The Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union of Sri Lanka has announced that legal action will be taken against individuals found selling smokeless tobacco leaves together with betel quids.
Acting President of the PHI Union Upul Rohana said the relevant laws will be enforced under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act, No. 27 of 2006.
Speaking to the media, Rohana stated that the sale of smokeless tobacco leaves has been completely prohibited in Sri Lanka under the First Schedule of the Gazette notification issued in September 2016.
He emphasized that the move is aimed at protecting public health, particularly in reducing the risk of oral cancer, rather than creating difficulties for betel quid vendors.
According to the PHI Union, Sri Lanka records between 1,750 and 1,900 oral cancer cases annually. The union said stronger enforcement of existing legal provisions is necessary to help reduce the prevalence of the disease.
Rohana warned that individuals who continue to sell smokeless tobacco leaves with betel quids will face legal action. Under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act, those convicted by a Magistrate’s Court may be fined Rs. 2,000, face imprisonment of up to six months, or receive both penalties.
He noted that due to long-standing cultural practices, enforcement of the law had not been strict in the past, with authorities focusing mainly on awareness programmes.
However, Rohana said sufficient time has now been provided for the public to move away from these practices, and the relevant legal provisions will be implemented more strictly in the future.
He further clarified that the sale of smoking tobacco leaves remains permitted under the current legal framework.
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