Business
‘Tobacco Smoking in Sri Lanka: Identifying and Understanding the Last Mile Smokers’
• Recommends targetted interventions to reduce smoking prevalence in Sri Lanka
• Advocates continued price increases through taxation as a key policy intervention
• Calls for a ban on sale of single-stick cigarettes to reduce smoking prevalence rate
Tobacco smoking is a dangerous epidemic claiming eight million lives globally1 and is currently the world’s single most significant cause of preventable death. In Sri Lanka, more than 20,000 people are killed every year as a result of tobacco-related diseases. Despite tobacco smoking rates declining over the years, it was still 28.4% among males above 15 years in 2018, indicating that more than one in four males still smoke.
Secondary data analysis shows that smoking prevalence is higher among certain groups. IPS’ latest publication ‘Tobacco Smoking in Sri Lanka: Identifying and Understanding the Last Mile Smokers’ focuses on these groups – referred to as ‘Last Mile Smokers’ (LMS) in the report. The report is based on a study that identifies LMS, examines reasons behind their smoking initiation and continuation, their efforts to quit smoking, and their awareness of the adverse effects of smoking. The challenge for Sri Lanka now is to ‘go the last mile’ and reduce smoking prevalence among LMS.
Findings and recommendations
The study finds that LMS initiated smoking mostly in their youth as they were curious to experiment with new things; were under peer pressure; and were stimulated by smokers in the family, community and celebrities. They continued to smoke because it had become a habit or addiction; perceived smoking as a remedy to overcome job monotony; lacked incentives and support channels to stop smoking; and lacked the self-control to stop smoking.
According to the study, LMS want to quit smoking and require support measures to help them do so. Most of them had made at least one attempt to quit because of health concerns, financial reasons, and commitments towards their families and children. Almost all smokers from different sectors were aware of the adverse health and economic impacts of smoking. However, many were unaware of its adverse impact on the environment, and the effects of second-hand and third-hand smoking
The study also finds that LMS are sensitive to price increases and that price plays a crucial role in shaping smoking patterns, both in relation to initiation and continuation. Further, due to price increases in recent times, many smokers have switched from buying an entire pack to buying single sticks. In fact, 70% of the LMS who participated in the study purchase single sticks.
The IPS report therefore recommends:
• Introducing targetted interventions that reach the LMS as they have specific needs and characteristics which are difficult to address through general interventions.
• Continuing price increases through tobacco taxation as a key policy intervention.
• Implementing the proposed ban on single stick cigarette sales without any further delay.
• Responding to unmet demand for smoking cessation through support programmes.
• Carrying out rigorous awareness campaigns that cover all aspects of adverse implications of tobacco smoking including effects of second-hand and third-hand smoking.
The report is authored by Sunimalee Madurawala, Chathurga Karunanayake and Chamini Thilanka. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK and field work was facilitated by the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC).
Access the full report here: https://www.ips.lk/tobacco-smoking-in-sri-lanka-identifying-and-understanding-the-last-mile-smokers/
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
