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NATA vs Wimal battle heats up

24 Mar 2021

  • Expert opinions on cinnamon ciggs today

  The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) is to seek expert opinion today (24) on the recently introduced nicotine-free cinnamon cigarette, championed by Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa. Speaking to The Morning, NATA Chairman Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa said that officials from the Ministry of Health, representatives from all relevant Colleges, including those representing Pulmonologists, Oncologists and Psychiatrists, the Sri Lanka Medical Association, and Ayurvedic physicians, would be part of this panel of experts. “Experts covering every aspect of this issue would participate in the event at NATA to talk about the cinnamon cigarette. We are not against anybody, and don’t want to sabotage anyone’s work. We only express our views of expertise on this cigarette. As experts and professionals, we believe that we need to express our views and opinions on this matter. It is our national responsibility.” The cinnamon cigarette that was introduced to Sri Lanka on 17 March with the blessing of Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa, sparked controversy when NATA opposed the move. NATA deemed the cigarette to be unlawful, despite containing zero nicotine, while Weerawansa said that they are willing to change the legal framework to allow for the promotion of the said cigarette. “This shows that the NATA’s tobacco control measures have been effective. The introduction of a cigarette, even though it contains only cinnamon, which is beneficial, is the last trump card by the tobacco industry to capture the dwindling marketplace,“ said NATA. Meanwhile, Weerawansa said: “No law can stop me from promoting this product.” According to the Minster, this project can create many job opportunities for youth, and also create a good demand for cinnamon-based products. There is medical literature to attest to the fact that the inhalation of cinnamon in vapour/smoke form can have negative impacts on one’s health.

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