Sri Lanka has made impressive progress in reducing smoking prevalence over the past decade. However, certain groups, known as the Last Mile Smokers, continue to have high smoking rates. This emphasises the importance of targeted interventions and stricter tobacco control policies. The extensive research conducted as part of the IPS/KIVU Tobacco Control Programme shows that tobacco taxation is an effective intervention in addressing this issue. Given Sri Lanka’s current economic context, it is imperative to redesign the tobacco taxation policy with the dual objectives of generating revenue and reducing healthcare costs associated with tobacco smoking.
In the third year of the IPS KIVU Tobacco Control Extension Programme, the primary focus will be on promoting the tobacco tax formula. This phase of the study involves advocating for policy changes through insider influencing, complemented by social media activities and strategic communication with selected media outlets.
