Sri Lanka, Sept. 18 -- A proposal to create Sri Lanka's first Tobacco-Free Generation could prevent everyone born from 2010 onwards from ever legally purchasing tobacco, as health advocates warn of the long-term human and economic cost of tobacco use.

The proposal, backed by the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), would permanently prohibit the sale of tobacco products to people born on or after January 1, 2010. Unlike the current age-based restrictions, the proposed policy would follow the generation throughout its lifetime.

"Establishing a Tobacco-Free Generation to prevent the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 2010" is among the tobacco-control measures recommended by ADIC.

If introduced, those born in 2010...