Innovation and lives at stake in Sri Lanka's smoking policy decisions

SRI Lanka has achieved progress in smoking control, with an adult smoking prevalence of 8.7% — well below global averages and approaching the 5% threshold that defines smoke-free status. Yet this overall figure masks disparities: male smoking rates reach 17.7%, suggesting that while aggregate numbers appear promising, significant challenges remain within specific demographics. Compounding these challenges, certain regulatory gaps may be hindering the country's progress toward this important milestone.

- By Federico N. Fernández

The current landscape presents some policy inconsistencies worth examining. Cheap 'beedi' products — small, unfiltered hand-rolled tobacco items that account for 30% of cigarette consumption — remain widely available while largely avoiding excise taxation. At the same time, potentially safer alternatives face various regulatory challenges. Snus and heated tobacco products currently lack market authorisation, while nicotine pouches operate in an unregulated environment.

These policies create an unintended situation where traditional combustible products often face fewer barriers than innovative, safer alternatives. The Path to Smoke-Free platform's assessment reflects this reality: Sri Lanka ranks poorly on accessibility and acceptability for innovative nicotine products (94 out of 101 countries), and while performing somewhat better on affordability (69 out of 101), still places near the bottom globally.

A remarkable transformation

Sweden's transformation offers a compelling roadmap for any nation serious about defeating smoking. While the European Union struggles with average smoking rates of 24%, Sweden has achieved just 5.3% — positioning it to become the EU's first smoke-free member state, reaching this goal 15 years ahead of the bloc's 2040 target.

This was not achieved through wishful thinking or incremental measures. Sweden's success rests on what analysis reveals as a comprehensive approach combining traditional measures with three critical elements that make innovative nicotine products accessible, acceptable, and affordable to smokers seeking alternatives.