October 13, Colombo (LNW): Young representatives from across Sri Lanka have gathered in Colombo to press the Government to turn the proposed Tobacco-Free Generation policy into law, in a campaign aimed at preventing future generations from becoming tobacco users.
The gathering, held yesterday (12), was organised by Youth Action Network Sri Lanka (YAN Sri Lanka) to bring together young advocates from all 25 administrative districts and strengthen calls for tougher measures to protect public health.
Under the proposed policy, the sale of tobacco products would be prohibited to anyone born in or after 2010. The initiative is intended to prevent younger people from starting to smoke or otherwise use tobacco, with the long-term goal of creating a generation free from tobacco consumption.
Efforts to introduce the measure have been under discussion for several years. The Sri Lanka Medical Association first called for the policy in 2024, with the proposal gaining renewed attention in 2025. In April 2026, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) formally submitted the proposal to the Minister of Health.
At the Colombo event, participants called on the authorities to move beyond discussions and take the legislative and policy steps required to implement the proposed restrictions. They also stressed the importance of protecting young people from tobacco-related health risks and the influence of the tobacco industry.
Organisers said the involvement of young people from every district demonstrated growing interest among the country’s youth in shaping public health policy and securing healthier conditions for future generations.
The campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen tobacco control in Sri Lanka, with advocates seeking long-term measures that discourage tobacco use among young people and reduce its impact on public health.
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