Sri Lankan universities, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and international health organizations have joined together to strengthen national efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use and smoking across the country.,
The discussion and media briefing, held in Colombo under the patronage of Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, focused on enhancing smoking cessation programmes and promoting stronger tobacco control measures in Sri Lanka.
The event was organized under the global health initiative “Respire” with the participation of several leading universities, including University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Peradeniya, University of Jaffna, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Wijemuni stated that reducing tobacco consumption is not only a major public health goal but also an important national development priority.
He warned that tobacco-related illnesses continue to place a significant burden on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, economy, and families, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive action.
The programme also emphasized scientific and evidence-based approaches to smoking cessation, while experts called for stronger collaboration and policy reforms to protect future generations from tobacco addiction and related health risks.
