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Encouraging ‘Last Mile Smokers’ to quit

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New IPS publication –

• IPS study highlights need for community-based behavioural interventions to encourage ‘Last Mile Smokers’ to quit.

• Targetted interventions will be more fruitful, cost-effective and sustainable.

Sri Lanka has made important strides in reducing the overall smoking prevalence rate over time. However, if smoking prevalence is to decrease further, targetted measures are needed to reduce the prevalence rate among the ‘Last Mile Smokers’, according to the latest IPS Publication “Tobacco Smoking Cessation: Lessons and Policy Options for Sri Lanka”.

The Last Mile Smokers refers to the groups in which the smoking prevalence rates are higher than the overall smoking prevalence rate in the country. Last Mile Smokers are, in general, less responsive to system-wide measures such as smoking and advertising bans as well as health awareness campaigns. Penetrating these hard-to-reach groups is important and should be considered as a priority area to slash smoking prevalence in Sri Lanka.

Targetted smoking cessation policies and programmes play a vital role in supporting Last Mile Smokers to quit smoking effectively. Further, using evidence-based cessation programmes significantly increase the likelihood of successfully quitting the smoking habit.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) notes, in Sri Lanka, 51.8% of the current smokers have attempted to quit smoking, while 35% of users have been advised to quit tobacco usage by healthcare providers.1

Smoking cessation interventions take different approaches and their effectiveness also vary. Different approaches in cessation should be used in different settings – and in combination with one another to improve effectiveness. Some cessation approaches are suitable only for specified contexts.

Behavioural approaches have a significant influence on smoking cessation interventions and policies because tobacco smoking is an acquired behaviour. These behavioural approaches in cessation, boost or support motivation to resist the urge to smoke and develop smokers’ capacity to stick to their resolutions. Furthermore, behavioural methods can work primarily with individuals, or with groups or communities.

The IPS study also confirms that more attention needs to be given to protect the rural, low-income and estate sector smokers who are more vulnerable and susceptible to tobacco industry campaigns.

The study makes the following recommendations:

• Give priority to the Last Mile Smokers and their socio-demographic backgrounds when preparing the national framework for cessation support so that, cessation programmes can be tailor-made to best suit the Last Mile Smokers.

• Focus more on introducing and implementing targeted behavioural cessation interventions, and community-based interventions in particular.

• Widen/expand prevailing community-based cessation interventions such as ‘Tobacco-free Zones’ which are identified to be beneficial in reaching a wider audience at a relatively lower cost and a shorter period of time.

• Implement continuous follow-ups on smokers even after they quit to ensure there is no relapse.

• Combine tobacco smoking cessation interventions with other tobacco controlling policy interventions such as increasing tobacco taxes, and banning the sale of single stick cigarettes.

The report is authored by Sunimalee Madurawala and Chathurga Karunanayake.

Access the full report here: https://www.ips.lk/tobacco-smoking-cessation-lessons-and-policy-options-for-sri-lanka/



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Dr Asanka Senanayake named most popular dentist at BWIO Awards

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Founder of Shine Dental Care Dr. Asanka Senanayake receiving the award

Dr. Asanka Senanayake, founder of Shine Dental Care centres—which provide dental services across multiple locations—was recently honoured as the Most Popular Dental Doctor of the Year at the Business World International Awards 2025.

The awards, organised by the US-based Business World International Organisation (BWIO), recognised outstanding business ventures and professionals across various industries. The ceremony was held recently at the Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo.

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Another 43 Ceylinco Life sales officers graduate with diplomas in Financial Sales Management

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Ceylinco Life’s latest batch of graduates in Financial Sales Management with Directors of the company and representatives of SLIM.

A group of 43 sales officers of Ceylinco Life recently graduated with diplomas in Financial Sales Management, under a programme tailor-made for the life insurance market leader by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).

Covering subjects such as Financial Planning, Communication, Analytical Skills Development, Time Management, Financial Markets, and Taxation among others, the bespoke diploma programme was introduced by Ceylinco Life to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of its sales personnel, and to nurture a highly proficient sales force capable of tapping into premier markets and delivering exceptional services to customers.

The nine-month course programme includes contemporary coursework, examinations and assignments to ensure a well-rounded education for the candidates.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ceylinco Life Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Samitha Hemachandra said the company had from its inception, placed special emphasis on developing and rewarding professionalism among the members of its sales force. “We led the way in equipping our sales professionals with digital tools, pushed them to obtain professional qualifications from leading international bodies relating to life insurance, to qualify for Million Dollar Round Table membership, and to improve their knowledge in finance,” he said. “As a result, they have earned the respect of the community and their peers, and built stable and lucrative careers with Ceylinco Life.”

SLIM President Prof. Jayantha N. Dewasiri said: “Promoting professional competence as a contributor to the economic growth of our country is one of the objectives of SLIM. In furtherance of this, we provide professional education to thousands of Sri Lankans every year, and are happy to support Ceylinco Life’s efforts to advance the careers of its sales officers though professional development. This is an example to other corporate entities.”

Ceylinco Life’s senior directors Messrs. Devaan Cooray and Palitha Jayawardena, Director/Deputy CEO Ranga Abeynayake, SLIM Vice President – Education & Research Dr Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke, CEO Chamil Wickremasinghe other distinguished guests attended the graduation ceremony at the Ceylinco Life Auditorium.

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ComBank and Senok unveil special offers on construction machinery and equipment

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Commercial Bank Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking S. Ganeshan and the Deputy Managing Director of Senok Trade Combine Mr Ranjan Dahanayake exchange the MoU in the presence of representatives of the two companies.

Companies in the construction sector have been provided an opportunity to acquire new equipment through affordable leasing options created via a collaboration between the Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Senok Trade Combine (Pvt) Ltd., which represents global brands in construction machinery and equipment.

A memorandum of understanding signed by the two organisations provides for a series of special benefits to be provided to customers who purchase JCB and Kobelco branded construction equipment from Senok under a customised leasing package provided by Commercial Bank.

The benefits include special prices and lower interest rates, customised payment plans with attractive and affordable rentals, and the first three services at 50, 250 and 500 hours, free of charge.

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