The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Sri Lanka has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka to designate all children born after 2010 as a tobacco-free generation.
The proposal, backed by scientific research, was presented to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa for consideration and legal action.
Prepared under the leadership of NATA Chairman Ananda Ratnayake, along with Amila Isuru of the Faculty of Medicine at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, the concept paper also includes recommendations to amend and strengthen the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act.
The proposal outlines two key measures: updating existing regulations and restricting access to tobacco products for individuals born after a specified year, in line with emerging global practices.
Minister Jayatissa welcomed the initiative, noting that tobacco and alcohol use remain major threats to the health and future of children. He instructed officials to submit detailed proposals for legislative amendments.
Dr. Ratnayake highlighted that nearly 80% of deaths in Sri Lanka are due to non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and alcohol identified as major contributors. Globally, tobacco use accounts for around 8 million deaths annually, including those caused by passive smoking.
He also noted that Sri Lanka records approximately 22,000 deaths each year linked to tobacco and alcohol use, alongside significant economic and social costs.
Amila Isuru warned of rising cigarette use among schoolchildren and emphasised that reducing access and prevalence is critical to protecting future generations.
The proposal marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to curb tobacco and alcohol-related harm and improve long-term public health outcomes.
