Was Weerawansa's cigarette promotion backed by tobacco industry ?

Is the tobacco industry backing Minister Wimal Weerawansa to promote the Cinnamon cigarette is the question posed by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol?

 

The chairman of the Authority Samadhi Rajapaksa strongly believes that the tobacco industry is backing the move to promote the cinnamon cigarette which was launched last week. Minister Weerawansa was seen attending the launch of the cigarette which reportedly has health benefits.

 

But, Mr Rajapaksa believes otherwise. He says it is a clear violation of the Act. He believes that promotion of this cigarette was a move to woe 84 per cent of the women and children who are non-smokers.

 

He says it also targets the other non-smokers. The Chairman says all relevant authorities have been informed of the observations and that he was awaiting a response. Promotion of smoking is prohibited under the Act.

 

Mr Weerawansa was seen with a cinnamon cigarette in his mouth,  though it had not been lit.