Sri Lanka, July 30 -- The use of tobacco remains a serious and persistent public health challenge despite Sri Lanka's long-standing commitment to tobacco control.

Approximately 1.5 million adults smoke in Sri Lanka, contributing to nearly 50 tobacco-related deaths every day.

Additionally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 83% of all deaths in the country, with tobacco use being one of the four major risk factors, posing a significant burden on the national healthcare system. Sri Lankans spend an estimated LKR 520 million daily on cigarettes, exacerbating financial hardships for individuals, families, and communities. Amid these challenges, the tobacco industry continues to deploy deceptive, unethical, and evolving strategies ...