Verdict on graphic warnings on cigarette packet

The verdict of the case filed by Ceylon Tobacco Company against Sri Lanka government over graphic warnings on the cigarette packets is to be delivered tomorrow, May 12th.

Sri Lanka government issued a special gazette on August 08, 2012 making it compulsory to display eight graphic warnings on cancer covering 80% of the surface of the cigarette pack.

The parliament passed three regulations under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act on February 19. However, the implementation delayed due to lawsuit.

Ceylon Tobacco Company, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, filed a petition against Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena and National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol over the new regulation.

Health sources say that 60 to 65 persons die daily due to illnesses related to smoking.