sector, universities, medical researchers and international health organizations. The issue gained major attention following a high-level forum and media briefing held in Colombo under the theme of strengthening tobacco cessation strategies in Sri Lanka. The event, held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni, brought together leading academics, healthcare professionals, policymakers and representatives of global health initiatives to discuss the country’s future direction on smoking prevention and tobacco control.
The programme was organized under the international RESPiRE global health initiative, which focuses on reducing respiratory diseases among vulnerable populations across Asia through collaborative health interventions and research-based policy approaches. Several leading Sri Lankan higher education institutions partnered in organizing the conference, including University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Peradeniya, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Organizers stated that the objective of the forum was not only to strengthen tobacco cessation measures already in place in Sri Lanka, but also to encourage a more coordinated national strategy involving policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations and healthcare professionals in building a healthier, smoke-free future for the country.
During the event, Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni delivered an extensive address highlighting the severe health and economic burden caused by tobacco use in Sri Lanka. He emphasized that tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally and continues to place enormous strain on the country’s healthcare system, economy and family wellbeing. According to the Deputy Minister, the government’s primary objective is to ensure that citizens remain healthy and free from disease rather than focusing solely on treatment after illness occurs. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s responsibility is not merely to treat tobacco-related diseases but to prevent such diseases before they emerge, reaffirming that tobacco control has now become a national public health priority.
The Deputy Minister further stated that smoking is “100 percent preventable” and described tobacco addiction as a dangerous trap into which many individuals unknowingly fall, particularly young people. He noted that successive governments have already implemented several major measures over the years to reduce tobacco consumption, including increasing taxation on tobacco products, restricting advertising and introducing stronger health regulations. According to him, these measures were introduced not merely as regulatory actions but as life-saving public health interventions intended to protect future generations.
A major concern raised during the discussions was the growing influence of indirect tobacco marketing strategies targeting younger populations. Health officials warned that tobacco companies increasingly attempt to attract youth through subtle advertising methods, attractive product packaging and evolving nicotine-based products. The Deputy Minister stressed that Sri Lanka must remain vigilant against all emerging forms of nicotine addiction and ensure that national policies continue evolving in response to changing industry tactics and public health challenges.
The forum also featured contributions from international experts supporting stronger anti-smoking interventions in Sri Lanka. Professor Chris Bullen of the University of Auckland School of Population Health delivered the keynote address virtually, highlighting the importance of implementing a comprehensive national smoking cessation programme supported by scientific evidence and public policy. Discussions during the conference focused extensively on evidence-based smoking cessation strategies, the connection between smoking and respiratory diseases, scientific methods for helping smokers quit and the development of practical long-term action plans to reduce smoking prevalence across Sri Lanka.
Senior Lecturer Dr. Prasanna Herath also presented scientifically validated methodologies related to individual smoking cessation interventions, emphasizing the importance of research-driven public health responses. Participants at the event further stressed the need for stronger dialogue among policymakers, healthcare professionals, academics and civil society organizations to ensure that future tobacco control measures are both effective and sustainable.
However, despite growing support within the health sector for a generational tobacco ban, the proposal is understood to be facing resistance from certain segments within the government and state financial institutions. Officials familiar with internal discussions say some policymakers remain concerned about the potential impact such a policy could have on government revenue. Tobacco taxation continues to represent a significant source of state income, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka is attempting to stabilize public finances following its recent economic crisis and ongoing fiscal reforms. Some economic officials reportedly fear that an aggressive long-term reduction in cigarette consumption could result in declining excise revenue and create additional pressure on government finances in the short term.
There are also concerns among some policymakers that introducing a strict generational ban without robust enforcement mechanisms could potentially encourage illicit tobacco trade, smuggling and black-market cigarette sales. Critics caution that while public health objectives are important, any major policy shift must also consider enforcement capabilities, revenue implications and economic realities.
Nevertheless, public health advocates strongly argue that the long-term benefits of reducing smoking far outweigh the immediate financial concerns. Health experts point out that tobacco-related illnesses continue to cost Sri Lanka billions of rupees annually through healthcare expenditure, productivity losses and broader social impacts. Supporters of stronger tobacco control measures believe that a healthier population would ultimately contribute to a stronger economy, improved workforce productivity and lower pressure on the national healthcare system.
Sri Lanka’s discussions come shortly after the Maldives became the first country in the world to fully implement a nationwide generational smoking ban, permanently prohibiting tobacco sales to individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Similar proposals have also been discussed or partially introduced in countries including New Zealand, United Kingdom and Malaysia, although implementation has varied significantly between countries.
