Sri Lankan universities, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and global health organizations have joined forces to strengthen efforts to reduce tobacco use and smoking in the country.

The discussion and media briefing, held in Colombo under the patronage of Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, focused on strategies to enhance smoking cessation initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The programme was organized under the global health initiative “Respire” with the participation of several Sri Lankan universities, including the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Peradeniya, University of Jaffna, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni said reducing tobacco consumption is not only a health objective but also a national development priority, warning that tobacco-related illnesses continue to place a heavy burden on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, economy, and families.

The event also highlighted scientific and evidence-based approaches to smoking cessation, while experts stressed the need for stronger tobacco control policies and collaborative action to protect future generations from tobacco addiction.