Business

The case for banning single stick cigarettes: Options for effective implementation

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/6

New IPS Policy Discussion Brief –

A new IPS study finds that a ban on single stick cigarettes would significantly reduce smoking prevalence in Sri Lanka as it will likely minimise smoking amongst minors, lower income groups and the remaining groups of smokers (‘last mile’ smokers) in the country.

107 countries, including several Asian countries, have already taken steps to ban single stick sales.

The study recommends amending Sri Lanka’s current tobacco legislation as the most appropriate legislative approach to banning single stick sales.

Effective implementation and monitoring are crucial for ensuring compliance and effectiveness of any single stick sales ban.

A new study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) calls for a ban on single stick cigarettes to reduce tobacco consumption in the country. The study notes that despite Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing most of the tobacco control measures, there are some critical demand and supply reduction measures that Sri Lanka has not introduced yet. One such important measure is banning the sale of single stick cigarettes. In this regard, the study recommends that the most appropriate legislative approach for Sri Lanka is to amend the country’s current tobacco legislation or the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act.

The study titled ‘The Case for Banning Single Stick Cigarettes: Options for Effective Implementation’ is authored by Dilani Hirimuthugodage and Nimesha Dissanayaka. The authors examine the behaviour of smokers in purchasing single sticks and identify enforcement options for banning sales of single stick cigarettes, using a mix of key informant interviews, non-participatory observational surveys, and selected case studies (Thailand, Norway, Pakistan, India and Mexico). The overarching objective of the study is to strengthen the evidence on the likely impact and effective implementation of the proposed single stick ban.

The authors find that the implementation of the ban on single stick cigarettes would have a significant impact on reducing smoking prevalence in Sri Lanka as it will likely reduce smoking amongst minors, lower income groups and the ‘last mile’ of smokers in the country. Around the world, 107 countries, including Asian countries, have already taken several steps to ban single stick cigarette sales. The most common policy adopted was to have specific laws or legislations to ban the selling of single stick cigarettes. The case study analysis suggests that effective implementation and monitoring are important to ensure the success of, and compliance with, any ban on single stick sales.

The following policy reforms are recommended based on the study findings:

Legislative approach: Comparative research shows a range of approaches to banning the sale of single sticks (e.g., a specific ban on single sticks; minimum pack size; requirement that pictorial warnings are included on all sales, etc.). The evidence suggests that the effective approach for Sri Lanka could be introducing an amendment to the country’s current tobacco policy or the NATA Act.

Supplementary reform: Alongside a ban on single stick sales, the study recommends that the government effectively implements existing laws banning all forms of tobacco promotion, advertising, and sponsorship related to cigarettes. For example, single sticks should not be allowed to be distributed for free at events or concerts, and shops should not display adverts promoting single sticks.

Compliance/enforcement: If a legal ban is to successfully reduce tobacco consumption , it must be effectively implemented. Recognising the current widespread practice of selling single sticks, and the financial benefits (via commission) for retailers, it will be essential to ensure retailers are fully aware of the ban and policymakers should consider high penalties to deter non-compliance. In addition, Public Health Inspectors should be empowered to monitor the ban to reduce the risk of a black market emerging.

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Sri Lanka worthy of being ranked as the world’s top holiday spot – cricketing great Wasim Akram

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Cricketing great Wasim Akram being felicitated by chairman Softlogic Life Ashok Pathirage.(R)

Pakistani cricketing legend Wasim Akram said Sri Lanka is the best tourist destination and is worthy of being ranked the world’s top holiday spot. ‘The island’s natural beauty and my decades-long connection with the country, are factors that enhance Sri Lanka’s value, he explained.

Speaking at a Softlogic Life investor forum in Colombo last Tuesday Akram said Sri Lanka remained one of his favourite destinations despite having traveled extensively around the world.

Akram who captained the Pakistani national cricket team and was celebrated as Softlogic Life’s brand ambassador said filming the company’s latest television commercial gave him another opportunity to experience some of the country’s most scenic locations, including Galle and the central highlands.

Akram said Sri Lanka’s landscapes, rivers and coastline were among the most beautiful he had beheld during his travels and expressed surprise that the country was not already considered one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

Having first visited Sri Lanka as a teenager in 1985, Akram said he had returned numerous times over the years as a player, commentator and tourist. He added that he plans to continue visiting the island regularly and hopes to explore more of the east coast in the future.

