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Tobacco use declines as ADIC highlights trends and impact
By Poojathmi Rivithma
Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) has conducted its annual trend survey for 2024 to monitor and map the evolving patterns of tobacco use across Sri Lanka, aiming to support evidence-based policymaking and awareness initiatives.
According to the findings, 21.6% of individuals aged 15 and above were identified as current smokers defined as those who had smoked within the past 30 days at the time the survey was administered.
A significant 36.5% of respondents reported that they had quit smoking, while 20.9% of current smokers indicated a reduction in smoking at the time of the survey.
Among younger individuals aged 15 to 24 years, 11.6% were identified as current consumers.
Authorities noted the importance of enforcing preventive measures, particularly by prohibiting tobacco sales within a 100 metre radius of educational institutions to protect underage individuals from exposure.
ADIC also recommends implementing a national-level prevention programme to expose tobacco industry tactics and promote awareness of smoking as a purposeless and harmful behaviour.
According to Central Bank data, the 20% increase in excise duty on cigarettes implemented in 2023 contributed to an additional LKR 7.7 billion in government revenue.
Meanwhile, cigarette production dropped by 521.5 million sticks, an 18% decrease compared to the previous year.
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO), increasing taxes and prices remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce tobacco use and its related harms.
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