SLMA urges govt. to implement tobacco ban for those born after 2010

By Huzefa Aliasger

Colombo, May 31 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) in a press release said that a policy on banning tobacco consumption for those born after 2010 is presented to the government and urges the government to take action on this policy in lieu of the upcoming World No Tobacco Day.

The SLMA said, “The Tobacco-Free Generation is a policy initiative where the sale of tobacco is banned for all those born after a specific year – for example, 2010. It is a concept rooted in ethical considerations that prioritise the health and well-being of future generations, based on the principles of human rights and social justice. It ensures that children are not subjected to preventable harm. It will also ensure significant social and economic gains.”

The policy by SLMA is also justified through international child rights and human rights instruments, which emphasise the protection and well-being of children. The right to health and life is a fundamental human right recognised in various international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The wording of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act (2006) of Sri Lanka also supports the objectives of this concept.

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) states the need for protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, recommends banning sales to those below a specific age, and mandates protecting children from the manipulative marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.

The SLMA said that the benefit of this policy will significantly reduce the healthcare costs of tobacco use, which run into billions of rupees each year. “It is also well established that smokers tend to take more sick days and may experience decreased productivity while at work due to health issues related to smoking. This initiative will therefore ensure a healthier workforce that is more productive, over the years.”