Strict legal action against selling tobacco with betel leaves: PHI

• Move intended to protect people from oral cancer

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama 

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) yesterday warned that legal action will be taken against those who sell tobacco together with betel leaves, citing provisions under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act, No. 27 of 2006. 

Speaking to the media, PHIU Acting Chairman Upul Rohana said the move is aimed at protecting the public from oral cancer rather than disrupting the sale of betel leaves. 

He said that the September 2016 Gazette completely banned the sale of smokeless tobacco products in Sri Lanka and stressed that the law would now be strictly enforced. 

“This is not a law intended to make it difficult to sell betel leaves. It is a measure to protect people from oral cancer,” Rohana said. 

According to the union, between 1,750 and 1,900 cases of oral cancer are reported annually in Sri Lanka, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of existing regulations. 

Rohana said authorities had previously focused on creating public awareness due to cultural sensitivities surrounding the use of betel. However, he said the public had been given sufficient time to adapt and that legal action would now be taken against those found selling tobacco with betel leaves. 

He added that offenders prosecuted under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act could face a fine of Rs. 2,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, upon conviction by a Magistrate’s Court. 

Rohana urged traders and the public to comply with the law, saying stricter enforcement is intended to reduce the health risks associated with smokeless tobacco use.