19 March 2021 08:20 pm
Promoting cigarettes, said to have been made using cinnamon could mislead children and youth and eventually tempt them to use drugs and other indigenous illegal drugs, the Government Medical Officers' Association said.
GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando said there was a serious risk of children and youth being enticed to use drugs.
He also alleged that tobacco manufacturing companies could be involved in promoting such products to boost their businesses.
Dr. Senal Fernando pointed out that future generations could face a health risk as a result of smoking, if the government supports products like cinnamon-based cigarettes.
Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa had on Wednesday launched a Sri Lankan patented cinnamon-based cigarette brand under the name Lion Heart .
"Since there is a ban on advertising cigarettes, the cinnamon cigarette brand must also be banned from being advertised.
Therefore, the GMOA requested the Health Minister to take immediate steps with regards to the promotion of the cinnamon-based cigarette as it could pose a serious threat to society. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)