A vital educational and awareness session focusing on the theme “Nicotine: The Trap That Smiles Back” was recently conducted at the Wattala Toastmasters Club.

This was organised by Rehan Ondrey Hettiarachchi, a trainee of the second phase of the Short Course on Investigative Research Methods to explore Tobacco Industry Interference on Public Health Policies and Actions to commemorate the World No Tobacco Day 2026. Around 20 members of the Wattala Toastmasters’ club and guests attended the meeting.

Rehan Hettiarachchi as the toastmaster of the day, started the event by an impactful thematic speech, setting the stage for the day’s learning. Following this, the youth and members engaged in a highly interactive round robin session themed “Most ridiculous excuses people make to consume alcohol and/or tobacco”, which proved to be a major highlight of the day.

Dr. Manuja Perera then delivered an eye-opening lecture, exposing the aggressive marketing tactics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) camouflages, and myths used by the tobacco and alcohol industries to target young people. This was followed by an energetic debate and fact-check session, allowing participants to put their new insights into practice to dismantle industry manipulation.

The event was a tremendous success, with participants highlighting how much they learned about identifying and resisting these deceptive corporate traps. CCT and YouPAH remain dedicated to taking health communication straight to community platforms, ensuring our youth stay informed, aware, and completely in control of their choices.