A proposal to make all children born after 2010 a tobacco-free generation has been formally handed over to the Minister of Health, signalling a decisive step in Sri Lanka’s fight against tobacco and alcohol-related harm.

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) presented the concept paper, backed by scientific research, to Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and the Ministry of Health for legal action. 

The document, prepared under the leadership of NATA Chairman Specialist Dr. Ananda Ratnayake and LL Amila Isuru of Rajarata University’s Faculty of Medicine, also included recommendations to amend and strengthen the NATA Act.  

The proposals highlight two key measures:

• Updating existing regulations under the NATA Act.
• Denying access to tobacco products for all individuals born after a set age limit, aligning Sri Lanka with global trends where similar laws have already been adopted.

Minister Jayatissa welcomed the initiative, stressing that tobacco and alcohol remain major obstacles to building a healthier future for children. He instructed NATA to provide detailed provisions for legislative amendments.

Dr. Ratnayake underscored the urgency, noting that nearly 80% of deaths in Sri Lanka stem from non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and alcohol as leading causes. Globally, tobacco use claims around 8 million lives annually, including 7 million from direct consumption and 10% from passive smoking. Alcohol use contributes significantly to mortality and health burdens as well.

Sri Lanka faces an estimated 22,000 deaths each year due to tobacco and alcohol, alongside severe economic and social costs. Both substances are also identified as gateways to other drugs.

LL Amila Isuru warned of rising cigarette use among schoolchildren and the heavy toll on public health expenditure. 

He emphasized that reducing prevalence and restricting access remain the most effective strategies to protect future generations. (Newswire)

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