Tobacco consumption claims 27,000 lives a year in Sri Lanka

Mohammed Naalir

The consumption of tobacco and tobacco related products claims 27,000 lives in Sri Lanka while 5.4 million persons die of using tobacco related products in the World every year, Gallage Punyawardana of Swarna Hansa Foundation said yesterday.

He said the death toll is projected to rise to eight million by 2030 due to the rise in tobacco use.

Eighty per cent of the death takes place in the developing countries.

Punyawardana Programme executive of the foundation said the WHO is confident 200 million lives can be saved from death by 2050 with the implementation of Tobacco Treaty.

He said the interference of the tobacco industry could be minimised by a considerable level.

Punyawardana said the event in Sri Lanka is one of many actions taking place in more than 25 countries around the world this week to challenge the interference of tobacco giants in the implementation of Tobacco Treaty.

He commended the role played by Prof. Carlo Fonseka as the Chairman of National Authority of Tobacco and Alchohol (NATA). Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva who has stood up against the tobacco giants.

We aim to expedite the implementation of the global tobacco treaty and reinforce the courageous work of the people to protect the innocent lives, he added.

"The event in Sri Lanka will include several programmes comprising the release of Protection Against Tobacco Industry Interference and the Global Tobacco Treaty Action produced by Corporate Accountability International (CIA) with the Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT)" he added.

He noted that the Worldwide guide is a centerpiece of this 9th International Week of Resistance to Tobacco Transnationals.

The action guide is a tool for Government officials and civil society to counter tobacco industry interference in the public health policy at the domestic and international levels.

This year's action guide highlights the importance of article 5.3 Global Tobacco Treaty, which requires ratifying countries to protect their health policies from the interference by Big Tobacco.

He said specific guidelines on Article 5.3 will be submitted at the 3rd enforcement meeting this November in Durban South Africa.