80% pictorial warning law passed

20 February 2015 05:15 pm

The legislation which makes it compulsory to carry pictorial warnings covering 80 per cent of cigarette packs was passed in Parliament without a vote today.

According to the Bill, any person who contravenes the provisions is liable to either a one year imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 50,000 or both.

The manufacturers and importers of existing stocks of tobacco products will be granted a grace period up to June 1, 2015 to comply with the provisions of the amended Clause 34 A of the Act.

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne who moved the Bill said arrangements would be made in the future to display pictorial warnings in places where cigarettes are sold. (Yohan Perera and Kelum Bandara)