Who’s afraid of a tobacco-free generation?
by Dr. Dineth Bandara Something curious happens whenever someone proposes keeping cigarettes away from children. The cigarette suddenly acquires defenders. They seldom defend the product. Instead, they defend the country. Its legal system, its economy, its institutions, all of which the proposal will supposedly put at risk. The method, we are told, is too risky, […]
A proposal for a tobacco-free Sri Lanka has sparked controversy and sparked objections, despite the fact that the policy does not affect adults who can already legally purchase cigarettes. The idea, which is based on research from Singapore, has been met with criticism and misinformation, including claims of failed implementations in New Zealand and resistance from the tobacco industry.
Countries such as the Maldives, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam have also implemented similar measures, and there are now examples of local governments in the United States pursuing similar policies. The argument against the policy often centers around the supposed rise of an illicit market, but independent data suggests that illicit cigarettes are a negligible part of the market in Sri Lanka.
The proposal does not affect the price of cigarettes and does not change the legal age for purchasing tobacco.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
