Major Collaboration Launched Against Tobacco Use in Sri Lanka

A significant coalition of Sri Lankan universities and international health organizations has united with a clear objective: to bolster efforts in combating tobacco use and promoting smoking cessation across the nation. This collaborative spirit was palpable during a recent high-level discussion held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo.

The event, organized under the auspices of the global health initiative 'Respire' project, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from prominent Sri Lankan universities such as the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Peradeniya, the University of Rajarata, the Wayamba University, and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Their collective aim is to reduce the prevalence of respiratory diseases among at-risk populations in Asia and enhance overall health standards.

Deputy Minister of Health, Honorable Hansaka Wijemuni, underscored the gravity of the situation, pointing out that tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of death globally. He highlighted the substantial strain that tobacco-related diseases place on Sri Lanka's healthcare infrastructure, economy, and families. The Minister firmly stated the government's primary objective is to ensure the populace remains healthy and free from illness, rather than merely treating diseases after they manifest.

This initiative represents a crucial step forward in Sri Lanka's public health agenda. By pooling resources and expertise, these institutions are poised to develop and implement more effective strategies to curb tobacco consumption. The focus on international collaboration, as facilitated by the Respire project, ensures that Sri Lanka benefits from global best practices and research in tobacco control, reinforcing the nation's commitment to a healthier future for its citizens.

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The government's main goal is to keep the country's people happy and free from illness, and it is not the aim of the health sector to let people fall ill and then treat them.