Softlogic Life had impressive growth last year and is looking forward to introducing new life insurance products to the local market considering the increasing the aging population in Sri Lanka.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Business

Veenath Indrajith from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura wins the 2026 Saman Kelegama Memorial Research Grant

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Veenath Indrajith / Dr Saman Kelegama

Veenath Indrajith, a fourth-year undergraduate from the Department of Business Economics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has been selected as the winner of the Saman Kelegama Memorial Research Grant for 2026. Indrajith’s academic and professional interests lie in economics, finance, investment, and policy-oriented research. In addition to his undergraduate studies, he is currently pursuing the Chartered Accountancy qualification in Sri Lanka, demonstrating a strong commitment to analytical rigour and professional excellence. He aspires to contribute to evidence-based policymaking through applied economic research.

Indrajith’s research study, titled “Small Vehicle Businesses and Household Investors Using the Second-Hand Car Market as an Alternative Investment Method in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka,” will adopt a qualitative research approach to explore the motivations, experiences, perceived returns, and risks associated with investing in used vehicles. By analysing household-level decision-making and investment behaviour, the research aims to shed light on a relatively underexplored area of Sri Lanka’s alternative investment landscape. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in relation to financial literacy, household investment strategies, and the development and regulation of alternative investment markets in Sri Lanka.

The Saman Kelegama Memorial Research Grant, established in 2018, honours the legacy of the late Dr. Saman Kelegama, former Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), whose work significantly shaped public policy discourse on socio-economic development in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. The grant is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student from a Sri Lankan university, with the aim of encouraging innovative, policy-relevant research and nurturing the next generation of policy thinkers. As part of this grant, Indrajith will receive training and mentoring from IPS senior researchers to complete the proposed study.

Business

Delmege Consumer partners with Daraz

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Signing ceremony - from Left to Right - Dushan Khadagammege, Head of Retail and Supply Chain, Daraz, with the team from the Delmege Group comprising Baratha Piyadigama Group Head of Marketing, Shanaka Rajapaksha Manager Marketing Delmege Consumer, Atheeq Kabeer Manager E- Commerce and Digital Marketing .

Delmege Consumer, the flagship FMCG cluster of the Delmege Group, has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted household names, building lasting relationships with communities across the island through a diverse portfolio of quality products that have become an integral part of consumers’ everyday lives for generations. Renowned for enriching households with Delmege’s own brands, leading local brands, and world-renowned international brands, the company continues to strengthen its presence, reputation, and connection with consumers nationwide.

A key strength of the FMCG cluster lies in the strong and enduring partnerships it has cultivated with suppliers, enabling the company to establish a responsive, time-sensitive, and mutually beneficial distribution network that has made a significant impact across Sri Lanka. Through its extensive reach and customer-focused approach, Delmege Consumer serves retail, wholesale, HoReCa, export, and modern trade channels, supported by flexible channel management strategies and winning consumer-centric propositions that cater to evolving market needs.

Further strengthening its distribution network and expanding its digital footprint, Delmege Consumer has partnered with Daraz, Sri Lanka’s leading e-commerce platform, to offer customers a more convenient, seamless, and accessible way to purchase its extensive range of FMCG products online.

Commenting on the partnership, Anil Meegahage, CEO of Delmege Consumer, stated:

“At Delmege Consumer, we are committed to innovation, continuously strengthening our product portfolio, and enhancing customer convenience and experience. Our partnership with Daraz enables us to serve customers across the country more efficiently by providing them with an easy, secure, and reliable platform to purchase trusted Delmege FMCG products online.”

Adding further, Baratha Piyadigama, Head of Group Marketing, Delmege, said:

“This partnership with Daraz marks another important milestone in our journey to enhance brand positioning, visibility, and awareness, especially at a time when digital and online commerce continue to gain significant momentum. As one of Sri Lanka’s leading FMCG distributors, we are proud to extend our trusted portfolio of products into the digital space through Daraz, ensuring customers across the island can conveniently access their favourite products with just a few clicks.”

Delmege’s extensive FMCG portfolio includes well-known Delmege branded products such as Canned Fish, Hiru Kahata Tea, Delmege Soya, Flavours and Colours, Delmege Pasta,

Delmege Noodles, and Salt, together with the much-loved Motha range of dessert ingredients, beverages, and mixes. The company also represents globally renowned international brands including Kellogg’s cereals such as Corn Flakes, Muesli, and Oats; Pringles; and the Ferrero portfolio featuring Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Kinder Joy, and Tic Tac. Through its diverse and trusted brand portfolio, Delmege Consumer continues to reinforce its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading FMCG companies.