Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa and the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) are at loggerheads over the nicotine-free, cinnamon cigarette that was introduced to Sri Lanka yesterday (17), with the blessings of the Ministry.
NATA considers the launch of the said cigarette, despite containing zero nicotine, to be unlawful, while Weerawansa said that they are willing to change the legal framework to allow for the promotion of the said cigarette.
However, NATA informed that they would take the cinnamon-based cigarette as a positive challenge in implementing further tobacco control measures.
Speaking to The Morning, NATA Chairman Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa said that this shows that NATA’s tobacco control measures have been effective. However, he claimed that 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.
Meanwhile, speaking at the event which launched the said cinnamon-based cigarette, Weerawansa responded to reports of a letter written by NATA to the manufacturer of the product, requesting the latter to halt the production and promotion of the product as it constitutes a violation of the NATA Act.
“The Ministry of Industries also received this letter. Nature’s Agro Products Lanka Company is a company registered under the Ministry of Industries and this cinnamon-based cigarette has a patent license and it contains zero nicotine. If there is a need to change the law in order to promote this product, we will do it,“ he added.
NATA’s letter pointed out that the law does not allow for the production or promotion of any product similar to a cigarette, even without tobacco, and expressed disappointment over such a cigarette being conceived and approvals being given to it.
Weerawansa said that this product would be able to reach both local and international markets. He, however, noted that most multinational companies are against it.
“No law can stop me from promoting this product,'” Weerawansa added further.
According to the Minster, this project can create many job opportunities for youth and also create a good demand for cinnamon-based products.
“I think that this is a turning point for entrepreneurs and we shouldn’t, therefore, arrest them for their creativity,” he said.
It was announced at the launch that the cinnamon-based cigarette has been exported to Australia.
Wimal-NATA clash over cinnamon fags
18 Mar 2021
Wimal-NATA clash over cinnamon fags
18 Mar 2021
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