The method used to control the tobacco consumption in the post war period in Sri Lanka

Background and challenges to implementation In fact, we have the bitter experience of the ethnic conflict in north and east of Sri lanka for three decades. During this period the public was not educated at all about the adverse effect of the tobacco consumption. The normalcy returned in the life of the general public when the war was ended in 2009. The trade organization and multi-national companies attracted the people of north and east towards tobacco in this period. Even though the sponsorships ban in Sri Lanka, Ceylon tobacco company has build two police stations, given loan grants to famers for tobacco cultivation and encourage shop owners to sell cigarettes and some other similar strategies in 2010 and 2011. Objective was to empowering the government bodies to free people from tobacco consumption and disclosed the company strategies. Intervention or response We were trained public health officers, social and economic development officers and youth teams to expand tobacco prevention at grass root level. We have carried out social marketing campaigns and awareness programs to educate people through media to abolish the myths and about tobacco among the public. Our intervention carried out among the community as well as authorized officials to formulate law and regulation at the same time. Results and lessons learnt As results, 600 shop owners were stopped cigarette selling and it's promotions. according to the research of Alcohol and Drug Information Centre, 2011 to 2014 smoking has been reduced by 20% in Jaffna District Northern province. And available skillful resource persons located in north and east provinces and they integrated best prevention activities. authorized officers are more focused on integrating tobacco prevention activities when they are realizing the real face of Industry. Conclusions and key recommendations It is useful strategy to prepare existing structures to prevent tobacco industry interference at whatever level in their community.