A media briefing organised by the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) Sri Lanka, commemorating World No Tobacco Day 2025, was successfully held today (28th May) at the National Library and Documentation Services Board, Colombo 7.

Dr. Manuja Perera, Editor/TobaccoUnmasked, participated in the media briefing representing CCT. She discussed the importance of Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and explained the role of CCT in tracking and publishing tobacco industry interference in public health policies, as one of the three observatories established in the world. The panel of experts included Dr. Ananda Rathnayake, newly appointed Chairperson of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director of Verite Research, Dr. Sajeewa Ranaweera, member of the Expert Committee on tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and Mr. Sampath de Seram, Executive Director of ADIC Sri Lanka.

Dr. Rathnayake highlighted the main focus of NATA for addressing tobacco related harm: effective implementation of existing laws, adopting stronger new legislation, reducing access to tobacco products, stopping promotions targeting children and youth and access to smokeless tobacco products. Dr. de Mel explained how government revenue from cigarettes has decreased due to inefficient taxation in recent years and highlighted the importance of stopping tobacco industry interference at the Ministry of Finance by implementing FCTC Article 5.3. Dr. Ranaweera presented the new policy initiative proposed by the SLMA to adopt ‘Tobacco Free Generation’ strategy to eliminate tobacco related harm to future generations in Sri Lanka. Mr. De Seram highlighted the interference and influence of tobacco industry in stopping, delaying and diluting tobacco control policies and actions in Sri Lanka and stressed the importance of support from the media to stop those interferences.