The political economy of tobacco plays a crucial role in formulating the tobacco control policy landscape of any country. The harms associated with tobacco use as well as effective tobacco control policies are well researched, documented and widely disseminated. Yet, less information is available on the politics inherent in tobacco control policy-making and the factors that explain tobacco control policy outcomes especially in most low-and middle-income countries. One reason tobacco is so difficult to control is that its political economy has yet to be adequately understood and addressed. In this context, an analysis of the political economy of tobacco control in Sri Lanka would give a clearer picture of power relations among different stakeholders. Further, this exercise would eventually provide the guidance to identify the most suitable and credible persons who should be approached for making an effective policy change in tobacco control.
