This year’s observance is being marked under the theme, “Unmasking the Tobacco Industry’s Tactics: Standing Against Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” drawing attention to the strategies employed by the tobacco industry to promote its products and attract new users.

Health authorities emphasize that smoking continues to have a significant impact on both public health and the economy. According to health reports, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 20,000 preventable deaths annually in Sri Lanka.

Tobacco consumption has also been identified as one of the four major risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for approximately 83 percent of all deaths in the country.

The economic burden of smoking remains substantial. Sri Lankans spend an estimated Rs. 520 million per day on cigarettes alone, diverting resources that could otherwise be used for essential family needs such as food, education, and healthcare. Experts note that such expenditure can contribute to household financial hardship and poverty.

Against this backdrop, World No Tobacco Day serves as a reminder of the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tobacco use. Health officials stress that safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and support of all sectors of society.

The observance also aims to encourage greater public awareness, strengthen tobacco control efforts, and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.