The Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT) successfully hosted a media briefing today (23rd of January 2025), focusing on the challenges posed by the alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substance industries to the wellbeing of Sri Lankans. The event, which took place at the Auditorium of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), was organized in partnership with leading stakeholders in substance use prevention in Sri Lanka. It marked a significant milestone, bringing together these prominent institutions on a single platform to address a pressing and timely topic.

The panel of experts included representatives from the following institutes along with CCT:

*National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA)

*National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB)

*Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA)

*The College of Psychiatrists, Sri Lanka

*College of Community Physicians, Sri Lanka

*Alcohol and Drug Information Center (ADIC), Sri Lanka

*Young Professionals’ Alliance for Health (YouPAH)

The event aimed to sensitize media personnel on the critical issues surrounding the influence of the alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis industries on the wellbeing of Sri Lankans. Over 70 media representatives from more than 50 media institutes attended the briefing, demonstrating the significance of the topic and the media’s enthusiasm to raising awareness.