Smoking in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 years and older shows a notable trend over recent years. As of 2024, the current prevalence of tobacco smoking in the adult population was recorded to be 12.9%. This figure represents a slight increase from12.3% reported in 2020 and a slight decrease from13.8% recorded in 2019. The gender-specific prevalence in 2024 indicates that 26.6% of males and 0.5% of females were current smokers. This marks a slight increase in smoking prevalence among males from 25.9% in 2020 but a decrease from 27.4% in 2019. However, smoking prevalence among females increase from 0.2% in 2020. The increase in smoking rates corresponds with an increase in the number of smokers, from 2.2 million in 2020 to 2.3 million in 2022. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2020 was 6.4%, with a prevalence of 13.9% among males. Despite these reductions, smoking-related mortality remains a concern, with 11,935 deaths recorded in 2021. The annual percentage of overall deaths attributable to smoking in 2021 was 7.53%, with a higher impact on males (10.95%) compared to females (3.38%). These statistics underscore the ongoing public health challenge posed by tobacco smoking in Sri Lanka and necessitate concerted efforts in reducing smoking prevalence and associated health impacts.
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July 31, 2025 by tobaccoharmreduction.net
Lives Saved Report: Saving 85,000 Lives in Sri Lanka
The Lives Saved Sri Lanka Report presents an urgent call to action for integrating Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) into Sri Lanka’s tobacco control strategy and evaluates the potential long-term impact of supplementing the WHO MPOWER framework with innovative harm reduction products and improved lung cancer treatment access.
March 10, 2025 by newswire.lk
Is Vaping illegal in Sri Lanka ? COPF questioned
The COPF questioned the regulation and taxation of e-cigarettes and vapes in Sri Lanka during discussions on increasing cigarette taxes. Despite their popularity, e-cigarettes are illegal, with raids to catch users ongoing. No arrests have been made for e-cigarette use. The COPF also discussed the Excise Duty proposal but ultimately rejected the Ministry of Finance's request to raise cigarette taxes.