Colombo, Oct. 12 (Daily Mirror) - Young people representing all 25 districts of Sri Lanka gathered in Colombo today (12) to urge the Government to enact the proposed Tobacco-Free Generation policy into law.
The event was organised by the Youth Action Network Sri Lanka (YAN Sri Lanka) to strengthen youth advocacy for protecting future generations from tobacco use.
The proposed policy seeks to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to people born in or after 2010, with the aim of preventing younger generations from taking up tobacco use.
The Sri Lanka Medical Association called for the introduction of the policy in 2024, and the proposal was revived in 2025. The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) subsequently submitted the proposal to the Health Minister in April 2026.
Participants at the Colombo gathering highlighted the need for authorities to act promptly and introduce the necessary legal and policy changes to protect young people from tobacco use and the influence of the tobacco industry.
The organisers said the participation of youth from across the country reflected their commitment to safeguarding public health and building a healthier future generation.
The initiative comes due to wider efforts to strengthen tobacco control in Sri Lanka, with advocates calling for policies that prioritise the health and well-being of future generations.
