Sri Lanka, June 9 -- Social media platforms are being used to market prohibited tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, to young people in Sri Lanka, according to the Centre for Combating Tobacco.

The Centre said e-cigarettes, vapes and other new nicotine products have become the tobacco industry's latest strategy to attract new users, particularly youth.

A study conducted in January 2026 examined social media platforms and online sites selling prohibited tobacco products. Researchers analysed the products available, their prices, purchasing methods and the marketing strategies used by sellers.

The study identified 213 online sources selling prohibited tobacco products. Facebook accounted for the highest number, with 108 s...