March 16, Colombo (LNW): M. J. Gunasiri, the Commissioner General of the Excise Department, highlighted the multifaceted challenges posed by e-cigarettes to both society and government revenue streams. Gunasiri emphasized the alarming nicotine content in e-cigarettes, surpassing that of traditional cigarettes, and the heightened risk of addiction and associated health hazards, including lung cancer.
Of particular concern is the deceptive packaging of e-cigarettes, camouflaged as innocuous items like power banks and perfume bottles, making them difficult to detect. This covert nature exacerbates their prevalence among school students and young people, posing a grave threat to public health.
Furthermore, Gunasiri noted the alarming trend’s adverse impact on tax revenue, as the proliferation of e-cigarettes undermines traditional tobacco taxation. He pointed out that these devices emit pleasant aromas, adding to their allure but concealing their potential harm.
Highlighting global consensus on the dangers of e-cigarettes, Gunasiri referenced the bans imposed by authoritative bodies such as the World Health Organization and the United States. These prohibitions underscore the urgent need for robust measures to curb the spread of e-cigarettes and protect public health and fiscal interests.
